bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution mapping of world grassland types
Authors: Dixon A. P. , Faber‐Langendoen D. , Josse C. , Morrison J. , Loucks C. J.
Published: August 2014

Aim

National and international policy frameworks, such as the European Union's Renewable Energy Directive, increasingly seek to conserve and reference ‘highly biodiverse grasslands’. However, to date there is no systematic global characterization and distribution map for grassland types. To address this gap, we first propose a systematic definition of grassland. We then integrate International Vegetation Classification (IVC) grassland types with the map of Terrestrial Ecoregions of the World (TEOW).

Location

Global.

Methods

We developed a broad definition of grassland as a distinct biotic and ecological unit, noting its similarity to savanna and distinguishing it from woodland and wetland. A grassland is defined as a non‐wetland type with at least 10% vegetation cover, dominated or co‐dominated by graminoid and forb growth forms, and where the trees form a single‐layer canopy with either less than 10% cover and 5 m height (temperate) or less than 40% cover and 8 m height (tropical). We used the IVC division level to classify grasslands into major regional types. We developed an ecologically meaningful spatial catalogue of IVC grassland types by listing IVC grassland formations and divisions where grassland currently occupies, or historically occupied, at least 10% of an ecoregion in the TEOW framework.

Results

We created a global biogeographical characterization of the Earth's grassland types, describing approximately 75% of IVC grassland divisions with ecoregions. We mapped 49 IVC grassland divisions. Sixteen additional IVC grassland divisions are absent from the map because of the fine‐scale distribution of these grassland types.

Main conclusions

The framework provided by our geographical mapping effort provides a systematic overview of grasslands and sets the stage for more detailed classification and mapping at finer scales. Each regional grassland type can be characterized in terms of its range of biodiversity, thereby assisting in future policy initiatives.
Sustaining a Culture of Practice Development in an Acute Adolescent Inpatient Mental Health Unit
Authors: Vella Natalie , Page Laura , Edwards Clair , Wand Timothy
Published: August 2014

Topic

It is recognized that facilitating change in workplace culture is a significant challenge in healthcare service delivery. Practice development strategies and principles provide a framework for initiating and sustaining programs focused on enhancing patient‐centered care by concentrating on the therapeutic attributes of nursing. However, little literature exists on explicating “what worked” in practice development programs.

Purpose

This paper details the processes, people, resources, and relationships that enabled the successful implementation, and led to the sustainability, of a practice development program employed in an acute adolescent mental health unit in Sydney, Australia.

Sources Used

Following an external review of the unit, a meeting of key stakeholders was convened and subsequently an advisory panel formed to address specific issues facing nursing staff. This process resulted in the development of an educational package and adoption of the tidal model as the framework for mental health nursing practice in the unit. Clinical reasoning sessions and journal article presentations were incorporated to consolidate and maintain the change in nursing care.

Conclusions

A planned, structured, and inclusive practice development program has transformed the nursing culture and vastly improved the care provided to adolescents presenting in acute states of distress to this mental health unit.
Keynes and the International Clearing Union: A Possible Model for Eurozone Reform?
Authors: Whyman Philip B.
Published: August 2014

Economic and monetary union in Europe, as currently constituted, has a number of structural weaknesses. Large, persistent international payments imbalances necessitate deficit nations to deflate their economies or squeeze social wages in order to restore competitiveness. Surplus nations accrue reserves, with little pressure to maintain related contribution to spending power in the real economy. The asymmetric treatment of credit and debit nations reduces aggregate demand in the eurozone. This article examines a solution, first proposed by John Maynard Keynes, whereby symmetrical treatment of balance of payments transactions may promote economic growth and higher levels of employment. It outlines the key features of the system and highlights the relevance of the solution to the issues faced by the eurozone.
‘Talking the Talk or Walking the Walk’: Understanding the EU's Security Identity
Authors: McDonagh Kenneth
Published: August 2014

How do European Union security practices constitute the EU as an ‘actor’ in global politics? Debates about the EU's actorness are as old as the concept of European integration itself. Christopher J. Bickerton has argued that rather than debating the EU's role in global politics from the perspective of ‘actorness’, research should focus on the functions of EU policy practices and the role they play in defining and creating that ‘actorness’. His approach leaves unquestioned the relationship between identity, interests and these practices. This article reorients these discussions towards the literature on security, identity and foreign policy. It argues that security practices are performative, that they play an active role in constructing the ‘selves’ they claim to protect and the ‘others’ deemed threatening or as targets for intervention. It proceeds by examining twenty‐first‐century European security practices in order to understand what, if any, security identity the EU is constructing.
A survey of wild marine fish identifies a potential origin of an outbreak of viral haemorrhagic septicaemia in wrasse, Labridae, used as cleaner fish on marine Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., farms
Authors: Wallace I S , Donald K , Munro L A , Murray W , Pert C C , Stagg H , Hall M , Bain N
Published: August 2014

Viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV) was isolated from five species of wrasse (Labridae) used as biological controls for parasitic sea lice predominantly, Lepeophtheirus salmonis (Krøyer, 1837), on marine Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., farms in Shetland. As part of the epidemiological investigation, 1400 wild marine fish were caught and screened in pools of 10 for VHSV using virus isolation. Eleven pools (8%) were confirmed VHSV positive from: grey gurnard, Eutrigla gurnardus L.; Atlantic herring, Clupea harengus L.; Norway pout, Trisopterus esmarkii (Nilsson); plaice, Pleuronectes platessa L.; sprat, Sprattus sprattus L. and whiting, Merlangius merlangus L. The isolation of VHSV from grey gurnard is the first documented report in this species. Nucleic acid sequencing of the partial nucleocapsid (N) and glycoprotein (G) genes was carried out for viral characterization. Sequence analysis confirmed that all wild isolates were genotype III the same as the wrasse and there was a close genetic similarity between the isolates from wild fish and wrasse on the farms. Infection from these local wild marine fish is the most likely source of VHSV isolated from wrasse on the fish farms.
Curvilinear Relationship Between Depression and Unprotected Sexual Behaviors among Men Who Have Sex with Men
Authors: Shiu Cheng-Shi , Chen Yen-Chin , Tseng Po-Chia , Chung An-Chun , Wu Meng-Tzu , Hsu Su-Ting , Ko Nai-Ying
Published: August 2014

Introduction

The relationship between depressive symptomatology and risky sexual behaviors has been controversial in literature.

Aim

The current study aims to reexamine the relationship between depression and sexual behaviors among men who have sex with men (MSM) using different sets of analytical assumption.

Methods

Six hundred twenty MSM were recruited in a lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community center in Taiwan to participate in a cross-sectional survey. An additional variable of squared depressive symptomatology was used to detect nonlinearity between depressive symptomatology and logit-transformed unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) and unprotected oral sex (UOS). Multivariable logistic regression was applied to further estimate the relationship among the three variables.

Main Outcome Measures

Depressive symptomatology was measured by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), UAI, and UOS.

Results

Depressive symptomatology had a nonlinear relationship with unprotected anal and oral sex. While linear BDI scores of MSM were not associated with unprotected sexual behaviors in the logistic model, their scores were significantly associated with unprotected sexual behaviors in the model that included both the linear (UAI, odds ratio [OR] = 1.087; P < 0.01; UOS, OR = 1.099, P < 0.01) and quadratic BDI scores (UAI, OR = 0.998, P < 0.01; UOS, OR = 0.997, P < 0.01). The relationship between BDI scores and the probability of unprotected sexual behaviors corresponded to an inverted U-shaped curve, as opposed to a straight line.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that depressive symptomatology has a significant curvilinear relationship with unprotected sexual behaviors. MSM with moderate levels of depression may be at elevated risk of engaging in unprotected sexual behaviors in comparison to their peers who exhibit either significantly higher or lower depression scores.
The Sympathetic Skin Response Located in the Penis as a Predictor of the Response to Sertraline Treatment in Patients with Primary Premature Ejaculation
Authors: Xia Jiadong , Chen Taowei , Chen Jie , Han Youfeng , Xu Zhipeng , Zhou Liuhua , Chen Yun , Dai Yutian
Published: August 2014

Introduction

The pathologic mechanisms of primary premature ejaculation (PPE) are complex and multifactorial, and hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system is one of the mechanisms.

Aim

To examine the effects of sertraline on sympathetic nervous system activity and assess the predictive value of the sympathetic skin response located in the penis (PSSR) on the response to sertraline treatment in PPE patients.

Methods

Sixty-one patients with PPE were recruited. Each received 50 mg sertraline daily for 8 weeks. Before and after the experiment, the patients were evaluated for PSSR tests and sexual performance parameters. Additionally, based on the latency of PSSR, we divided the patients into a normal PSSR group and an abnormal PSSR group, and compared the sertraline treatment efficacy between the two groups.

Main Outcome Measures

Changes in intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) and the Chinese premature ejaculation index-5 (CIPE-5), and the latencies and amplitudes of PSSR after sertraline treatment.

Results

Overall, 58 (95.1%) patients completed the entire study and were analyzed. After the 8-week sertraline treatment, compared with those of pretreatment, IELT and CIPE-5 scores were significantly increased (both P < 0.001), and the amplitudes and latencies of PSSR in the PPE patients were remarkably decreased and prolonged, respectively (both P < 0.001). In addition, the changes of the latencies of PSSR were positively correlated with the increment of IELT (r = 0.375, P = 0.004). The treatment outcome was better in patients with a baseline abnormal PSSR than in those with a baseline normal PSSR (P = 0.021).

Conclusions

These results suggest that clinical improvement in response to sertraline in the PPE patients, at least in part, is mediated through reducing sympathetic nervous system activity indexed by PSSR. Measurement of the PSSR appears to provide useful information for predicting treatment responses in the PPE patients.
Instrumental Uniaxial Compression Test of Gellan Gels of Various Mechanical Properties Using Artificial Tongue and Its Comparison with Human Oral Strategy for the First Size Reduction
Authors: Ishihara Sayaka , Isono Mai , Nakao Satomi , Nakauma Makoto , Funami Takahiro , Hori Kazuhiro , Ono Takahiro , Kohyama Kaoru , Nishinari Katsuyoshi
Published: August 2014

Instrumental compression test using artificial tongue was carried out to compare the fracture profile of gels with the first oral strategy for size reduction by humans (termed as the first size reduction). Gellan gel samples, whose size and shape were the same as those of artificial tongue, were prepared in a wide mechanical range and were compressed uniaxially on artificial tongue at crosshead speed of 10 mm/s. When apparent Young's modulus of artificial tongue was approximately 55 kPa, fracture probability of gels corresponded to the ratio of subjects who decided to use tongue‐palate compression instead of mastication. This was applicable to the gels whose fracture strain was below 65% but not to the gels whose fracture strain was above 70% within the range of fracture stress tested; approximately 30–100 kPa. Fracture strain should be a critical initial mechanical parameter that relates to the decision of oral strategy.

Practical Applications

There is an increasing demand for texture‐controlled foods that can be consumed by tongue‐palate compression without the need of mastication as the number of people having oral deficiency is expanding. It is proved that instrumental texture evaluation method that the authors developed is applicable to a wide range of food texture, particularly for viscoelastic gels, with some changes of instrumental operation condition if necessary, providing a simple method for assessing textural acceptability of food products for consumption without using human subjects. From an industrial point of view, this method can contribute to the texture design of food products that are comfortable to eat and thus to the improvement of quality of life for those people. From a scientific point of view, this method can contribute to better understanding of the physiology of human tongue‐palate compression as an oral strategy for size reduction, particularly during consumption of solid or semi‐solid foods.
High‐accuracy de novo assembly and SNP detection of chloroplast genomes using a SMRT circular consensus sequencing strategy
Authors: Li Qiushi , Li Ying , Song Jingyuan , Xu Haibin , Xu Jiang , Zhu Yingjie , Li Xiwen , Gao Huanhuan , Dong Linlin , Qian Jun , Sun Chao , Chen Shilin
Published: August 2014

A circular consensus sequencing (CCS) strategy involving single molecule, real‐time (SMRT) DNA sequencing technology was applied to de novo assembly and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) detection of chloroplast genomes.

Chloroplast DNA was purified from enriched chloroplasts of pooled individuals to construct a shotgun library for each species. The sequencing reactions were performed on a PacBio RS platform. CCS sub‐reads were generated from polymerase reads that passed the native dumbbell‐shaped DNA templates multiple times. The complete chloroplast genome sequence was generated by mapping all reads to the draft sequence constructed in a step‐by‐step manner.

The full‐chain, PCR‐free approach eliminates the possible context‐specific biases in library construction and sequencing reaction. The chloroplast genome was easily and completely assembled using the data generated from one SMRT Cell without requiring a reference genome. Comparisons of the three assembled Fritillaria genomes to 34.1 kb of validation Sanger sequences revealed 100% concordance, and the detected intraspecies SNPs at a minimum variant frequency of 15% were all confirmed.

This simple approach with potential for parallel sequencing yields high‐quality chloroplast genomes for sensitive SNP detection and comparative analyses. We recommend this approach for its powerful applicability for evolutionary genetics and genomics studies in plants based on the sequences of chloroplast genomes.
EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ON THE TREND BEHAVIOR OF US EMISSIONS OF NITROGEN OXIDES AND VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
Authors: SIDNEVA NINA , ZIVOT ERIC
Published: August 2014

The nature of this paper is a practical application of a proper time‐series methodology to evaluate policy impacts when there is uncertainty about the data being difference‐stationary (DS) or trend‐stationary (TS). We use this methodology to examine the trend behavior of two air pollutants, nitrogen oxides (NOX) and volatile organic compounds (VOC). In particular, we concentrate on answering two questions. First, were there breaks in the trends of NOX and VOC emissions around the same time environmental policies such as the Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA) of 1970 were passed? And second, accounting for possible breaks are the US emissions of NOX and VOC TS or DS? Our empirical results show a clear evidence of a trend shift in NOX and VOC emissions at the time the CAAA of 1970 were passed, implying that this policy has been effective in reducing air pollution emissions, as well as additional breaks that correspond to other events and environmental policies before and after 1970. The unit root tests indicate that NOX are DS irrespective of the number of breaks in the trend whereas results for VOC emissions depend on the number of breaks assumed.
A NEW APPROACH TO SIMULATING FISHERIES DATA FOR POLICY MAKING
Authors: SIGURƉARDÓTTIR SIGRÍƉUR , SCHRUBEN LEE
Published: August 2014

The main objective of natural resource management is to create social and economic value while maintaining sustainability. In this paper, we introduce an enhanced method for simulating high‐dimensional time series and apply it to Icelandic fishing resource management data. The methodology can be used in many contexts, but is particularly appropriate for simulating the many complex interactions involved in natural resource management. The simulations can be used to explore the sensitivity of resource management policies to future changes using an affinity parameter. Affinity, qualitatively similar to correlation, is a ordinal measure between –1 and +1 that models one's belief how much the future might behave like, or different from, the past. The main appeal of the method is its reliance on data and relative independence from assumptions about that data. In the paper, we apply it on data on Icelandic cod with encouraging results.
Evolution of Nanofluid Rayleigh–Bénard Flows Between Two Parallel Plates: A Mesoscopic Modeling Study
Authors: Lu Gui , Duan Yuan-Yuan , Wang Xiao-Dong
Published: August 2014

The developing and developed nanofluid Rayleigh–Bénard flows between two parallel plates was simulated using the mesoscopic thermal lattice-Boltzmann method (LBM). The coupled effects of the thermal conductivity and the dynamic viscosity on the evolution of Rayleigh–Bénard flows were examined using different particle volume fractions (1–4%), while the individual effects of the thermal conductivity and the dynamic viscosity were tested using various particle sizes (11 nm, 20 nm, and 30 nm) and nanoparticle types (Al2O3, Cu, and CuO2). Two different heating modes were also considered. The results show that Rayleigh–Bénard cell in nanofluids is significantly different from that in pure fluids. The stable convection cells in nanofluids come from the expansion and shedding of an initial vortex pair, while the flow begins suddenly in pure water when the Rayleigh number reaches a critical value. Therefore, the average Nusselt number increases gradually for nanofluids but sharply for pure liquids. Uniform fully developed flow cells with fewer but larger vortex pairs are generated with the bottom heating with nanofluids than with pure liquid, with extremely tiny vortexes confined near the top heating plate for top heating. The number of vortex pairs decreases with increasing nanoparticle volume fraction and particle diameter due to the increasing of dynamic viscosity. The average Nusselt number increases with the increasing Rayleigh number, while decreases with the increasing nanoparticle diameters. The nanoparticle types have little effect on the Rayleigh–Bénard flow patterns. The Rayleigh–Bénard flows are more sensitive with the dynamic viscosity than the thermal conductivity of nanofluids.
Rapid growth of seed black holes in the early universe by supra-exponential accretion
Authors: Alexander Tal , Natarajan Priyamvada
Published: August 2014

Sheltered black hole seeds grow faster

Astrophysicists have struggled to find a way to grow supermassive black holes within the first billion years of the universe, in the first 6% of its current age. These objects power the extremely bright and distant quasars whose light from that era has finally reached us. To grow a black hole so massive so quickly seemed to violate the expected balance of both radiation pressure and angular momentum. Alexander and Natarajan report that the predicted accretion rate can be exceeded with the help of a protective gas cloud at the heart of a star cluster. There, the radiation from accretion is reverted back onto the black hole, enabling a phase of supraexponential growth for a brief 10 million years.

Science
, this issue p.
1330
Chromatin state dynamics during blood formation
Authors: Lara-Astiaso David , Weiner Assaf , Lorenzo-Vivas Erika , Zaretsky Irina , Jaitin Diego Adhemar , David Eyal , Keren-Shaul Hadas , Mildner Alexander , Winter Deborah , Jung Steffen , Friedman Nir , Amit Ido
Published: August 2014

Opening and closing blood enhancers

As cells develop and differentiate into different types, the shape and accessibility of their DNA can change. Lara-Astiaso
et al.
studied this phenomenon in blood. They developed a technique that examines a relatively small number of cells to identify the changes that affect DNA during blood development. They found that the DNA of noncoding regions, called enhancers, is set in an open position when cells are undifferentiated and able to take on a variety of roles and gradually closes as cells mature into their final forms.

Science
, this issue p.
943
Complete Genome Sequence of a Tobacco-Infecting, Tomato-Blistering Mosaic Virus
Authors: Melo Fernando Lucas , Fernandes Jhon Eric Alves , Ribeiro Bergmann Morais , Ribeiro Simone Graça
Published: August 2014

The complete genome sequence of a new tomato-blistering mosaic virus (ToBMV) isolate was determined. This tymovirus isolate was first described infecting tobacco during the 1980s, but it also infects other
Solanaceae
members experimentally. The genome has 6,257 nucleotides and shares 88% nucleotide identity with the ToBMV isolated from tomato.
Draft Genome Sequence of Linezolid-Resistant Enterococcus faecalis Clinical Isolate HS0914
Authors: Lin Dongfang , Guo Yan , Chen Chunhui , Fuzhu Yingjie , Xiao Shuxin , Zhu Demei , Wang Minggui , Xu Xiaogang
Published: August 2014

We report the draft genome sequence of linezolid-resistant
Enterococcus faecalis
strain HS-0914 isolated from a teaching hospital in Shanghai, China. The draft genome sequence is composed of 61 contigs for 2,816,079 bp. Ribosomal RNA mutations and
cfr
, which mediates linezolid resistance, are not present.
Draft Genome Sequence of Hexachlorohexane (HCH)-Degrading Sphingobium lucknowense Strain F2
T
, Isolated from an HCH Dumpsite
Authors: Negi Vivek , Lata Pushp , Sangwan Naseer , Kumar Gupta Sanjay , Das Shreyasi , Rao D. L. N. , Lal Rup
Published: August 2014

Sphingobium lucknowense
F2
T
, isolated from the hexachlorocylcohexane (HCH) dumpsite located in Ummari village, Lucknow, India, rapidly degrades HCH isomers. Here we report the draft genome of strain F2 (4.4 Mbp), consisting of 4,910 protein coding genes with an average G+C content of 64.3%.
Risk of overdose and death following codeine prescription among immigrants
Authors: Ray Joel G , Hollands Simon , Gomes Tara , Urquia Marcelo L , Macdonald Erin M , Li Ping , Mamdani Muhammad M , Juurlink David N
Published: August 2014

Background

Immigrants may be at a higher risk of adverse drug reactions, in that poor language proficiency reduces individuals understanding of drug label instructions. Additionally, there are reports of severe or fatal toxicity due to CYP2D6 ultrarapid hepatic metabolism of codeine to morphine among some ethnic groups, especially those from Eastern Africa.

Methods

Between 2002 and 2012 we conducted a population-based cohort study among residents of Ontario, Canada. We used administrative health databases that linked immigrants and Canadian-born individuals to both prescription medication use and emergency department visits and hospital admissions. The primary composite outcome was the risk of drug overdose or all-cause mortality within 30 days of codeine prescription, comparing patients from various world regions to Canadian-born individuals. A secondary analysis stratified by codeine dose and ability to speak English and/or French.

Results

There were 553 504 individuals exclusively prescribed codeine. Relative to an incidence rate of 57.1/100 000 person-days among Canadian-born codeine recipients, those who migrated from various world regions were at a lower risk of drug overdose or death. For example, Eastern Africans had an adjusted HR of 0.60 (95% CI 0.31 to 1.17) on controlling for potential confounders such as age, sex, income and physician visits. Patients unable to speak English or French who were prescribed codeine were at a lower risk of the composite outcome relative to those proficient in either language (adjusted HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.74).

Interpretation

Overdose and death following the institution of codeine therapy are not more commonly observed among immigrants from world regions with a high prevalence of ultrarapid CYP2D6 status relative to those born in Canada. Lower proficiency in English or French also did not appear to heighten the risk.
SIMPLE REACTION SYSTEMS AND THEIR CLASSIFICATION
Authors: MANZONI LUCA , POÇAS DIOGO , PORRECA ANTONIO E.
Published: August 2014

Reaction systems are a model of computation inspired by biochemical reactions involving reactants, inhibitors and products from a finite background set. We define a notion of multi-step simulation among reaction systems and derive a classification with respect to the amount of resources (reactants and inhibitors) involved in each reaction. We prove that “simple” reaction systems, having at most one reactant and one inhibitor per reaction, suffice in order to simulate arbitrary systems. Finally, we show that the equivalence relation of mutual simulation induces exactly five linearly ordered classes of reaction systems characterizing well-known subclasses of the functions over Boolean lattices, such as the constant, additive (join-semilattice endomorphisms), monotone, and antitone functions.
FRACTAL GEOMETRY OF EQUILIBRIUM PAYOFFS IN DISCOUNTED SUPERGAMES
Authors: BERG KIMMO , KITTI MITRI
Published: August 2014

This paper examines the pure-strategy subgame-perfect equilibrium payoffs in discounted supergames with perfect monitoring. It is shown that the equilibrium payoffs can be identified as sub-self-affine sets or graph-directed iterated function systems. We propose a method to estimate the Hausdorff dimension of the equilibrium payoffs and relate it to the equilibrium paths and their graph presentation.
INVESTIGATING ANNEALING EFFECT ON OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF Cd0.8Zn0.2S THIN FILMS
Authors: AZIZI SOMAYEH , DIZAJI HAMID REZAGHOLIPOUR , EHSANI MOHAMMAD HOSSEIN , MIRMAHALLE SEYED FEYZOLAH GHAVAMI
Published: August 2014

Cd 0.8 Zn 0.2 S thin films deposited on glass substrates by thermal evaporation method were annealed at different temperatures for the first time in order to investigate annealing effect on optical properties. The compositional, structural of nanoparticles precursor synthesized using microwave irradiation method and optical properties of the films were studied using energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV-visible spectrophotometer techniques. The annealed films were found to have hexagonal Wurtzite structure with strong preferential orientation along the (002) diffraction peak. Important optical parameters such as extinction coefficient and refractive index revealed the effect of heat treatment on the deposited thin layers. A reduction in the band gap energy from 2.41 eV to 2.29 eV was observed for the annealed samples.
INVESTIGATION OF Ta/Ni–Al INTEGRATED FILM USED AS A DIFFUSION BARRIER LAYER BETWEEN Cu AND Si
Authors: YANG LIM , WANG SHI JIE , HUO JI CHUAN , LI XIAO HONG , GUO JIAN XIN , DAI XIU HONG , MA LIAN XI , ZHANG XIANG YI , LIU BAO TING
Published: August 2014

Ta (3.3 nm)/ Ni – Al (3.3 nm) integrated films deposited on Si substrates by magnetron sputtering, annealed at various temperatures in a ultra-high vacuum, have been studied as diffusion barrier layers between Cu and Si for application in Cu interconnection. The images of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) prove that the cross-sectional interfaces of Cu / Ta / Ni – Al / Si sample annealed at 600°C are clear and sharp. No Cu –silicide peaks can be found from the X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of the 850°C annealed sample, but the sheet resistance of the sample increases abruptly. Moreover, large grooves are found from the image of atomic force microscopy (AFM) for the 850°C annealed sample, implying the failure of the diffusion barrier. The integrated Ta / Ni – Al barrier layer retains thermally stable nature up to at least 800°C, indicating that the Ta / Ni – Al integrated film is an excellent diffusion barrier between Cu and Si .
Review of Techniques for Predicting the Fundamental Period of Multi-Storey Buildings: Effects of Nonstructural Components
Authors: Sofi Massoud , Hutchinson Graham Leighton , Duffield Colin
Published: August 2014

The design of lateral load resisting elements of tall buildings in regions of low to moderate seismicity is normally governed by the requirements to meet inter-storey drift limit under wind load. The key objective of the design of tall buildings is to provide adequate lateral stiffness to the buildings to limit their lateral deflections and inter-storey drifts under the lateral load. The current design practice assumes that only the structural skeleton provides lateral resistance against wind load. Although the effects of nonstructural elements on the lateral stiffness are widely acknowledged, the effects are often ignored in the analysis of the buildings. This paper presents a state-of-the-art of review on the effects of nonstructural elements on the lateral deflections and inter-storey drifts of buildings at serviceability limit states. It was found that ignoring the nonstructural elements could significantly underestimate the lateral deflection for certain types of buildings. However, the shape and form of the lateral deflection in the overall building is not significantly affected by the nonstructural elements.
Finding Curvilinear Path Features in a Layered Learning Paradigm for Humanoid Robot Using Monocular Vision
Authors: Manoochehri Hafez Eslami , Jamshidi Kamal , Monadjemi Amirhassan , Shahbazi Hamed
Published: August 2014

In this paper, a method to find curvilinear path features is proposed. These features are defined as centers and radiuses of circles that best fit to the curvature parts of the curvilinear path. In our previous research, we proposed a hierarchical layered paradigm for humanoid robot to learn how to walk in the curvilinear path. This model consists of four layers and each one has a specific purpose and is responsible to provide some feedbacks for the lower layer. In this study, we focus on the first layer which is high level decision unit responsible to provide some feedbacks and parameters for the lower layer using robot sensory inputs. The ultimate goal is that robot learn to walk in the curvilinear path and to reach this goal, the first step is to find robot position in the environment. In this work, Monte Carlo localization method is used for robot localization. Then we used artificial potential field to generate a path between robot and a goal. Finally, we proposed an algorithm that search the circles that best fit to the curvature parts of the path. Finding these features would help the learning process for lower layers in the learning model. We used robot camera as the only sensor to identify landmarks and obstacles for robot localization, path planning and finding curvilinear path features.
Unified formalism for the generalized kth-order Hamilton–Jacobi problem
Authors: Colombo Leonardo , De Léon Manuel , Prieto-Martínez Pedro Daniel , Román-Roy Narciso
Published: August 2014

The geometric formulation of the Hamilton–Jacobi theory enables us to generalize it to systems of higher-order ordinary differential equations. In this work we introduce the unified Lagrangian–Hamiltonian formalism for the geometric Hamilton–Jacobi theory on higher-order autonomous dynamical systems described by regular Lagrangian functions.
社会变迁中的跨国网络与粤东侨乡
Authors: 段颖
Published: August 2014

基于对广东省梅县南口镇侨乡村的田野调查，本文论述目的在于阐明侨乡村“侨”的社会文化特征，分析不同时期跨国网络的性质、运作与转变，及其对地方社会产生的影响。本文力图强调，跨国网络中人口、资本、物资、信息流动造就了侨乡的基本特质，并对侨乡村民的思想观念与生活方式产生了深远影响。即便如今海外华人与侨乡关系已发生巨大变化，但“侨”的历史传统中所蕴含的开放、灵活、流动等特性已内化于侨乡村民心中。侨乡居民正是凭借这样的文化特质与生存心态，应对中国社会转型所带来的机遇与挑战。
EXERGY ANALYSIS OF A VAPOR ABSORPTION HEAT TRANSFORMER USING MODIFIED GUOY–STODALA EQUATION
Authors: PASTOR J. , SACHDEVA G. , BILASH R.
Published: August 2014

In the present work, thermodynamic analysis of a Lithium bromide–water-based absorption heat transformer (AHT) is done using a mathematical model. The study includes exergy analysis with the introduction of external fluid arrangements working as the interface of heat exchange for the various components of the model. Quantitative results are obtained for a set of inputs and modified Guoy–Stodala equation is used to include the real heat exchange temperatures in the study. These results are compared to the classical approach. It is observed that the total irreversibility calculated by the modified approach comes out to be 26.1% more than the exergy destruction obtained by the classical approach. Next, different operating parameters are varied to understand the effect of these on exergy destruction using a computer programme code. Thus, a conclusion is drawn in the form of graphs, as to how the system performance can be improved. Using the concept of irreversibility, the study finds that the performance of the system can be enhanced by decreasing the temperature of evaporator and generator or by increasing the temperature of condenser and absorber.
New insights on contraction efficiency in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Lacourpaille Lilian , Hug François , Guével Arnaud , Péréon Yann , Magot Armelle , Hogrel Jean-Yves , Nordez Antoine
Published: August 2014

The decrease in muscle strength in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is mainly explained by a decrease in the number of active contractile elements. Nevertheless, it is possible that other electrochemical and force transmission processes may contribute. The present study aimed to quantify the effect of DMD on the relative contribution of electrochemical and force transmission components of the electromechanical delay (i.e., time lag between the onset of muscle activation and force production) in humans using very high frame rate ultrasound. Fourteen patients with DMD and thirteen control subjects underwent two electrically evoked contractions of the biceps brachii with the ultrasound probe over the muscle belly. The electromechanical delay was significantly longer in DMD patients compared with controls (18.5 ± 3.9 vs. 12.5 ± 1.4 ms, P < 0.0001). More precisely, DMD patients exhibited a longer delay between the onset of muscle fascicles motion and force production (13.6 ± 3.1 vs. 7.9 ± 2.0 ms, P < 0.0001). This delay was correlated to the chronological age of the DMD patients ( r = 0.66; P = 0.01), but not of the controls ( r = −0.45; P = 0.10). No significant difference was found for the delay between the onset of muscle stimulation and the onset of muscle fascicle motion. These results highlight the role of the alteration of muscle force transmission (delay between the onset of fascicle motion and force production) in the impairments of the contraction efficiency in patients with DMD.
A Macrophage-Dominant PI3K Isoform Controls Hypoxia-Induced HIF1α and HIF2α Stability and Tumor Growth, Angiogenesis, and Metastasis
Authors: Joshi Shweta , Singh Alok R. , Zulcic Muamera , Durden Donald L.
Published: August 2014

Tumor growth, progression, and response to the hypoxic tumor microenvironment involve the action of hypoxia-inducible transcription factors, HIF1 and HIF2. HIF is a heterodimeric transcription factor containing an inducible HIFα subunit and a constitutively expressed HIFβ subunit. The signaling pathways operational in macrophages regulating hypoxia-induced HIFα stabilization remain the subject of intense investigation. Here, it was discovered that the PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling axis controls hypoxia-induced HIF1α (HIF1A) and HIF2α (EPAS1) stability in macrophages. Using genetic mouse models and pan-PI3K as well as isoform-specific inhibitors, inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway blocked the accumulation of HIFα protein and its primary transcriptional target VEGF in response to hypoxia. Moreover, blocking the PI3K/AKT signaling axis promoted the hypoxic degradation of HIFα via the 26S proteasome. Mechanistically, a macrophage-dominant PI3K isoform (p110γ) directed tumor growth, angiogenesis, metastasis, and the HIFα/VEGF axis. Moreover, a pan-PI3K inhibitor (SF1126) blocked tumor-induced angiogenesis and inhibited VEGF and other proangiogenic factors secreted by macrophages. These data define a novel molecular mechanism by which PTEN/PI3K/AKT regulates the proteasome-dependent stability of HIFα under hypoxic conditions, a signaling pathway in macrophages that controls tumor-induced angiogenesis and metastasis.

Implications: This study indicates that PI3K inhibitors are excellent candidates for the treatment of cancers where macrophages promote tumor progression. Mol Cancer Res; 12(10); 1520–31. ©2014 AACR.
Sustained Release of 17β-Estradiol Stimulates Osteogenic Differentiation of Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Chitosan-Hydroxyapatite Scaffolds
Authors: Irmak Gülseren , Demirtaş T. Tolga , Çetin Altındal Damla , Çalış Mert , Gümüşderelioğlu Menemşe
Published: August 2014

The aim of this study was to develop a 17β-estradiol (E2)-releasing scaffold-nanoparticle system in order to promote osteogenic differentiation of rat adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AdMSCs) for bone tissue regeneration. E2-loaded poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles with a diameter of ∼240 nm were produced via an emulsion-diffusion-evaporation method. Because of its higher encapsulation efficiency (54%), PLGA, which has a 65:35 composition, was chosen for the preparation of nanoparticles. Chitosan-hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffolds in macroporous structures with interconnected pores were prepared by combining microwave irradiation and gas-foaming techniques. PLGA nanoparticles were loaded onto scaffolds in 2 ways: via embedding after scaffold fabrication and during fabrication. While 100% of the loaded E2 was released during 55 days from scaffolds loaded by embedding, a controlled release behavior of E2 was observed over 135 days in scaffolds loaded during manufacture. The results of cell culture studies indicated that the controlled delivery of E2 from PLGA nanoparticles loaded on chitosan-HA scaffolds had a significant effect on the osteogenic differentiation of AdMSCs.
Is It Possible to Predict Urodynamic Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women with Minimal Diagnostic Evaluation?
Authors: Cetinel Bulent , Demirkesen Oktay , Onal Bulent , Erdal Sinan , Gezer Murat
Published: August 2014

Objectives: To determine whether it is possible to predict urodynamic stress urinary incontinence (uSUI) in women with minimal diagnostic evaluation. Materials and Methods: Medical records of 2,643 female incontinent patients were reviewed and 301 women were eligible for this study. The positive predictive values (PPV), sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive values (NPV) for uSUI and uSUI with or without detrusor overactivity (DO), and DO patients of pure SUI symptom (group 1), combination of pure SUI symptom and positive provocative stress test (+PST; group 2) and combination of pure SUI symptom, +PST and absence of overactive bladder symptoms (group 3) were calculated for each group. Results: Mean age was 51.03 years (22-88). PPV, sensitivity and specificity values for uSUI with or without DO of group 3 were 100, 7.4, and 100%, while these values for pure uSUI were 93.3, 9.3, and 99.3%, respectively. Interestingly, none of the patients in groups 2 and 3 had DO. Conclusions: Our results show that it was possible to predict uSUI with high accuracy using minimal diagnostic evaluation in a group of female patients with pure stress incontinence symptoms +PST while it was also possible to eliminate DO accurately in this group of patients.
Nilotinib in Combination with Carboplatin and Paclitaxel Is a Candidate for Ovarian Cancer Treatment
Authors: Weigel Marion T. , Rath Katrin , Alkatout Ibrahim , Wenners Antonia S. , Schem Christian , Maass Nicolai , Jonat Walter , Mundhenke Christoph
Published: August 2014

Purpose: Nilotinib is a selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor of c-Kit, Abl and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α/β. To evaluate nilotinib's potential use as a treatment of human ovarian cancer, we tested nilotinib's preclinical activity in ovarian cancer cell lines with different tyrosine kinase expression patterns. Methods: The effects of nilotinib on ovarian cancer cell growth were studied alone and in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel. Proapoptotic and antimigratory effects were examined using TUNEL and migration assays. Results: Nilotinib alone and in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel significantly inhibited cell growth in PDGFR-α-positive ovarian cancer cell lines. The combination of nilotinib with carboplatin and paclitaxel showed synergistic effects on cell proliferation. Nilotinib treatment led to the inhibition of cell migration alone and in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel. Apoptosis induction occurred in response to nilotinib that increased in combination with carboplatin. Conclusions: Nilotinib may be a feasible targeted therapy option for the treatment of ovarian cancer.
Performance of two new automated assays for measuring von Willebrand activity: HemosIL AcuStar and Innovance
Authors: Maistre Emmanuel de , Volot Fabienne , Mourey Guillaume , Aho Ludwig , Ternisien Catherine , Briquel Marie-Elisabeth , Bertrand Marie-Anne , Tardy Brigitte , Frotscher Birgit , Nguyen Philippe , Dumont Laure , Vandroux David , Hezard Nathalie , Trossaërt Marc
Published: August 2014

The ristocetin cofactor activity assay (VWF:RCo) is the reference method for assessing von Willebrand factor (VWF) activity but remains difficult to perform, and the coefficient of variation of the method is high (about 20–30%). This study evaluated and compared the performance for measuring the VWF activity of two newly commercialised assays [VWF:Ac Innovance (VWF:Ac) and VWF:RCo Acustar (VWF:RCo Acu)] with the reference VWF:RCo aggregation in 123 pathological plasma samples. The correlation and concordance between both new tests (VWF:RCo-Acu and VWF:Ac) and the reference VWF:RCo were good. The results of the VWF activity to VWF antigen ratio were also comparable whatever the method for the classification of VWF deficiency in all patients. Our results showed that both new tests could replace the “gold standard” VWF:RCo in aggregometry with several benefits: they are fully automated, easier and faster to perform, better adapted to emergency situations if necessary.
Therapeutic Implications of Protein Disulfide Isomerase Inhibition in Thrombotic Disease
Authors: Flaumenhaft Robert , Furie Bruce , Zwicker Jeffrey I.
Published: August 2014

The study of thrombus formation has increasingly applied in vivo tools such as genetically modified mice and intravital microscopy to the evaluation of molecular and cellular mechanisms of thrombosis. Among several unexpected findings of this approach was the discovery that protein disulfide isomerase serves an essential role in thrombus formation at sites of vascular injury. The observation that the commonly ingested quercetin flavonoid, quercetin-3-rutinoside, inhibits protein disulfide isomerase and blocks thrombus formation in preclinical studies has set the stage for clinical trials using protein disulfide isomerase antagonists as antithrombotics. Although the mechanisms by which protein disulfide isomerase facilitates platelet activation and fibrin formation have yet to be elucidated, protein disulfide isomerase antagonists are currently being developed as antithrombotics. This review will consider what is known about the role of protein disulfide isomerase in platelet accumulation and fibrin generation with a focus on pharmacological strategies for blocking protein disulfide isomerase activity in the context of thrombus formation. Potential indications and clinical trial design for testing the efficacy of protein disulfide isomerase inhibition to reduce the incidence of thrombosis will be considered.
Mast Cells as Effectors in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Bot Ilze , Shi Guo-Ping , Kovanen Petri T.
Published: August 2014

The mast cell is a potent immune cell known for its functions in host defense responses and diseases, such as asthma and allergies. In the past years, accumulating evidence established the contribution of the mast cell to cardiovascular diseases as well, in particular, by its effects on atherosclerotic plaque progression and destabilization. Through its release not only of mediators, such as the mast cell–specific proteases chymase and tryptase, but also of growth factors, histamine, and chemokines, activated mast cells can have detrimental effects on its immediate surroundings in the vessel wall. This results in matrix degradation, apoptosis, and enhanced recruitment of inflammatory cells, thereby actively contributing to cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we will discuss the current knowledge on mast cell function in cardiovascular diseases and speculate on potential novel therapeutic strategies to prevent acute cardiovascular syndromes via targeting of mast cells.