bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrical Current Signatures of DNA Base Modifications in Single Molecules Immobilized in the α‐Hemolysin Ion Channel
Authors: Wolna Anna H. , Fleming Aaron M. , An Na , He Lidong , White Henry S. , Burrows Cynthia J.
Published: June 2013

Nanopore technology holds high potential for next‐generation DNA sequencing. This method operates by drawing an individual single‐stranded DNA molecule through a nanoscale pore, while monitoring the current deflections that occur as the DNA passes through. Individual current levels for the four DNA nucleotides have been established by immobilization of an end biotinylated strand in the pore, in which the nucleotide of interest is suspended at the most sensitive region of the ion channel. Due to the inherent reactivity of DNA bases, many modified nucleotides in the genome exist as a result of oxidative and UV insults, among others. Herein, the current levels for common DNA damage lesions 8‐oxo‐7,8‐dihydroguanine, spiroiminodihydantoin, guanidinohydantoin, uridine, abasic sites, thymine dimers, thymine glycol, and 5‐iodocytosine were assessed through immobilization experiments. In some cases, the current difference between the damaged and canonical nucleotides was not well resolved; therefore, we took advantage of the chemical reactivity of the new functional groups present to make amine adducts that shifted the current levels outside the range of the native nucleotides. Among the adducts studied, only the 2‐aminomethyl‐18‐crown‐6 adduct was able to give a large current shift in the immobilization experiment, as well as being observed in a translocation experiment. The results show potential in providing current‐level modulators for identification of some types of DNA damage. In principle, any DNA base modification that can be converted chemically or enzymatically into an abasic site could be identified in this way.
Global characteristics of electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves: Occurrence rate and its storm dependence
Authors: Keika Kunihiro , Takahashi Kazue , Ukhorskiy Aleksandir Y. , Miyoshi Yoshizumi
Published: June 2013

We statistically examine the occurrence rate of electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves observed by Active Magnetospheric Particle Tracer Explorers/Charge Composition Explorer (AMPTE/CCE). We use the 8 Hz magnetic field data set that covers the whole CCE mission period of nearly 4.5 years from August 1984 to January 1989, which is more than three times the period studied by Anderson et al. [] (~452 days). The large data volume allows us to evaluate the storm phase dependence of the spatial occurrence pattern of EMIC waves. The major results of this study are summarized as follows. (a) The occurrence rate is below 5% on the nightside at all L. On the dayside, the rate is <5% in the inner magnetosphere (L < 6), while it is higher than 5% in the outer magnetosphere (L ≥ 6), up to 25%. The highest rate appears in the afternoon sector. (b) The overall occurrence rate is higher for H‐band events than He‐band events, except for the opposite feature seen in the inner magnetosphere on the early afternoon‐to‐post midnightside (L < 6, 14 h < MLT < 22 h). (c) H‐band events occur frequently in the outer magnetosphere (L ≥ 7) in the afternoon sector, regardless of geomagnetic activity. Under quiet conditions, H‐band events also occur in the outer magnetosphere on the morningside (4 h ≤ MLT < 8 h). (d) He‐band events frequently occur in the inner magnetosphere (L < 7) on the prenoon to duskside (10 h ≤ MLT < 19 h) under disturbed conditions (Dst ≤ −50 nT). (e) The storm time He‐band waves are generated more frequently during the main phase than the recovery phase, with the main‐phase wave excitation seen toward the afternoonside outer magnetosphere (L > 7). The results indicate two independent major processes that cause EMIC wave excitation in the Earth's magnetosphere: one externally triggers H‐band waves on the dayside, and the other internally excites He‐band waves on the dusk‐to‐afternoonside. We suggest that the former is due to solar wind compression which leads to perpendicular adiabatic ion heating and in turn an increase in temperature anisotropy, and that the latter is caused by injections of new, highly energetic ion population from the plasma sheet, with its velocity distributions becoming pancake‐like on the dusk‐to‐afternoonside. The frequent occurrence seen on the afternoonside, at a wide L range, and during the main/development phase, strongly suggests the significant role of the sunward surge of the plasmasphere and plasma plumes in the injection‐associated (i.e., storm time) EMIC wave generation.
A three‐step maximum a posteriori probability method for InSAR data inversion of coseismic rupture with application to the 14 April 2010 Mw 6.9 Yushu, China, earthquake
Authors: Sun Jianbao , Shen Zheng‐Kang , Bürgmann Roland , Wang Min , Chen Lichun , Xu Xiwei
Published: June 2013

We develop a three‐step maximum a posteriori probability method for coseismic rupture inversion, which aims at maximizing the a posterior probability density function (PDF) of elastic deformation solutions of earthquake rupture. The method originates from the fully Bayesian inversion and mixed linear‐nonlinear Bayesian inversion methods and shares the same posterior PDF with them, while overcoming difficulties with convergence when large numbers of low‐quality data are used and greatly improving the convergence rate using optimization procedures. A highly efficient global optimization algorithm, adaptive simulated annealing, is used to search for the maximum of a posterior PDF (“mode” in statistics) in the first step. The second step inversion approaches the “true” solution further using the Monte Carlo inversion technique with positivity constraints, with all parameters obtained from the first step as the initial solution. Then slip artifacts are eliminated from slip models in the third step using the same procedure of the second step, with fixed fault geometry parameters. We first design a fault model with 45° dip angle and oblique slip, and produce corresponding synthetic interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) data sets to validate the reliability and efficiency of the new method. We then apply this method to InSAR data inversion for the coseismic slip distribution of the 14 April 2010 Mw 6.9 Yushu, China earthquake. Our preferred slip model is composed of three segments with most of the slip occurring within 15 km depth and the maximum slip reaches 1.38 m at the surface. The seismic moment released is estimated to be 2.32e+19 Nm, consistent with the seismic estimate of 2.50e+19 Nm.
On the toughness index of planar graphs
Authors: Dillencourt Michael B.
Published: June 2013

The toughness indexτ(G) of a graph G is defined to be the largest integer t such that for any S ⊆ V(G) with |S| > t, c(G ‐ S) < |S| ‐ t, where c(G ‐ S) denotes the number of components of G ‐ S. In particular, 1‐tough graphs are exactly those graphs for which τ(G) ≥ 0. In this paper, it is shown that if G is a planar graph, then τ(G) ≥ 2 if and only if G is 4‐connected. This result suggests that there may be a polynomial‐time algorithm for determining whether a planar graph is 1‐tough, even though the problem for general graphs is NP‐hard. The result can be restated as follows: a planar graph is 4‐connected if and only if it remains 1‐tough whenever two vertices are removed. Hence it establishes a weakened version of a conjecture, due to M. D. Plummer, that removing 2 vertices from a 4‐connected planar graph yields a Hamiltonian graph.
Almost all rooted maps have large representativity
Authors: Bender Edward A. , Gao Zhicheng , Richmond L. Bruce
Published: June 2013

Let M be a map on a surface S. The edge‐width of M is the length of a shortest noncontractible cycle of M. The face‐width (or, representativity) of M is the smallest number of intersections a noncontractible curve in S has with M. (The edge‐width and face‐width of a planar map may be defined to be infinity.) A map is a large‐edge‐width embedding (LEW‐embedding) if its maximum face valency is less than its edge‐width. For several families of rooted maps on a given surface, we prove that there are positive constants C1 and C2, depending on the family and the surface, such that

almost all maps with n edges have face‐width and edge‐width greater than c1 log n, and

the fraction of such maps that are LEW‐embeddings and the fraction that are not LEW‐embeddings both exceed n− >C2.
On maximal triangle‐free graphs
Authors: Erdős Paul , Holzman Ron
Published: June 2013

A triangle‐free graph is maximal if adding any edge will create a triangle. The minimal number of edges of a maximal triangle‐free graph on n vertices having maximal degree at most D is denoted by F(n, D). We determine the value of limn‐∞ F(n, cn)/n for 2/5 < c < 1/2. This investigation continues work done by Z. Füredi and Á. Seress. Our result is contrary to a conjecture of theirs.
The irredundant ramsey number s(3,3,3) = 13
Authors: Cockayne E. J. , Mynhardt C. M.
Published: June 2013

Let G1, G2,. …, Gt be an arbitrary t‐edge coloring of Kn, where for each i ∈ {1,2, …, t}, Gi is the spanning subgraph of Kn consisting of all edges colored with the ith color. The irredundant Ramsey number s(q1, q2, …, qt) is defined as the smallest integer n such that for any t‐edge coloring of Kn, i has an irredundant set of size qi for at least one i ∈ {1,2, …,t}. It is proved that s(3,3,3) = 13, a result that improves the known bounds 12 ≤ s(3,3,3) ≤ 14.
Multimodal, label‐free nonlinear optical imaging for applications in biology and biomedical science
Authors: Mouras R. , Bagnaninchi P. , Downes A. , Elfick A.
Published: June 2013

We have developed a multimodal optical platform for label‐free imaging on the basis of nonlinear optical microscopy (NLO) for applications in biology and biomedical science. Three application areas have been chosen as examples: regenerative medicine, drug delivery monitoring and cancer diagnosis. Obtained data showed the potential of NLO microscopy for the following: (1) investigating the stem cell differentiation states prior their use in regenerative medicine and tissue repair, (2) tracking drug molecules in living cells and (3) detecting cancer by imaging biopsies ex vivo. The results of this study illustrate the potential to translate NLO microscopy from ex vivo to in vivo applications. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Demographic trends and disease‐specific survival in salivary acinic cell carcinoma: An analysis of 1129 cases
Authors: Patel Neal R. , Sanghvi Saurin , Khan Mohemmed N. , Husain Qasim , Baredes Soly , Eloy Jean Anderson
Published: June 2013

Objective/Hypothesis

Acinic cell carcinoma (AciCC) is a rare salivary gland malignancy that most commonly arises in the parotid gland. Characteristics of AciCC are slow growth and a long clinical course. As a rare tumor, population‐based studies are limited. We analyzed the incidence and survival for AciCC using a national population‐based database.

Study Design

Retrospective analysis.

Methods

The United States National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry was utilized to calculate incidence and disease‐specific survival trends for AciCC between 1973 and 2009. Patient data were stratified according to age, gender, race, grade, and extent of disease. Incidence trends were studied across the last 30 years and long‐term disease‐specific survival outcomes were compared across the different demographic parameters.

Results

A total of 1,129 cases of AciCC were identified, comprising of 672 (59.52%) females. Incidence trend analysis revealed significant changes in yearly incidence rates from 1973 to 2009 for male gender and white and “others” races. Overall 5‐year survival was 97.15%, 10‐year survival was 93.81%, and 20‐year survival was 89.74%. Significant differences in survival outcomes were noted for extent of disease. Patients exhibiting distant metastasis displayed the worse long‐term prognosis at 21.99% 20‐year disease‐specific survival. Hazard ratios demonstrated a significant increase in mortality in patients with poorly differentiated, undifferentiated, and metastatic disease.

Conclusion

Trends in incidence of AciCC are influenced by gender, race and age. Long‐term survival of this rare malignant tumor is influenced by gender, grade, race, and extent of disease. Future studies need to be conducted to investigate these dynamic trends related to AciCC.

Level of Evidence

2b. Laryngoscope, 124:172–178, 2014
Vocal fold hemorrhage: Factors predicting recurrence
Authors: Lennon Christen J. , Murry Thomas , Sulica Lucian
Published: June 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

Vocal fold hemorrhage is an acute phonotraumatic injury treated with voice rest; recurrence is a generally accepted indication for surgical intervention. This study aims to identify factors predictive of recurrence based on outcomes of a large clinical series.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort.

Methods

Retrospective review of cases of vocal fold hemorrhage presenting to a university laryngology service. Demographic information was compiled. Videostroboscopic exams were evaluated for hemorrhage extent, presence of varix, mucosal lesion, and/or vocal fold paresis. Vocal fold hemorrhage recurrence was the main outcome measure. Follow‐up telephone survey was used to complement clinical data.

Results

Forty‐seven instances of vocal fold hemorrhage were evaluated (25M:22F; 32 professional voice users). Twelve of the 47 (26%) patients experienced recurrence. Only the presence of varix demonstrated significant association with recurrence (P = 0.0089) on multivariate logistic regression.

Conclusion

Vocal fold hemorrhage recurred in approximately 26% of patients. Varix was a predictor of recurrence, with 48% of those with varix experiencing recurrence. Monitoring, behavioral management and/or surgical intervention may be indicated to treat patients with such characteristics.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 124:227–232, 2014
Obesity is associated with sensorineural hearing loss in adolescents
Authors: Lalwani Anil K. , Katz Karin , Liu Ying‐Hua , Kim Sarah , Weitzman Michael
Published: June 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

Childhood obesity, defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥ 95%, is a significant health problem associated with a variety of disorders, and in adults it has been found to be a risk factor for hearing loss. We investigated the hypothesis that obese children are at increased risk of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL).

Study Design

A complex, multistage, stratified geographic area design for collecting representative data from noninstitutionalized U.S. population.

Methods

Relevant cross‐sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005 to 2006, for 1,488 participants 12 to 19 years of age was examined. Subjects were classified as obese if their BMI ≥ 95th percentile. SNHL was defined as average pure‐tone level greater than 15 dB for 0.5, 1, and 2 kHz (low frequency) and 3, 4, 6, and 8 kHz (high frequency).

Results

Compared to normal weight participants (BMI 5%–85%), obesity in adolescents was associated with elevated pure tone hearing thresholds and greater prevalence of unilateral low‐frequency SNHL (15.2 vs. 8.3%, P = 0.01). In multivariate analyses, obesity was associated with a 1.85 fold increase in the odds of unilateral low‐frequency SNHL (95% CI: 1.10–3.13) after controlling for multiple hearing‐related covariates.

Conclusions

We demonstrate for the first time that obesity in childhood is associated with higher hearing thresholds across all frequencies and an almost 2‐fold increase in the odds of unilateral low‐frequency hearing loss. These results add to the growing literature on obesity‐related health disturbances and also add to the urgency in instituting public health measures to reduce it.

Level of Evidence

2b. Laryngoscope, 123:3178–3184, 2013
How to Release the Untapped Creativity, Passion, and Intellect of Your Employees
Authors: Marquet David
Published: June 2013

Marquet worked in an atmosphere unimaginable to most leaders: commander of the USS Santa Fe, a nuclear‐powered submarine. Yet his experience provides the basis for others to learn about the nature of leaders and followers. He shifted the traditional leader‐follower relationship to one of leader‐leader. His ship went from worst‐to‐first rankings by giving more control and authority over decision making to those lower on the chain of command. People were encouraged to “think like the captain.” It took trial and error, yet Marquet says it led to comments from the late Stephen Covey that the ship was the “most empowered workplace he'd ever seen.”
Toward a Smarter Workforce
Authors: Markman Arthur B.
Published: June 2013

Markman finds that companies can nurture innovation by better understanding and employing cognitive science. Leaders should maximize the quality of knowledge, stop multitasking, find the essence of problems, nurture expert generalists, and distinguish between group problem solving and brainstorming. He relates how unorthodox thinking led to the development of Velcro, the Dyson bagless vacuum cleaner, and Speedo's “ultrafast swimsuit” inspired by the skin of the shark. “The more you understand about your mind and the minds of your employees,” Markman writes, “the better able you will be to develop a more innovative workforce.”
Structure elucidation of antiproliferative bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids from Anisocycla grandidieri from the Madagascar dry forest
Authors: Liu Yixi , Harinantenaina Liva , Brodie Peggy J. , Slebodnick Carla , Callmander Martin W. , Rakotondrajaona R. , Rakotobe Etienne , Rasamison Vincent E. , TenDyke Karen , Shen Yongchun , Kingston David G. I.
Published: June 2013

Antiproliferative bioassay‐guided fractionation of the ethanol extract of the stems of Anisocycla grandidieri led to the isolation of the known alkaloids stebisimine (1), (+)‐1,2‐dehydrotelobine (2), (+)‐2'‐norcocsuline (3) and puetogaline B (4). Herein, we report the full NMR assignments of all compounds and the X‐ray crystallography of single crystals of compounds 1 and 3. Compounds 2 and 3 showed moderate antiproliferative activity against the A2780 human ovarian cancer cell line with IC50 values of 4.1 ± 0.3 and 2.7 ± 0.3 μM, respectively, and they also displayed selective activity toward the H460 (large cell lung cancer), MCF‐7 (breast ductal carcinoma), and UACC‐257 (melanoma) cell lines. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of an independent linear model for acoustic noise on a conventional MRI scanner and implications for acoustic noise reduction
Authors: Wu Ziyue , Kim Yoon‐Chul , Khoo Michael C.K. , Nayak Krishna S.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

To evaluate an independent linear model for gradient acoustic noise on a conventional MRI scanner, and to explore implications for acoustic noise reduction in routine imaging.

Methods

Acoustic noise generated from each physical gradient axis was modeled as the prescribed gradient waveform passed through a linear time‐invariant system. Homogeneity and superposition properties were experimentally determined. We also developed a new method to correct relative time shifts between the measured impulse responses for different physical gradient axes. Model accuracy was determined by comparing predicted and measured sound using normalized energy difference. Transfer functions were also measured in subjects with different body habitus and at multiple microphone locations.

Results

Both superposition and homogeneity held for each physical gradient axis with errors less than 3%. When all gradients were on simultaneous sound prediction, error was reduced from 32% to 4% after time‐shift correction. Transfer functions also showed high sensitivity to body habitus and microphone location.

Conclusion

The independent linear model predicts MRI acoustic noise with less than 4% error. Acoustic transfer functions are highly sensitive to body habitus and position within the bore, making it challenging to produce a general approach to acoustic noise reduction based on avoiding system resonance peaks. Magn Reson Med 71:1613–1620, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Extremophile Rotalge des Gen‐Diebstahls überführt
Authors: Groß Michael
Published: June 2013

Bei Bakterien und den ähnlich primitiven Archäen kommt es oft vor, dass eine Mikrobe Gene nicht von ihren Vorfahren erbt, sondern durch Gentransfer von ihren Zeitgenossen übernimmt. Jetzt zeigten Forscher bei einem höheren Lebewesen, dass es lebenswichtige Gene artfremden Ursprungs trägt.
Strategiewechsel bei Biotech
Authors: Bengs Holger , Buchholz Ulrike , Kirchhoff Tobias
Published: June 2013

Medikamentenentwickler haben es weiterhin schwer: Die Finanzierung bleibt schwierig. Aber Kooperationen sind gefragter denn je, und die Biologisierung der Industrien schreitet voran. Daraus ergeben sich Innovationschancen für die Chemie.
Trefoil factor family member 2 (Tff2) KO mice are protected from high‐fat diet‐induced obesity
Authors: De Giorgio Maria Rita , Yoshioka Mayumi , Riedl Isabelle , Moreault Olivier , Cherizol Rose‐Guerline , Shah Aftab Ali , Blin Nikolaus , Richard Denis , St‐Amand Jonny
Published: June 2013

Introduction

Trefoil factor family member 2 (Tff2) is a small gut peptide, mainly known for its protective and healing functions. As previously demonstrated, high‐fat (HF) feeding can rapidly and specifically modulate Tff2 transcription in key tissues of mice, including the duodenum and mesenteric adipose tissue, therefore suggesting a novel role for this gene in energy balance.

Design and Methods

To explore whether and how Tff2 can influence feeding behavior and energy metabolism, Tff2 knock‐out (KO) mice were challenged with HF diet for 12 weeks, hence food and energy intakes, body composition, as well as energy excretion and serum lipid and hormonal levels were analyzed. Finally, energy efficiency was estimated.

Results

Tff2 KO mice showed a greater appetite and higher energy intake compared to wild‐type (WT). Consistently, they presented lower levels of serum leptin, and increased transcription of agouti‐related protein (Agrp) in the hypothalamus. Though energy and triglyceride fecal excretion were augmented in Tff2 KO mice, digestible energy intake was superior. However, KO mice were finally protected from HF diet‐induced obesity, and accumulated less weight and fat depots than WT animals, while keeping a normal lean mass. Energy efficiency was lower in HF‐KO mice, while energy expenditure and locomotor activity were globally increased.

Conclusions

The present work demonstrates previously unsuspected roles for Tff2 and suggests it to be a mastermind in the control of energy balance and a promising therapeutic target for obesity.
The structure and proton affinity of N‐benzyl‐N‐(allenyl)trifluoromethanesulfonamide: FT‐IR, DFT and ab initio study, NBO analysis
Authors: Shainyan B. A. , Chipanina N. N. , Oznobikhina L. P. , Danilevich Yu. S.
Published: June 2013

The first N‐allenyl derivative of trifluoromethanesulfonamide, N‐benzyl‐N‐(allenyl)trifluoromethanesulfonamide (1), was studied experimentally by the FT‐IR spectroscopy and theoretically at the DFT and MP2 levels of theory. The intramolecular interaction of the nitrogen atom with the triflyl and the allenyl group was studied in comparison with the analogously substituted vinyl derivatives. Compound 1 in heptane solution at 295–183 K exists as an equilibrium mixture of conformational isomers. Protonation at different basic sites in a series of reference molecules is studied theoretically. The central C2 atom of the allenyl group in 1 has the highest proton affinity, which is 16 kcal/mol higher than in the N‐vinyl analogues. The relative ability of the allenyl and vinyl groups to conjugation with an electron‐rich and electron‐deficient nitrogen atom lone electron pair is discussed. From the NBO analysis, the conjugation of the nitrogen lone electron pair with the allenyl group is much stronger than with the vinyl group. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Management of Parametric Response in Design of Experiments
Authors: Goh T. N.
Published: June 2013

Routine applications of design of experiments (DOE) by non‐mathematicians assume that each response value is static in nature, i.e. with an expected value that is constant for a given set of input factor settings. When this assumption is not valid, it is important to capture the dynamic characteristics of the response for effective process or system characterization, monitoring, and control. With the purpose of recognizing the self‐changing nature of the response owing to factors other than those built into the DOE, thereby gaining a better ability to shape the behavior of the response, this paper describes the reasoning and procedure needed for such ‘parametric responses’, via common techniques of mathematical modeling and optimization. The procedure is intuitive but essential and useful in DOE studies as these become increasingly popular by practitioners in the context of improvement projects such as those related to Six Sigma or stand‐alone performance optimization initiatives. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cell‐specific integration of nuclear receptor function at the genome
Authors: Everett Logan J. , Lazar Mitchell A.
Published: June 2013

Nuclear receptors (NRs) encompass a family of regulatory proteins that directly couple small‐molecule signaling to transcriptional regulation. Initial studies of specific NR targets led to a model in which NRs bind highly specific DNA motifs in proximal promoter regions and strongly induce gene transcription in response to ligand binding. More recently, genome‐wide studies have added to the complexity of this classic model of NR function. In particular, binding of NRs at weaker or alternate motifs is common in the context of DNA assembled into chromatin, and ligand responsiveness varies at different NR target genes. Such findings have led to proposed modifications to the classic view of NR regulation, including the ‘assisted loading’ model in which NRs assist in opening chromatin rather than compete for binding sites, and context‐specific models in which genomic and epigenomic features influence the NR function locally at each binding site. Further elucidation of these mechanisms will be particularly important for understanding cell‐specific and ligand‐specific functions of each NR. Emerging genomic technologies such as ChIP‐seq and GRO‐seq provide insights on a larger scale leading to deeper understanding of the complexities of transcriptional regulation by NRs. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2013, 5:615–629. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1231

This article is categorized under:

Biological Mechanisms > Cell Signaling

Biological Mechanisms > Regulatory Biology
Hand‐Assisted Laparoscopic Technique in the Setting of Complicated Splenectomy: A 9‐Year Experience
Authors: Wang Xin , Li Yongbin , Peng Bing
Published: June 2013

Background

Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) is significantly more challenging in patients with supramassive splenomegaly and those with portal hypertension. We hypothesized that hand‐assisted laparoscopic splenectomy (HALS) could facilitate the procedure in these patients.

Methods

Before October 2009, patients with supramassive splenomegaly and those with portal hypertension underwent LS. After October 2009, we routinely applied HALS in patients with these disorders.

Results

We compared the HALS group (n = 41) with the LS group (n = 45). There were no conversions to open surgery in the HALS group, whereas there was an 4.5 % conversion rate in the LS group. The operating times were shorter, and there was less estimated blood loss, and fewer major complications in the HALS group. Analgesia requirement, time to full diet, and postoperative stay were comparable in the two groups.

Conclusions

We concluded that HALS was superior to LS in patients with supramassive splenomegaly and in those with portal hypertension.
Congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia: The results of an evolving protocol of management
Authors: Nicolaou N. , Ghassemi A. , Hill R. A.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This retrospective cohort study assesses the outcomes of a protocol of management, based on the recommendations of the European Paediatric Orthopaedic Society (EPOS) multi-centre study, for the management of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia.

Methods

Utilising an incremental protocol of bracing, intramedullary rods and circular frame fixation with or without bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), 11 patients had reached skeletal maturity or had follow up of 5 years from radiological union of the pseudarthrosis. Demographic data, deformity parameters before and after treatment, and functional outcome scores were recorded.

Results

Ten of the 11 patients successfully healed and two sustained a refracture. All deformity parameters improved and a mean leg length discrepancy of 2.5 cm (range 0–7.5 cm) existed at the time of the last follow up. Some pseudarthroses healed with deformity correction and rod insertion alone. Six of the 11 patients had a confirmed diagnosis of neurofibromatosis and nine had sustained a fracture before 4 years of age. Refracture was associated with malalignment after healing.

Conclusion

This method of treatment provides a successful stepwise protocol for the management of this complex disorder, avoiding the use of aggressive limb reconstruction techniques at a young age in some cases.

Level of evidence

Case series Level IV.
CogTRA: a deployable mechanism for cognitive transmission rate adaptation in IEEE 802.11 networks
Authors: Chaves Luciano J. , Madeira Edmundo R. M. , Garcia Islene C.
Published: June 2013

Wireless local area networks have become vastly popular, and IEEE 802.11 is the chosen standard for almost all wireless devices. This standard specifies several modulation and channel coding techniques that must be implemented by all wireless interfaces to adapt to changes in wireless channels. As a result, these interfaces support multiple transmission data rates. However, this standard does not define how to dynamically select the appropriate data rate; instead, manufacturers can design and implement their own algorithms. Although several solutions have been proposed in the literature, only a few are used in practice. Moreover, their performance is still limited to specific conditions, such as highly dynamic environments. To tackle these challenges, this paper introduces CogTRA, which is a deployable mechanism built upon an existing cognitive framework called CogProt. Due to its self-adjustment functionality, CogTRA can work not only in stable but also in dynamic environments. It was implemented in the OpenWrt Linux distribution for embedded devices and evaluated through experiments using real network equipment. The results underline performance benefits with respect to existing data rate adaptation algorithms, with CogTRA exhibiting better performance especially in such dynamic networks.
Multiple brake orbits on compact convex symmetric reversible hypersurfaces in \( R^{2 n} \)
Authors: Zhang Duanzhi , Liu Chungen
Published: June 2013

In this paper, we prove that there exist at least

[\frac{n + 1}{2}] + 1

geometrically distinct brake orbits on every

C^{2}

compact convex symmetric hypersurface

Σ

in

\mathbf{R}^{2n}

for

n⩾2

satisfying the reversible condition

N\Sigma = \Sigma

with

N = \mathrm{diag}(−I_{n},I_{n})

. As a consequence, we show that there exist at least

[\frac{n + 1}{2}] + 1

geometrically distinct brake orbits in every bounded convex symmetric domain in

\mathbf{R}^{n}

with

n⩾2

which gives a positive answer to the Seifert conjecture of 1948 in the symmetric case for

n = 3

. As an application, for

n = 4\text{ and }5

, we prove that if there are exactly

n

geometrically distinct closed characteristics on

Σ

, then all of them are symmetric brake orbits after suitable time translation.
Gradient integrability and rigidity results for two-phase conductivities in two dimensions
Authors: Nesi Vincenzo , Palombaro Mariapia , Ponsiglione Marcello
Published: June 2013

This paper deals with higher gradient integrability for

σ

-harmonic functions

u

with discontinuous coefficients

σ

, i.e. weak solutions of

\mathrm{div}(\sigma \mathrm{∇}u) = 0

in dimension two. When

σ

is assumed to be symmetric, then the optimal integrability exponent of the gradient field is known thanks to the work of Astala and Leonetti and Nesi. When only the ellipticity is fixed and

σ

is otherwise unconstrained, the optimal exponent is established, in the strongest possible way of the existence of so-called exact solutions, via the exhibition of optimal microgeometries.

We focus also on two-phase conductivities, i.e., conductivities assuming only two matrix values,

\sigma _{1}

and

\sigma _{2}

, and study the higher integrability of the corresponding gradient field

|\mathrm{∇}u|

for this special but very significant class. The gradient field and its integrability clearly depend on the geometry, i.e., on the phases arrangement described by the sets

E_{i} = \sigma ^{−1}(\sigma _{i})

. We find the optimal integrability exponent of the gradient field corresponding to any pair

\{\sigma _{1},\sigma _{2}\}

of elliptic matrices, i.e., the worst among all possible microgeometries.

We also treat the unconstrained case when an arbitrary but finite number of phases are present.
Kinetic analysis of the leucyl/phenylalanyl‐tRNA‐protein transferase with acceptor peptides possessing different N‐terminal penultimate residues
Authors: Kawaguchi Jun , Maejima Kumino , Kuroiwa Hiroyuki , Taki Masumi
Published: June 2013

The introduction of non‐natural amino acids at the N‐terminus of peptides/proteins using leucyl/phenylalanyl‐tRNA‐protein transferase (L/F‐transferase) is a useful technique for protein engineering. To accelerate the chemoenzymatic reaction, here we systematically optimized the N‐terminal penultimate residue of the acceptor peptide. Positively charged, small, or hydrophilic amino acids at this position show positive effects for the reaction. Kinetic analysis of peptides possessing different penultimate residues suggests that the side chain of the residue affects peptide‐binding affinity towards the L/F‐transferase. These findings also provide biological insight into the effect of the penultimate amino acid on substrate specificity of natural proteins to be degraded via the N‐end rule pathway.
Asset pricing under quantile utility maximization
Authors: Giovannetti Bruno C.
Published: June 2013

“Focus on the downside, and the upside will take care of itself” is a famous quote among professional investors. By considering an agent who follows this advice, we reproduce the first and second moments of stock returns, risk‐free rate and consumption growth. The agent's behavior toward risk is analogous to a relative risk aversion of about 3 under expected utility, the elasticity of intertemporal substitution is about 0.5 and the time discount factor is below 1. In particular, the proposed model separates time and risk preferences in an innovative way.
Reynolds-number measurements for low-Prandtl-number turbulent convection of large-aspect-ratio samples
Authors: Hogg James , Ahlers Guenter
Published: June 2013

We present experimental results for the Reynolds number ${\mathit{Re}}_{U} $ based on the horizontal mean-flow velocity $U$ and for ${\mathit{Re}}_{V} $ based on the root-mean-square horizontal fluctuation velocity $V$ for turbulent Rayleigh–Bénard convection in a cylindrical sample of aspect ratio $\Gamma = 10. 9$ over the Prandtl number range $0. 18\leq \mathit{Pr}\leq 0. 88$. The results were derived from space–time cross-correlation functions of shadowgraph images, using the elliptic approximation of He & Zhang (Phys. Rev. E, vol. 73, 2006, 055303). The data cover the Rayleigh number range from $3\times 1{0}^{5} $ to $2\times 1{0}^{7} $. We find that ${\mathit{Re}}_{U} $ is nearly two orders of magnitude smaller than the values given by the Grossmann–Lohse (GL) model (Grossmann & Lohse, Phys. Rev. E, vol. 66, 2002, 016305) for $\Gamma = 1. 00$ and attribute this difference to averaging caused by lateral random diffusion of the large-scale circulation cells in large-$\Gamma $ samples. For the fluctuations we found ${\mathit{Re}}_{V} = {\tilde {R} }_{0} {\mathit{Pr}}^{\alpha } {\mathit{Ra}}^{\eta } $, with ${\tilde {R} }_{0} = 0. 31$, $\alpha = - 0. 53\pm 0. 11$ and $\eta = 0. 45\pm 0. 03$. That result agrees well with the GL model. The close agreement of the coefficient ${\tilde {R} }_{0} $ must be regarded as a coincidence because the GL model was for $\Gamma = 1. 00$ and for a mean-flow velocity $U$.
On the variety of particle accumulation structures under the effect of g-jitters
Authors: Lappa Marcello
Published: June 2013

The present analysis extends the author’s earlier work (Lappa, Phys. Fluids, vol. 25, 2003, 012101; Lappa, Chaos, vol. 23, 2003, 013105) on the properties of patterns formed by the spontaneous accumulation and ordering of solid particles in certain types of flow (with a toroidal structure and a travelling wave propagating in the azimuthal direction) by considering the potential impact of ‘vibrations’ (g-jitters) on such dynamics. It is shown that a kaleidoscope of possible variants exist whose nature and variety calls for a concerted analysis using the tools of computational fluid dynamics in synergy with dimensional arguments and existing theories on the effect of periodic accelerations on fluid systems. A possible categorization of the observed phenomena is introduced according to the type and scale of ‘defects’ displayed by the emerging particle aggregates with respect to unperturbed (vibration-less) conditions. It is shown that the resulting degree of ‘turbulence’ depends essentially on the direction $(\phi )$, amplitude $(\gamma )$ and frequency $(\varpi )$ of the applied inertial disturbance. A range of amplitudes and frequencies exist where the formation of recognizable particle structures is prevented. A quantitative map (in the $\gamma \text{{\ndash}} \varpi $ plane) for their occurrence is derived with the express intent of supporting the optimization of future experiments to be performed in space.
Growth rate of a shocked mixing layer with known initial perturbations
Authors: Weber Christopher R. , Cook Andrew W. , Bonazza Riccardo
Published: June 2013

We derive a growth-rate model for the Richtmyer–Meshkov mixing layer, given arbitrary but known initial conditions. The initial growth rate is determined by the net mass flux through the centre plane of the perturbed interface immediately after shock passage. The net mass flux is determined by the correlation between the post-shock density and streamwise velocity. The post-shock density field is computed from the known initial perturbations and the shock jump conditions. The streamwise velocity is computed via Biot–Savart integration of the vorticity field. The vorticity deposited by the shock is obtained from the baroclinic torque with an impulsive acceleration. Using the initial growth rate and characteristic perturbation wavelength as scaling factors, the model collapses the growth-rate curves and, in most cases, predicts the peak growth rate over a range of Mach numbers ($1. 1\leq {M}_{i} \leq 1. 9$), Atwood numbers ($- 0. 73\leq A\leq - 0. 35$ and $0. 22\leq A\leq 0. 73$), adiabatic indices ($1. 40/ 1. 67\leq {\gamma }_{1} / {\gamma }_{2} \leq 1. 67/ 1. 09$) and narrow-band perturbation spectra. The mixing layer at late times exhibits a power-law growth with an average exponent of $\theta = 0. 24$.
Glutamate supplementation is associated with improved glucose metabolism following carbohydrate ingestion in healthy males
Authors: Di Sebastiano Katie M. , Bell Kirsten E. , Barnes Tyler , Weeraratne Anushka , Premji Tahira , Mourtzakis Marina
Published: June 2013

Glutamate is linked to the glycolytic process, particularly when co-ingested with carbohydrate, but its effects on glucose metabolism are poorly characterised. The present study aimed to (1) specifically examine the effects of carbohydrate administration on circulating glutamate concentrations and (2) investigate the effect of increased glutamate availability, independent of carbohydrate ingestion, on glucose metabolism. A total of nine participants underwent four trials: (1) glutamate supplement+carbohydrate drink (GLU+CHO); (2) glutamate supplement+placebo drink (GLU); (3) placebo supplement+carbohydrate drink (CHO); (4) placebo supplement+placebo drink (CON). Following a fasting blood sample, participants ingested monosodium l-glutamate (MSG; 150 mg/kg body weight) or placebo capsules at each trial followed by a 75 g carbohydrate or a non-energy placebo drink 30 min later. Blood samples were taken at 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 75, 90, 105 and 120 min. Plasma glutamate concentrations were significantly elevated relative to baseline during the GLU (approximately 10-fold) and GLU+CHO trials (approximately 6-fold). The glucose response to a carbohydrate load was blunted when glutamate was increased in the circulation (peak serum glucose: 5·50 (se 0·54) mmol/l during the GLU+CHO trial v. 7·69 (se 0·53) mmol/l during the CHO trial, P< 0·05). On average, c-peptide results revealed that insulin secretion did not differ between the GLU+CHO and CHO trials; however, four participants demonstrated increased insulin secretion during the GLU+CHO trial and five participants demonstrated decreased insulin secretion under the same conditions. In conclusion, when administration is staggered, MSG and carbohydrate supplementation can be used to manipulate plasma glutamate; however, future studies should control for this dichotomous insulin response.
Transnational Unemployment Insurance: The Inclusion and Exclusion of Foreign Workers in Labour Unions’ Unemployment Insurance Funds in the Netherlands (c.1900–1940)
Authors: Hoogenboom Marcel
Published: June 2013

In the early twentieth century, like many of their European counterparts, labour unions in the Netherlands established mutual unemployment insurance funds for their members. Various funds made agreements with labour unions in a number of European countries to recognize each other's insurance schemes, enabling union members to work in the Netherlands without losing their entitlement to benefits accumulated in their home countries, and vice versa. Whereas up until the 1930s some of the alliances between Dutch and foreign funds had flourished, in the 1930s the number of non-Dutch workers in the Netherlands making use of such agreements decreased drastically. This article analyses those transnational alliances and explores various causes for their demise, concluding that in the 1930s formal regulation of foreign labour by the Dutch government substantially reduced the number of potential foreign members of insurance funds while government interference in unemployment insurance abroad, and especially in Germany, made the transnational agreements effectively void.
Physical characteristics of commercial and home-made nasal lavage solutions
Authors: Lilic N , Waldvogel-Thurlow S , Douglas R G
Published: June 2013

Introduction:

Nasal saline lavage forms a cornerstone of chronic rhinosinusitis management. A number of saline lavage recipes and products are currently available but little is known of their relative physical characteristics.

Aims:

To determine the osmolarity and pH of nasal lavage solutions, both commercial preparations and home-made recipes, and to determine the reproducibility of saline solution preparation.

Methods:

Five home-made recipes and two commercial products were prepared in triplicate and analysed. Eight consecutive clinic patients prepared a commercial product and 11 prepared a home-made recipe, and the osmolarity and pH were measured.

Results:

The osmolarity of the solutions varied widely, from 140 to 788 mmol/l and the pH varied from 7.88 to 8.50. The commercial and home-made solutions had similar reproducibility when prepared by patients.

Conclusion:

Some recipes were markedly hypo-osmolar and some were hyper-osmolar. All were slightly alkaline. The home-made recipes had similar physical characteristics and reproducibility to commercial preparations.
Modified Lothrop procedure in cystic fibrosis patients: does it have a role?
Authors: Jaberoo M-C , Pulido M-A , Saleh H A
Published: June 2013

Background:

The management of frontal sinus disease in cystic fibrosis patients represents a challenge for many surgeons. Procedures can vary from the minimally invasive to those involving extensive open surgery.

Objective:

This study describes the outcomes of the endoscopic modified Lothrop procedure, in terms of safety and morbidity, for cystic fibrosis patients with frontal sinus disease who did not improve following traditional functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

Method and results:

The study setting was a tertiary referral unit in a London teaching hospital, the largest national base for adult cystic fibrosis patients. Two patients diagnosed in childhood with cystic fibrosis presented with histories of recurrent, severe frontal sinusitis; both had previously undergone multiple endoscopic sinus surgical procedures. The modified Lothrop procedure was performed on both patients. The outcome measures were symptom resolution and post-operative complications.

Conclusion:

The endoscopic modified Lothrop procedure was beneficial in the cystic fibrosis patients with frontal sinus disease who failed to respond to standard functional endoscopic sinus surgery procedures.
Current status of the genetics and molecular taxonomy ofEchinococcusspecies
Authors: McMANUS D. P.
Published: June 2013

The taxonomy ofEchinococcushas long been controversial. Based mainly on differences in morphology and host-parasite specificity characteristics, 16 species and 13 subspecies were originally described. Subsequently, most of these taxa were regarded as synonyms forEchinococcus granulosusand only 4 valid species were recognised:E. granulosus;E. multilocularis;E. oligarthrusandE. vogeli. But, over the past 50 years, laboratory and field observations have revealed considerable phenotypic variability between isolates ofEchinococcus, particularly those ofE. granulosus, which include differences in: morphology in both larval and adult stages, developmentin vitroandin vivo, host infectivity and specificity, chemical composition, metabolism, proteins and enzymes, pathogenicity and antigenicity. The application of molecular tools has revealed differences in nucleic acid sequences that reflect this phenotypic variation and the genetic and phenotypic characteristics complement the previous observations made by the descriptive parasitologists many years ago. The fact that some of these variants or strains are poorly or not infective to humans has resulted in a reappraisal of the public health significance ofEchinococcusin areas where such variants occur. A revised taxonomy for species in theEchinococcusgenus has been proposed that is generally accepted, and is based on the new molecular data and the biological and epidemiological characteristics of host-adapted species and strains.
The Poetics of Naevius' ‘Epitaph’ and the History of Latin Poetry
Authors: Krostenko Brian A.
Published: June 2013

An analysis of the formal features of the ‘epitaph’ of the poet Naevius reveals the handiwork of a later author who admired the older style of poetry represented by Naevius and used the allusive features of that style to reflect on the changing character of Latin poetics and its relationship to Hellenism. The very poetics of the epigram reveal a thoughtful attempt to admit Hellenic affect without sacrificing Roman sensibilities. Especially important is the relationship between divine and mortal and the proper hierarchy of the social world. The epigram is, in short, one literary reflection of the cultural and social struggles of the mid-second centuryb.c.