bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of the continuous glucose monitoring system to treat insulin autoimmune syndrome: quantification of glucose excursions and evaluation of treatment efficacy
Authors: Philippon M. , Séjil S. , Mugnier M. , Rocher L. , Guibergia C. , Vialettes B. , Delenne B.
Published: February 2014

Background

Autoimmune hypoglycaemia, based on the presence of autoantibodies directed against endogenous insulin (insulin autoimmune syndrome or Hirata's disease), is a rare cause of hypoglycaemia. Treatment of the disease is not standardized and various therapeutic options have been proposed. We wondered whether using a continuous glucose‐monitoring system could help quantify precisely glucose excursions and allow evaluation of treatment efficacy.

Case report

A 44‐year‐old Caucasian patient with insulin autoimmune syndrome was studied for 7 days using a continuous glucose monitoring system under various treatment regimens, i.e. diet modification, high‐dose corticosteroids, alpha‐glucosidase inhibitors, and plasmapheresis.

Conclusion

Continuous glucose monitoring system data confirmed that insulin autoimmune syndrome alternated between periods of prandial hyperglycaemia and interprandial hypoglycaemia. Alpha glucosidase inhibitors and plasmapheresis were more potent in limiting glucose excursions than corticosteroid or diet‐only treatments. The continuous glucose monitoring system appears to be a useful tool in the management of insulin autoimmune syndrome.
Protein content in larval diet affects adult longevity and antioxidant gene expression in honey bee workers
Authors: Li Chengcheng , Xu Baohua , Wang Yuxi , Yang Zaibin , Yang Weiren
Published: February 2014

In honey bees, adult longevity is strongly dependent on the quantity of dietary protein ingested after emergence, but relatively little is known about the role played by the protein content of larval diet. In total, 15 colonies of Apis mellifera ligustica Spinola (Hymenoptera: Apidae) bees with sister queens were randomly allocated to one of three groups (five colonies per group), provided with pollen substitutes (PS) with protein concentrations of 15, 25, or 35%, designated as PS15, PS25, and PS35, respectively. In a field experiment, we measured the PS consumption and collected samples for analyzing body protein content and gene expression. On day 29, groups of 50 newly emerged workers from each colony were obtained and confined in cages for measuring survival and longevity. Results showed that bees consumed significantly more PS15 and PS25 than PS35. However, the total protein intake of PS15 was less than that of the others. Increasing the protein available to larvae (PS35) significantly increased total accumulated protein before emergence, adult survival, and longevity. Furthermore, bees fed PS25 or PS35 tended to have higher mRNA levels for genes encoding antioxidant enzymes, providing a potential physiological mechanism for observed survival differences among the three dietary treatments. We conclude that protein content in larval diet could positively influence worker longevity likely because of the increased related antioxidant gene expression.
Winners and losers in the competition for space in tropical forest canopies
Authors: Kellner James R. , Asner Gregory P.
Published: February 2014

Trees compete for space in the canopy, but where and how individuals or their component parts win or lose is poorly understood. We developed a stochastic model of three‐dimensional dynamics in canopies using a hierarchical Bayesian framework, and analysed 267 533 positive height changes from 1.25 m pixels using data from airborne LiDAR within 43 ha on the windward flank of Mauna Kea. Model selection indicates a strong resident's advantage, with 97.9% of positions in the canopy retained by their occupants over 2 years. The remaining 2.1% were lost to a neighbouring contender. Absolute height was a poor predictor of success, but short stature greatly raised the risk of being overtopped. Growth in the canopy was exponentially distributed with a scaling parameter of 0.518. These findings show how size and spatial proximity influence the outcome of competition for space, and provide a general framework for the analysis of canopy dynamics.
Evidence for shared broad‐scale climatic niches of diploid and polyploid plants
Authors: Glennon K. L. , Ritchie M. E. , Segraves K. A.
Published: February 2014

Whole‐genome duplication (polyploidy) occurs frequently and repeatedly within species, often forming new lineages that contribute to biodiversity, particularly in plants. Establishment and persistence of new polyploids may be thwarted by competition with surrounding diploids; however, climatic niche shifts, where polyploids occupy different niches than diploid progenitors, may help polyploids overcome this challenge. We tested for climatic niche shifts between cytotypes using a new ordination approach and an unprecedentedly large data set containing young, conspecific diploids and polyploids. Despite expectations of frequent niche shifts, we show evidence for alternative patterns, such as niche conservatism and contraction, rather than a prevalent pattern of niche shifts. In addition, we explore how interpreting climatic niches plotted on environmental niche (principal component) axes can generate hypotheses about processes underlying niche dynamics. Dispersal capabilities or other life‐history traits, rather than shifts to new climatic niches, could better explain polyploid persistence in the long term.
Extension of strain–life equation for low‐cycle fatigue of sheet metals using anisotropic yield criteria and distortional hardening model
Authors: Hariharan K. , Barlat F. , Lee M. G. , Prakash R. V.
Published: February 2014

The fatigue strain–life equation is in general applicable to isotropic materials. It was recently attempted to account for material anisotropy because of crystallographic texture in fatigue modelling. The proposed modification was limited to isotropic hardening. The present work is an extension of the previous work, wherein a general framework to model anisotropy using phenomenological yield criterion and anisotropic hardening is provided. Yld2004‐18p yield criterion and the so‐called homogenous anisotropic hardening model are used to demonstrate the anisotropic cyclic behaviour of low carbon steel. The proposed methodology can be utilized in applications including multiaxial fatigue modelling.
Fracture behaviour of slightly hypereutectoid steel with different degree of spheroidization
Authors: Toribio J. , González B. , Matos J. C.
Published: February 2014

This paper analyses how the microstructure influences the fracture behaviour of a steel with quasi‐eutectoid composition (slightly hypereutectoid) and pearlitic microstructure, when subjected to different spheroidization processes by means of isothermal treatment of pearlite at 700 ºC and different spheroidization times. Results indicate that the fracture toughness decreases with the degree of spheroidization, strongly at the beginning and with quasi‐linear trend later. The fracture surface shows an initial fibrous region formed by microvoids, originated in the pearlitic microstructure by fracture of cementite lamellae and in the spheroidized microstructure from the large cementite particles in the proeutectoid layer (by matrix decohesion or fracture), followed by unstable fracture by cleavage.
Exploring the Mechanisms of Knowledge Transfer in University‐Industry Collaborations: A Study of Companies, Students and Researchers
Authors: Nielsen Christian , Cappelen Katja
Published: February 2014

This article discusses mechanisms, enablers and barriers for knowledge transfer in university‐industry collaboration projects involving companies, students and researchers. Data is collected through 35 qualitative interviews with Danish and Norwegian representatives from the above categories. All respondents have been involved in collaborative projects, such as student‐industry cooperation or collaboration projects between scientists and businesses. This research shows that to secure real value adding through knowledge transfer in university‐industry collaboration projects, it is important that the involved parties view each other as equal partners. It is argued that creating a better understanding of roles and competences of the involved parties can help diminish this problem. A final conclusion is that continuous knowledge sharing throughout the project seems more highly valued by the involved parties than a final report does. Best practice for collaborative projects is suggested.
Formulation of tocopherol nanocarriers and in vitro delivery into human skin
Authors: Abla M. J. , Banga A. K.
Published: February 2014

Synopsis

Objective

Tocopherol is stronger antioxidant than tocopherol acetate but due to its viscous form, poor water solubility, instability to light and skin irritation issues it is not used in the current marketed formulations. To overcome the drawbacks, tocopherol was formulated as nanostructured lipid carriers and nanoemulsion. The objective of the study was to formulate tocopherol as nanocarriers.

Method

Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) and nanoemulsion (NE) were prepared by homogenization technique. They were characterized for particle size and zeta potential. In vitro release study was performed using dialysis method, and skin permeation was carried out using human cadaver skin. Further, antioxidant activity was tested by ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) assay and skin irritation testing was performed on Epiderm skin model. Effect of UV degradation was studied using solar simulator.

Results

The size and zeta potential of NLC was 67.0 nm ± 1.2 and −32.0 mV ± 1.2, whereas for NE, it was 586.5 nm ± 209.6 and −10 mV ± 0.6. In vitro release study showed that 30% of tocopherol was released from NLC in the first 2 h of the study as compared to only 4% from NE. Permeation study from human skin showed that 762.3 ng mL−1 ± 184.6 of tocopherol was delivered into the epidermis when formulated as NLCs as compared to 182.3 ng mL−1 ± 52.7 from NE. FRAP assay was performed to test the antioxidant activity of formulated tocopherol, and it was seen that both formulations were able to retain the antioxidant activity. Skin irritation testing showed that NLC was non‐irritant to the skin. NLC and NE were also able to protect tocopherol from UV degradation.

Conclusion

Based on the studies conducted, it can be concluded that formulating tocopherol as NLCs is beneficial to produce a stable, non‐irritant and aqueous formulation.
Defective antiviral CD8 T‐cell response and viral clearance in the absence of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases
Authors: Wang Yong‐Qin , Ma Xi , Lu Lingling , Zhao Limei , Zhang Xiaoqing , Xu Qingyu , Wang Yang
Published: February 2014

The c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) signalling pathway appears to act as a critical intermediate in the regulation of lymphocyte activation and proliferation. The majority of studies on the importance of JNK are focused on its role in T helper responses, with very few reports addressing the mechanisms of JNK in governing CD8 T‐cell‐mediated immunity. By using a well‐defined mousepox model, we demonstrate that JNK is involved in CD8+ T‐cell‐mediated antiviral responses. Deficiency of either JNK1 or JNK2 impaired viral clearance, subsequently resulting in an increased susceptibility to ectromelia virus in resistant mice. The impairment of CD8 responses in JNK‐deficient mice was not directly due to an inhibition of effector T‐cell expansion, as both JNK1 and JNK2 had limited effect on the activation‐induced cell death of CD8+ T cells, and only JNK2‐deficient mice exhibited a significant change in CD8+ T‐cell proliferation after acute ectromelia virus infection. However, optimal activation of CD8+ T cells and their effector functions require signals from both JNK1 and JNK2. Our results suggest that the JNK pathway acts as a critical intermediate in antiviral immunity through regulation of the activation and effector function of CD8+ T cells rather than by altering their expansion.
New Zealand nurses’ views on preceptoring international nurses
Authors: Riden H. , Jacobs S. , Marshall B.
Published: February 2014

Background

New Zealand encourages internationally educated nurses to seek registration in New Zealand to reduce local nursing shortages. Internationally educated nurses must meet requirements of the Health Practitioners Competency Assurance Act 2003, and demonstrate competency to practise through a clinical competency assessment programme.

Aim

The purpose was to establish whether preceptors believe they are adequately prepared to assess nurses for whom English is a second language, and to determine the support and recognition received in the role.

Methods

Preceptor training, workload, understanding of ethical and legal accountability, and perceived organizational values, support and attitudes were evaluated via an anonymous internet survey.

Results

Some preceptors do not meet Nursing Council of New Zealand standards and some work environments require nurses to preceptor international nurses. Many nurses believe the role is not valued despite the high workload requirements. Training increased preceptor confidence and preparedness for clinical assessment but additional education is required to understand ethical and legal accountability within the role. Many preceptors indicated they felt pressured into recording assessments they were uncomfortable with.

Discussion

Enhancing preceptorship acceptance could be achieved through institutional recognition of the role's value via workload consideration, institutional recognition or financial means. Increased preceptorship training, particularly around ethical and legal issues, would encourage preceptor confidence.

Conclusions

Organizations must find ways of meeting these challenges while recognizing they are responsible for the work environment of both preceptors and internationally registered nurses for whom English is a second language. A register of preceptors could provide a platform for audit and quality assurance principles, ensuring adequate education and preparation of preceptors.

Implications for nursing and health policy

Effective preceptorship requires training, recognition and support. Successful integration of international nurses depends on organizational recognition and implementation of these factors.
Genetic susceptibility to male infertility: news from genome‐wide association studies
Authors: Aston K. I.
Published: February 2014

A thorough understanding of the genetic basis of male infertility has eluded researchers in spite of significant efforts to identify novel genetic causes of the disease, particularly over the past decade. Approximately half of male factor infertility cases have no known cause; however, it is likely that the majority of idiopathic male factor infertility cases have some unidentified genetic basis. Well‐established genetic causes of male infertility are limited to Y chromosome microdeletions and Klinefelter's syndrome, together accounting for 10–20% of cases of severe spermatogenic failure. In addition to these, several genetic polymorphisms have been demonstrated to be significantly associated with male infertility. The discovery of new genetic associations with male infertility has been hampered by two primary factors. First, most studies are underpowered because of insufficient sample size and ethnic and phenotypic heterogeneity. Second, most studies evaluate a single gene, an approach that is very inefficient in the context of male infertility, considering that many hundreds of genes are involved in the process of testicular development and spermatogenesis. Significant recent advances in microarray and next‐generation sequencing technologies have enabled the application of whole‐genome approaches to the study of male infertility. We recently performed a pilot genome‐wide association study (GWAS) for severe spermatogenic failure, and several additional male infertility GWAS have since been published. More recently, genomic microarray tools have been applied to the association of copy number variants with male infertility. These studies are beginning to shed additional light on the genetic architecture of male infertility, and whole‐genome studies have proven effective in identifying novel genetic causes of the disease. This review will discuss some of the recent findings of these whole‐genome studies as well as future directions for this research that will likely be the most productive moving forward.
European Deposit Insurance and Resolution in the Banking Union
Authors: Gros Daniel , Schoenmaker Dirk
Published: February 2014

Since the European Council of June 2012, ‘banking union’ is a key item for the EU's policy agenda. This contribution outlines the state of the policy debate – identifying the elements that are missing but important from a theoretical viewpoint. Concrete proposals are made as to how the missing elements could be added in the form of a new European Deposit Insurance and Resolution Authority, which would work alongside the ‘single supervisory mechanism’ under which the European Central Bank assumes supervisory powers for the largest eurozone banks. The paper also illustrates how a gradual transition could align incentives and mitigate the political resistance to a full banking union. Finally, new estimates are provided for how much would be needed for a European Deposit Insurance and Resolution Fund.
Multivariable Fuzzy Control Strategy for an Experimental Chiller System
Authors: Schmitz J.E. , Silva F.V. , Neves Filho L.C. , Fileti A.M.F. , Silveira V.
Published: February 2014

A multivariable fuzzy controller was developed and implemented for the regulation of the secondary fluid temperature in a chiller using both the rotation frequencies of the pump and the compressor as manipulated variables. Its performance was measured using the integral of time‐weighted absolute error (ITAE) index and the energy consumption. The proposed control strategy proved able to adequately control the chiller in all experiments. For comparison purposes, similar experiments were carried out with fuzzy control strategies in which only one variable was manipulated at a time. Comparing the performance of the proposed controllers with the fuzzy single input–single output controllers for regulatory control, a mean percentage reduction of at least 88.5% was observed in the ITAE. Good results were also observed in control effort and energy consumption. Besides, the implementation of the control strategy was quite simple.

Practical Applications

Refrigeration systems are of fundamental importance for food conservation. Besides, to maintain the temperature into a narrow range needs an efficient control system and implies energy consumption and equipment wear. The use of a fuzzy controller with two manipulated variables to regulate the secondary fluid temperature has proved to be an efficient control configuration. Desirable characteristics like small or no overshoot, reduced control effort were achieved by the proposed multivariable fuzzy controller. Therefore, this proposed strategy is a valuable alternative to control processes that require strict variability or long periods of operation without stopping.
Modeling of Shrinkage, Rehydration and Textural Changes for Food Structural Analysis: A Review
Authors: Parthasarathi S. , Anandharamakrishnan C.
Published: February 2014

Food processing is a unique method to create a structure that has been imparted by nature. The food‐processing industries are still facing some technological challenges like structural changes, appearance and simultaneous heat and mass transfer phenomena. Mathematical modeling and computer simulations of food systems can provide the distinctive insight of the food structure apart from the some critical examinations, which are not possible by experimental analysis. Moreover, the conventional experimental design optimization procedure involves time‐consuming expensive trial‐and‐error methods. This review describes the application of modeling techniques for predicting shrinkage during dehydration, textural changes and rehydration of porous food materials, etc. In addition, the challenges involved in modeling of food structure and product analysis, current limitations of commercial softwares, recent developments in this area and future applications are highlighted.

Practical Applications

The shrinkage of the food product is the change in volume of food material because of water loss during dehydration. Dried materials are either sold to customers as ready‐to‐use foods or for the production of powdery food materials. Rehydration is aimed at the restoration of the properties from the dehydrated food material. Texture contributes to the enjoyment and acceptance of food. Above three properties play an important role in determining the food characteristics. Physical, chemical and structural changes during the process determine the characteristics of the material. This review helps to apply different modeling techniques to understand the food microstructures.
Organized Hematoma Developed after Suboccipital Craniectomy
Authors: Chae Hee‐Dong , Choi Seung Hong , Park Sung‐Hye , Jung Hee‐Won , Yun Tae‐Jin , Kim Ji‐Hoon , Sohn Chul‐Ho
Published: February 2014

An organized hematoma shows a heterogeneous signal intensity on T1‐and T2‐weighted images on MR imaging, reflecting variable stages of hemorrhage. Although rather nonspecific, precontrast CT images of an organized hematoma demonstrate inhomogeneous hyperdense mass with or without calcification. We report a case of an organized hematoma in a 44‐year‐old man, which developed 5 years after decompressive suboccipital craniectomy following acute cerebellar infarction. To our best knowledge, there has been no report describing organized hematoma in the suboccipital craniectomy site. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings of the organized hematoma are shown and discussed. We believe that recognition of the characteristic imaging findings of the organized hematoma as well as consideration of the history of surgery or anticoagulation treatment assists in its correct diagnosis enabling an inappropriate surgery to be avoided.
WHICH FIRMS ARE LEFT IN THE PERIPHERY? SPATIAL SORTING OF HETEROGENEOUS FIRMS WITH SCALE ECONOMIES IN TRANSPORTATION
Authors: Forslid Rikard , Okubo Toshihiro
Published: February 2014

This paper introduces scale economies in transportation in a trade and geography model with heterogeneous firms. This relatively small change to the standard model produces a new pattern of spatial sorting among firms. In contrast to the existing literature, our model produces the result that firms of intermediate productivity relocate to the large core region, whereas high‐ and low‐productivity firms remain in the periphery. Trade liberalization leads to a gradual relocation to the core with the most productive firms remaining in the periphery.
A Rare Case of Rectovaginal Fistula Following Consensual Vaginal Intercourse
Authors: Uğurel Vedat , Özer Dilek Pınar , Varol Füsun
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Postcoital nonobstetric vaginal lacerations due to consensual sexual act are generally minute mucosal tears. In some cases, the vaginal mucosa is lacerated deeper and the bleeding may require suturing of opened vessel ends or even transfusion.

Aim

The aim of this case report is to present a rare case of acute fistula formation by penile penetration through the full thickness of the rectovaginal wall after consensual vaginal intercourse and to its management in emergency settings.

Methods

We report a rare case of isolated rectovaginal laceration sparing anal sphincters and perineum in a 24-year-old woman following her second consensual vaginal intercourse with her new partner. Speculum examination demonstrated a 4 cm laceration on the left posterior vaginal wall forming a fistula between the rectum and vagina, 2 cm above the hymenal ring and not extending to the posterior fornix or perineum. Three layer suturing of rectal, vaginal mucosa, and rectovaginal septum was enough to treat the acute fistula in this case.

Results

After 2 months follow-up, we observed the complete healing of the rectovaginal laceration with no fistula formation and the patient resumed her sexual activity. Long term follow-up of patients is necessary to observe complete healing and to ensure the absence of a chronic fistula formation.

Conclusion

Simple suturing of rectal and vaginal mucosa, appropriate antiseptic precautions, and antibiotic coverage are enough to treat acutely formed low rectovaginal fistulas resulting from coitus. Decision to form colostomy and diversion of feces in the repair of such injuries should be taken cautiously.
Law in everyday life and death: a socio-legal study of chronic disorders of consciousness
Authors: Halliday Simon , Kitzinger Celia , Kitzinger Jenny
Published: February 2014

This paper addresses, from a socio-legal perspective, the question of the significance of law for the treatment, care and the end-of-life decision making for patients with chronic disorders of consciousness. We use the phrase ‘chronic disorders of consciousness’ as an umbrella term to refer to severely brain-injured patients in prolonged comas, vegetative or minimally conscious states. Based on an analysis of interviews with family members of patients with chronic disorders of consciousness, we explore the images of law that were drawn upon and invoked by these family members when negotiating the situation of their relatives, including, in some cases, the ending of their lives. By examining ‘legal consciousness’ in this way (an admittedly confusing term in the context of this study,) we offer a distinctly sociological contribution to the question of how law matters in this particular domain of social life.
Risk and the damage requirement in negligence liability
Authors: Turton Gemma
Published: February 2014

Applying the Fairchild exception in Barker, Lord Hoffmann sought to justify apportionment of liability by reformulating the gist of the negligence action as the risk of mesothelioma rather than the mesothelioma itself. This paper examines the notion of risk to show that it cannot coherently be recognised as damage. By distinguishing risk from the related concept of probability, it is apparent that risk is a forward-looking concept that is incompatible with the role in which it is cast in the backward-looking causation inquiry when mesothelioma is an essential ingredient of liability. This paper goes on to consider whether ‘pure’ risk could form the gist of a negligence action and suggests that it lacks the moral significance to constitute damage. Furthermore, the damage requirement would be subsumed into the breach inquiry, effectively being lost as a distinct element of the negligence inquiry. This is incompatible with the traditional loss-based model of negligence.
CytochromeP450 geneCYP337and heritability of fitness traits in theGlanville fritillary butterfly
Authors: de Jong M. A. , Wong S. C. , Lehtonen R. , Hanski I.
Published: February 2014

Fitness‐related life history traits often show substantial heritable genetic variation in natural populations, but knowledge of the genetic architecture of these traits is limited. In theGlanville fritillary butterfly, we measured the heritability of key life history traits in a large outdoor population cage during 2 years and generations and combined this experiment with an association study of a set of candidate genes. The genes were selected on the basis of previous genomic and transcriptomic studies and have been linked to the physiology and life history of this or other arthropod species. Heritability was high and significant for two traits, post‐diapause larval development time (h2 = 0.37) and lifetime egg (and larval) production (h2 = 0.62); the latter is closely related to lifetime reproductive success and therefore fitness. We discovered a strong association between genetic polymorphism in thecytochrome P450 geneCYP337and lifetime egg production, which accounted for 14% of the additive variance in egg production. This gene belongs to a group ofcytochrome P450 genes that have a well‐documented role in host plant adaptations in Lepidoptera and other insects and is likely to play an important role in the ecology and microevolution of theGlanville fritillary. This study provides a prime example of a gene associated with heritable fitness variation, measured under semi‐natural ecological conditions.
Incorporation of extracellular fatty acids by a fatty acid kinase‐dependent pathway in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Parsons Joshua B. , Frank Matthew W. , Jackson Pamela , Subramanian Chitra , Rock Charles O.
Published: February 2014

Acyl‐CoA and acyl‐acyl carrier protein (ACP) synthetases activate exogenous fatty acids for incorporation into phospholipids in Gram‐negative bacteria. However, Gram‐positive bacteria utilize an acyltransferase pathway for the biogenesis of phosphatidic acid that begins with the acylation of sn‐glycerol‐3‐phosphate by PlsY using an acyl‐phosphate (acyl‐PO4) intermediate. PlsX generates acyl‐PO4 from the acyl‐ACP end‐products of fatty acid synthesis. The plsX gene of Staphylococcus aureus was inactivated and the resulting strain was both a fatty acid auxotroph and required de novo fatty acid synthesis for growth. Exogenous fatty acids were only incorporated into the 1‐position and endogenous acyl groups were channeled into the 2‐position of the phospholipids in strain PDJ39 (ΔplsX). Extracellular fatty acids were not elongated. Removal of the exogenous fatty acid supplement led to the rapid accumulation of intracellular acyl‐ACP and the abrupt cessation of fatty acid synthesis. Extracts from the ΔplsX strain exhibited an ATP‐dependent fatty acid kinase activity, and the acyl‐PO4 was converted to acyl‐ACP when purified PlsX is added. These data reveal the existence of a novel fatty acid kinase pathway for the incorporation of exogenous fatty acids into S. aureus phospholipids.
Identification of in vivo regulators of the Vibrio cholerae xds gene using a high‐throughput genetic selection
Authors: McDonough EmilyKate , Lazinski David W. , Camilli Andrew
Published: February 2014

Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of cholera, remains a threat to public health in areas with inadequate sanitation. As a waterborne pathogen, V. cholerae moves between two dissimilar environments, aquatic reservoirs and the intestinal tract of humans. Accordingly, this pathogen undergoes adaptive shifts in gene expression throughout the different stages of its lifecycle. One particular gene, xds, encodes a secreted exonuclease that was previously identified as being induced during infection. Here we sought to identify regulators responsible for the in vivo‐specific induction of xds. A transcriptional fusion of xds to two consecutive antibiotic resistance genes was used to select transposon mutants that had inserted within or adjacent to regulatory genes and thereby caused increased expression of the xds fusion under non‐inducing conditions. Large pools of selected insertion sites were sequenced in a high throughput manner using Tn‐seq to identify potential mechanisms of xds regulation. Our selection identified the two‐component system PhoB/R as the dominant activator of xds expression. In vitro validation confirmed that PhoB, a protein which is only active during phosphate limitation, was responsible for xds activation. Using xds expression as a biosensor of the extracellular phosphate level, we observed that the mouse small intestine is a phosphate‐limited environment.
Gain from marker‐based recurrent selection for increased heterozygosity in barley
Authors: Nandety Aruna , Geiger Hartwig H.
Published: February 2014

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is a highly adaptable cereal crop grown under a wide range of agro‐ecological conditions. Various literature reports demonstrate that heterozygosity may enhance the yielding level and stability of barley particularly in stress‐prone environments. The major aim of this study was to investigate whether recurrent selection (RS) for heterozygosity at highly polymorphic codominant molecular marker loci increases outcrossing in a genetically broad‐based population. Four to six SSR marker loci were used for this purpose. Selection was conducted over four cycles. Progress from selection was evaluated in a terminal experiment comprised of population samples from all four RS cycles. All experiments were conducted under greenhouse conditions. The starting population was composed of 201 gene bank accessions (178 lines, 12 landraces and 11 wild barley populations) sampled in West Asia and North Africa. Selection led to a stepwise increase in heterozygosity from 0.23% to 1.50%. Correspondingly, the estimated multilocus outbreeding rate rose from 1.4% to 3.5%. This positive selection response offers new perspectives for improving the productivity of barley in stress‐prone areas.
Abnormalities of mental rotation of hands associated with speed of information processing and executive function in chronic schizophrenic patients
Authors: Mazhari Shahrzad , Moghadas Tabrizi Yousef
Published: February 2014

Aim

Deficits in mental imagery ability have been reported in patients with schizophrenia. However, there is scarce evidence about the correlation between impairment in mental rotation and other cognitive deficits in the patients. The aim of this study was to assess mental rotation ability, along with other measures of cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods

The performance of 29 patients with schizophrenia was compared with 29 healthy controls. Mental rotation was measured with the Hand Rotation Task, and cognitive functions were measured with the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS).

Results

On Hand Rotation Task, the patients were significantly slower and less accurate compared to controls. Moreover, mental rotation accuracy was significantly correlated with all the BACS domains except verbal memory. In multiple regression analysis, the two BACS subscales, Tower of London and Symbol Coding tasks, were significant predictors and accounted for 41% of the variance in accuracy in the patients.

Conclusion

These results support previous findings showing dysfunction of the posterior parietal cortex in schizophrenia, which is involved in general mental rotation, as well as other cognitive processes.
MicroRNAs in fruit trees: discovery, diversity and future research directions
Authors: Solofoharivelo M. C. , van der Walt A. P. , Stephan D. , Burger J. T. , Murray S. L.
Published: February 2014

Since the first description of microRNAs (miRNAs) 20 years ago, the number of miRNAs identified in different eukaryotic organisms has exploded, largely due to the recent advances in DNA sequencing technologies. Functional studies, mostly from model species, have revealed that miRNAs are major post‐transcriptional regulators of gene expression in eukaryotes. In plants, they are implicated in fundamental biological processes, from plant development and morphogenesis, to regulation of plant pathogen and abiotic stress responses. Although a substantial number of miRNAs have been identified in fruit trees to date, their functions remain largely uncharacterised. The present review aims to summarise the progress made in miRNA research in fruit trees, focusing specifically on the economically important species Prunus persica, Malus domestica, Citrus spp, and Vitis vinifera. We also discuss future miRNA research prospects in these plants and highlight potential applications of miRNAs in the on‐going improvement of fruit trees.
Hemodialysis‐Associated Cardiomyopathy: A Newly Defined Disease Entity
Authors: McIntyre Christopher W. , Odudu Aghogho
Published: February 2014

Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of the greatly elevated rates of mortality characteristic of patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. This article is an attempt to describe the complex and evolving features of cardiac disease routinely encountered in HD patients. Furthermore, by trying to appreciate the pathophysiological drivers, and the crucial interaction with the HD treatment itself, this article seeks to define cardiac disease in this setting (HD‐associated cardiomyopathy) as a unique and complex entity. By understanding the phenotype and basis of HD‐associated cardiomyopathy, we can develop an evolved understanding of the dominant processes involved in its development and offer up dialysis‐based interventions specifically designed to mitigate the cumulative ischemic insults consequent to conventional HD treatment. This article explores the justification of this approach and recent evidence of its efficacy.
Clinical Evidence on Hemodiafiltration: A Systematic Review and a Meta‐analysis
Authors: Mostovaya Ira M. , Blankestijn Peter J. , Bots Michiel L. , Covic Adrian , Davenport Andrew , Grooteman Muriel P.C. , Hegbrant Jörgen , Locatelli Francesco , Vanholder Raymond , Nubé Menso J.
Published: February 2014

In this review, a systematic literature search and meta‐analysis were performed to assess the effects of hemodiafiltration (HDF) on clinical outcome, as compared with hemodialysis (HD). Furthermore, the relation between the convection volume in HDF and clinical outcome was studied. The literature search identified six randomized controlled trials (RCTs). In a meta‐analysis of these RCTs, HDF treatment was related to a decreased risk of mortality (RR: 0.84; 95% CI 0.73–0.96) and cardiovascular death (RR: 0.73; 95% CI 0.57–0.92). Post hoc analyses of the three largest RCTs suggested an inverse relation between the magnitude of convection volume and mortality risk. The evidence presented in this analysis supports a wider acceptance of HDF.
Human IgG antibody response to Aedes aegypti Nterm‐34 kDa salivary peptide as an indicator to identify areas at high risk for dengue transmission: a retrospective study in urban settings of Vientiane city, Lao PDR
Authors: Ndille Emmanuel Elanga , Dubot‐Pérès Audrey , Doucoure Souleymane , Mouchet François , Cornelie Sylvie , Sidavong Bounpone , Fournet Florence , Remoue Franck
Published: February 2014

Objective

Using human IgG antibody response to the Aedes Nterm‐34 kDa salivary peptide as an indicator of human exposure to Aedes bites in surveying exposed populations from areas at risk of dengue virus (DENV) transmission in urban settings of Vientiane city, Lao PDR.

Methods

Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay tests were performed to measure the IgG response to Nterm‐34 kDa peptide in blood samples collected within a flavivirus seroprevalence survey carried out in 2006 including 3558 randomly selected individuals. The level of IgG response to the Nterm‐34 kDa peptide in individuals was analysed in relation to the level of urbanisation of the individual's residence, areas that presented significant differences in the prevalence of recent DENV infection.

Results

No differences were observed in the anti‐Nterm‐34 kDa IgG level between DENV‐positive and DENV‐negative individuals. However, the level of specific IgG response was higher among individuals living in slightly urbanised neighbourhoods than among those in more highly urbanised areas (P < 0.0001). Interestingly, a similar pattern had already been observed concerning the prevalence of recent DENV infection in the same populations.

Conclusion

The results of this retrospective study indicate that the evaluation of human IgG response to the Aedes Nterm‐34 kDa salivary peptide could be a useful indicator to identify places with risk of dengue virus transmission in urban endemic areas.
Robust Absolute Stability Criteria for Uncertain Lurie System With Interval Time-Varying Delay
Authors: Mukhija Pankaj , Narayan Kar Indra , Bhatt Rajendra K. P.
Published: February 2014

This paper addresses the problem of absolute stability of Lurie system with interval time-varying delay. The delay range is divided into two equal segments and an appropriate Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional (LKF) is defined. A tighter bounding technique for the derivative of LKF is developed. This bounding technique in combination with the Wirtinger inequality is used to develop the absolute stability criterion in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). The stability analysis is also extended to the Lurie system with norm-bounded parametric uncertainties. The effectiveness of the proposed approach has been illustrated through a numerical example and Chua's oscillator.
A General Approach for Current-Based Condition Monitoring of Induction Motors
Authors: Bradley W. J. , Ebrahimi M. K. , Ehsani M.
Published: February 2014

The development and validation of a novel current-based induction motor (IM) condition monitoring (CM) system is described. The system utilizes only current and voltage signals and conducts fault detection using a combination of model-based and model-free (motor current signature analysis) fault detection methods. The residuals (or fault indicator values) generated by these methods are analyzed by a fuzzy logic diagnosis algorithm that provides a diagnosis with regard to the health of the induction motor. Specifically, this includes an indication of the health of the major induction motor subsystems, namely the stator windings, the rotor cage, the rolling element bearings, and the air-gap (eccentricity). The paper presents the overall system concept, the induction motor models, development of parameter estimation techniques, fault detection methods, and the fuzzy logic diagnosis algorithm and includes results from 110 different test cases involving four 7.5 kW four pole squirrel cage motors. The results show good performance for the four chosen faults and demonstrate the potential of the system to be used as an industrial condition monitoring tool.
Distributed Event-Triggered Quantizer in Multi-Agent Systems
Authors: Zhang Huaqiang , Ren Yu , Wang Xinsheng
Published: February 2014

This paper investigates a kind of consensus problem in multi-agent systems, revises an existing control input for consensus by dynamic quantizers, and also gives a visible distributed event-triggered rule to update the parameters for dynamic quantizers. In other words, distributed event-triggered dynamic quantizers are firstly proposed and employed when designing a consensus strategy for multi-agent systems by this paper. Meanwhile, the overall steps of the control strategy are included. The numerical results come to agreement with the theoretical analysis, and shows that the proposed strategy can get faster convergence speed in comparison with an existing one.
Parametric Approach for Eigenstructure Assignment in Descriptor Second-Order Systems via Velocity-Plus-Acceleration Feedback
Authors: Abdelaziz Taha H. S.
Published: February 2014

In this article, the problem of eigenstructure in descriptor matrix second-order linear systems using combined velocity and acceleration feedbacks is considered. This is promising for better applicability in many practical applications where the velocity and acceleration signals are easier to obtain than the proportional and velocity ones. First, the necessary and sufficient conditions which ensure solvability are derived. Then the parametric expressions of gain controller and eigenvector matrix are formulated. The proposed approach can offer all the degrees of freedom and has great potential in practical applications. The solution is general and can be applied when mass matrices that can be either singular or nonsingular. In this framework, infinite eigenvalues for descriptor systems are relocated by finite ones.
Experimental Study of Damage Mechanism of Carbon Nanotube as Nanocomponent of Electronic Devices Under High Current Density
Authors: Sasagawa Kazuhiko , Fujisaki Kazuhiro , Unuma Jun , Azuma Ryota
Published: February 2014

The damage mechanisms of carbon nanotubes are considered to be the oxidation by Joule heating and migration of carbon atoms by high-density electron flows. In this study, a high current density testing system was designed and applied to multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) collected at the gap between thin-film electrodes. Local evaporation of carbon atoms occurred on the cathode side of the MWCNTs under relatively low current density conditions, and the center area of the MWCNTs under high current density conditions. The damaged morphology could be explained by considering both Joule heating and electromigration behavior of MWCNTs.
Experimental Flow-Field Investigations Downstream a Scaled-Up Micro-Tangential-Jet Scheme Using the Particle Image Velocimetry Technique
Authors: Hassan Othman , Hassan Ibrahim
Published: February 2014

This paper presents experimental investigations of the flow-field characteristics downstream a Scaled-Up Micro-Tangential-Jet (SUMTJ) film-cooling scheme using the particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique over a flat plate. The SUMTJ scheme is a shaped scheme designed so that the secondary jet is supplied tangentially to the surface. The scheme combines the thermal benefits of tangential injection and the enhanced material strength of discrete holes’ schemes compared with continuous slot schemes. The flow-field characteristics downstream one row of holes were investigated at three blowing ratios, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5, and were calculated based on the scheme exit area. A density ratio of unity, a Reynolds number of 1.16 × 105, and an average turbulence intensity of 8% were used throughout the investigations. The performance of the SUMTJ scheme was compared to that of the circular hole scheme, base line case case, at the same test conditions and blowing ratios. From the investigations, it was noticeable that the SUMTJ scheme jet stays attached to the surface for long downstream distances at all investigated blowing ratios. Moreover, the lateral expansion angles of the scheme help perform a continuous film from adjacent jets close to the schemes’ exits; however, they have a negative impact on the uniformity of the film thickness in the lateral direction. The vorticity strength downstream the SUMTJ scheme in the y-z plane was much less than the vorticity strength downstream the circular scheme at all blowing ratios. However, the vorticity behavior in the shear layer between the secondary SUMTJ scheme jet and the main stream was changing dramatically with the blowing ratio. The latter is expected to have a significant impact on the film-cooling performance as the blowing ratio increases.
Linear and Nonlinear Sectional Loads With Potential and Field Methods
Authors: von Graefe Alexander , el Moctar Ould , Oberhagemann Jan , Shigunov Vladimir
Published: February 2014

A Rankine source method is applied to predict linear and weakly nonlinear sectional loads of a modern container ship. The method uses solution in the frequency domain, linearized with respect to wave amplitude about the nonlinear steady flow due to forward speed, which accounts for the nonlinear free-surface conditions, ship wave, and dynamic trim and sinkage. Weak nonlinearity of the sectional loads in waves (e.g., hogging-sagging asymmetry) is taken into account by pressure extrapolation and integration up to the estimated actual water line. The sectional forces obtained with this method are compared with the results of other methods, including (1) linear Rankine panel method, where flow due to waves is linearized about the double-body flow, (2) linear zero-speed Green function method with correction for forward speed, (3) fully nonlinear simulations based on field-based solution of Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations, and (4) model tests. Comparison with RANS solution and model tests shows, that the proposed method can accurately predict sectional loads for small to moderate wave heights.