bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk factors associated with abnormal glucose tolerance in the early postpartum period among Japanese women with gestational diabetes
Authors: Kugishima Yukari , Yasuhi Ichiro , Yamashita Hiroshi , Fukuda Masashi , Kuzume Akiko , Sugimi So , Umezaki Yasushi , Suga Sachie , Kusuda Nobuko
Published: December 2014

Objective

To identify the risk factors associated with abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT) on the first postpartum oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) among Japanese women with gestational diabetes (GDM).

Methods

In a retrospective study, data were analyzed from women with GDM who underwent their first postpartum OGTT 6–8 weeks post partum at a center in Omura, Japan, between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2011. Women with diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance were deemed to have postpartum AGT. The association between postpartum AGT and various risk factors was analyzed.

Results

Among 169 women who underwent a postpartum OGTT, 58 (34.3%) had AGT. The significant risk factors associated with postpartum AGT in univariate analysis were pre‐pregnancy body mass index (P = 0.096), 1‐hour plasma glucose (P = 0.006), hemoglobin A1c (P < 0.001), insulinogenic index (P = 0.05), an insulinogenic index of less than 0.4 (P = 0.006), and insulin therapy during pregnancy (P < 0.001). Independent risk factors identified by multivariate logistic regression models were insulinogenic index (odds ratio [OR] 0.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.01–0.74; P = 0.002), an insulinogenic index of less than 0.4 (OR 5.70, 95% CI 1.69–21.66; P = 0.005), and insulin therapy during pregnancy (OR 3.43, 95% CI 1.03–12.55; P = 0.044).

Conclusion

Among Japanese women with GDM, a lower insulinogenic index and use of insulin therapy during pregnancy are associated with early postpartum AGT.
Gyrotaxis in uniform vorticity
Authors: Pedley T. J.
Published: December 2014

Analysis of bioconvection in dilute suspensions of bottom-heavy but randomly swimming micro-organisms is commonly based on a model introduced in 1990. This couples the Navier–Stokes equations, the cell conservation equation and the Fokker–Planck equation (FPE) for the probability density function for a cell’s swimming direction$\boldsymbol{p}$, which balances rotational diffusion against viscous and gravitational torques. The results have shown qualitative agreement with observation, but the model has not been subjected to direct quantitative testing in a controlled experiment. Here, we consider a simple configuration in which the suspension is contained in a circular cylinder of radius$R$, which rotates at angular velocity${\rm\Omega}$about a horizontal axis. We solve the FPE and calculate the cells’ mean swimming velocity, which proves to be horizontal when$B{\rm\Omega}\gg 1$, where$B$is the gyrotactic reorientation time scale. Then we compute the cell concentration distribution, which is non-uniform only in a thin boundary layer near the cylinder wall when${\it\beta}^{2}={\rm\Omega}R^{2}/D\gg 1$, where$D$is the cells’ translational diffusivity. The fact that cells are denser than water means that this concentration distribution drives a perturbation to the underlying solid-body rotational flow which can be calculated analytically. The predictions of the theory are evaluated in terms of a proposed experimental realisation of the configuration, using suspensions of the algaChlamydomonas nivalisorChlamydomonas reinhardtiior the algal colonyVolvox.
Figurative and non-figurative motion in the expression of result in English
Authors: RUIZ DE MENDOZA-IBÁÑEZ FRANCISCO , LUZONDO-OYÓN ALBA
Published: December 2014

abstract

This paper investigates the role played by motion in the conceptualization of result in the English resultative and caused-motion constructions. We argue that there is a strong preference for the figurative use of caused motion to express a state change when the affected entity experiences a complete transformation. However, if the affected entity acquires a new property but retains its essence, an adjectival phrase is preferred. Another category encompasses figuratively exploited resultatives that formally employ the caused-motion construction, but semantically do not codify the same kind of change. The paper also discusses the motivating role of the metaphor A CHANGE OF STATE IS A CHANGE OF LOCATION to express result, and proposes the additional activity of other high-level metaphors and metonymies.
Long-chainn-3 PUFA supplementation decreases physical activity during class time in iron-deficient South African school children
Authors: Smuts Cornelius M. , Greeff Jani , Kvalsvig Jane , Zimmermann Michael B. , Baumgartner Jeannine
Published: December 2014

Both Fe deficiency and poorn-3 fatty acid status have been associated with behavioural changes in children. In the present study, we investigated the effects of Fe and DHA+EPA supplementation, alone or in combination, on physical activity during school days and on teacher-rated behaviour in healthy Fe-deficient school children. In a 2 × 2 factorial design, children (n98, 6–11 years) were randomly assigned to receive (1) Fe (50 mg) plus DHA (420 mg)+EPA (80 mg), (2) Fe plus placebo, (3) placebo plus DHA+EPA or (4) placebo plus placebo as oral supplements (4 d/week) for 8·5 months. Physical activity was measured during four school days at baseline and endpoint using accelerometers, and data were stratified into morning class time (08.00–10.29 hours), break time (10.30–11.00 hours) and after-break class time (11.01–12.00 hours) for analysis. Classroom behaviour was assessed at endpoint using Conners’ Teacher Rating Scales. DHA+EPA supplementation decreased physical activity counts during morning class time, increased sedentary physical activity, and decreased light- and moderate-intensity physical activities. Consistently, DHA+EPA supplementation increased sedentary physical activity and decreased light-intensity physical activity during after-break class time. Even though there were no treatment effects found on teacher-rated behaviour, lower physical activity during morning class time was associated with lower levels of teacher-rated hyperactivity and oppositional behaviour at endpoint. Despite a positive association between Fe status and physical activity during break time at baseline, Fe supplementation did not affect physical activity during break time and class time. Our findings suggest that DHA+EPA supplementation may decrease physical activity levels during class time, and further indicate that accelerometry might be a useful tool to assess classroom behaviour in healthy children.
Difficult button battery ear foreign body removal: the magnetic solution
Authors: Nivatvongs W , Ghabour M , Dhanasekar G
Published: December 2014

Background:

Removing a button battery from the ear can be a tricky and challenging procedure.

Method and Results:

We describe the innovative use of a magnetic telescopic rod to successfully remove a button battery from the ear canal of a nine-year-old boy.

Conclusion:

We propose that this equipment should be available in ENT clinics and operating theatres to be used for removing foreign bodies made from ferrous materials.
The Art of the Possible: Power Sharing and Post—Civil War Democracy
Authors: Hartzell Caroline A. , Hoddie Matthew
Published: December 2014

Although there is now a wealth of scholarship concerning the onset, duration, and termination of civil wars, there is not nearly as much empirical research by political scientists on the potential for postconflict democratization in countries that have been the site of civil wars. This relative scholarly neglect of post–civil war democratization stands in contrast to the efforts and resources that other actors—foreign ministries, international and nongovernmental organizations, and members of civil society—have invested in attempting to help construct democracy in postconflict states such as Indonesia, Liberia, and Uganda.
The Logic of Party Collusion in a Democracy: Evidence from Mali
Authors: Gottlieb Jessica
Published: December 2014

A credible opposition is necessary for democratic accountability. However, in a multiparty democracy, a credible opposition may fail to emerge when it is in the strategic interest of political parties to collude rather than compete, effectively extinguishing all credible opposition. The author argues that illicit collusion among parties on a representative council is more likely when all viable parties win seats and are thus able to enter into a self-binding commitment to jointly engage in misconduct without risk of exposure. Conversely, when at least one party fails to win representation on the council, there is a credible opposition with the incentive and ability to threaten exposure of rent seeking among council members. The theory is tested using a regression discontinuity design where the electoral threshold to win a single seat is, within a narrow band, an exogenous determinant of whether or not there is an out-party or credible opposition. Exploiting the fact that Mali's decentralization produces within-country variation in both electoral and governance outcomes, the author uses data from commune council elections alongside local-level public goods provision as a measure of rent seeking. Poorer public goods provision is indeed more likely when all political parties in a district win seats on the council. To show that collusion is the mechanism driving this relationship, the author tests several observable implications in the data and uses qualitative evidence as illustration. This examination of when it is in the strategic interest of parties to engage in uncompetitive behavior contributes to the literature on when elections fail to produce democratic accountability.
Open Trade, Closed Borders Immigration in the Era of Globalization
Authors: Peters Margaret E.
Published: December 2014

What explains variation in immigration policy, especially policy regulating low-skill workers? A common argument invokes prejudice against foreigners as an explanation for why nations close their economies to immigrants. This prejudice has been ubiquitous throughout history even as immigration policies changed. Social theories of this sort may be descriptively true but are not helpful in predicting variation in policy. Other scholars have turned to the role that native labor plays in protecting its interests against immigration, but they have not explained why labor is able to restrict immigration when it has not been able to restrict trade, even though open trade has wreaked as much, if not more, havoc on labor. A third group of scholars focuses on states' concerns about the fiscal costs of immigrants as an explanation for the changes in policy over time. While fiscal costs are likely to play a role, this argument cannot explain exclusion prior to the creation of the modern welfare state in the early twentieth century. Finally, a fourth group of scholars has examined the power of immigrants themselves. While immigrants clearly affect immigration policy in democracies, they have never been a sufficiently large plurality of the polity to be able to change policy on their own, and they have less voice in autocracies where they can more easily be deported.
Rapid extraction of invertebrates from tropical forest litter using modified Winkler apparatus
Authors: Semenina Eugenia E. , Anichkin Alexander E. , Shilenkova Oksana L. , Ermilov Sergey G. , Tiunov Alexei V.
Published: December 2014

The Winkler extractor is widely used for collecting both micro- and macrofauna from large samples of forest litter, but the long period of extraction that it demands and that allows continuous feeding and reproduction of target organisms is a serious drawback when samples are collected for subsequent stable isotope analysis. This problem is exacerbated in a humid tropical climate. In this study, we assessed the effectiveness of the modified Winkler apparatus equipped with heating plates placed inside each mesh bag. The study was performed at the end of the wet season in a mature forest and young forest plantation at Cat Tien National Park, southern Vietnam. The heating plates increased the temperature within the extractors by about 8ºC and accelerated the desiccation of litter in the mesh bags. The extraction speed of macrofauna from the forest litter was strongly increased and the number of mites collected nearly doubled in the modified extractors, though the extraction rates of collembolans were not affected significantly. Overall, our results suggest that the application of heating plates accelerates the extraction process while yielding large quantities of litter-dwelling animals.
Mock theta functions and weakly holomorphic modular forms modulo 2 and 3
Authors: AHLGREN SCOTT , KIM BYUNGCHAN
Published: December 2014

We prove that the coefficients of the mock theta functions

\begin{eqnarray*}
f(q) = \sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{ q^{n^2}}{(1+q)^2 (1+q^2)^2 \cdots (1+q^n)^2 }
\end{eqnarray*}

and

\begin{eqnarray*}
\omega(q)=1+\sum_{n=1}^\infty \frac{q^{2n^2+2n}}{(1+q)^2(1+q^3)^2\cdots (1+q^{2n+1})^2}
\end{eqnarray*}

possess no linear congruences modulo 3. We prove similar results for the moduli 2 and 3 for a wide class of weakly holomorphic modular forms and discuss applications. This extends work of Radu on the behavior of the ordinary partition function.
Mothers’ restrictive eating and food neophobia and fathers’ dietary quality are associated with breast-feeding duration and introduction of solid foods: the STEPS study
Authors: Vaarno Jenni , Niinikoski Harri , Kaljonen Anne , Aromaa Minna , Lagström Hanna
Published: December 2014

Objective

The purpose of the present study was to examine the association between parental eating behaviours and dietary patterns and feeding practices of infants and young children.

Design

Data on infant-feeding practices were collected from each infant’s birth via parentally self-administered follow-up diaries. Three questionnaires, the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, the Food Neophobia Scale and the Index of Diet Quality, were administered when the children were aged 4 and 13 months.

Setting

South-western Finland.

Subjects

Families participating in the STEPS longitudinal cohort study (n1797).

Results

Mean duration of exclusive breast-feeding was 2·4 months and total duration of breast-feeding averaged 8·1 months. The first solid food was introduced into children’s diets at the age of 3·9 months, on average. Mothers with highly restrictive eating were more likely to introduce solid foods sooner than mothers who ranked lower in these behaviours (3·8 monthsv.4·0 months,P=0·012). Neophobic mothers breast-fed exclusively (2·0v. 2·6 months,P=0·038) and in total (7·2v. 8·5 months,P=0·039) for shorter times than average mothers, even after adjusting for various demographic characteristics. Fathers’ diet quality was associated with total breast-feeding duration and with introduction of complementary foods in unadjusted analyses and with total breast-feeding duration also after adjusting for confounding factors.

Conclusions

Mothers’ and fathers’ eating patterns and practices are associated with the feeding practices of infants and young children. Health promotion interventions seeking to improve parents’ eating patterns might lead to more favourable feeding practices for infants and young children.
Policy outcomes of applying different nutrient profiling systems in recreational sports settings: the case for national harmonization in Canada
Authors: Olstad Dana Lee , Poirier Kelly , Naylor Patti-Jean , Shearer Cindy , Kirk Sara FL
Published: December 2014

Objective

To assess agreement among three nutrient profiling systems used to evaluate the healthfulness of vending machine products in recreation and sport settings in three Canadian provinces. We also assessed whether the nutritional profile of vending machine items in recreation and sport facilities that were adhering to nutrition guidelines (implementers) was superior to that of facilities that were not (non-implementers).

Design

Trained research assistants audited the contents of vending machines. Three provincial nutrient profiling systems were used to classify items into each province’s most, moderately and least healthy categories. Agreement among systems was assessed using weightedκstatistics. ANOVA assessed whether the average nutritional profile of vending machine items differed according to province and guideline implementation status.

Setting

Eighteen recreation and sport facilities in three Canadian provinces. One-half of facilities were implementing nutrition guidelines.

Subjects

Snacks (n531) and beverages (n618) within thirty-six vending machines were audited.

Results

Overall, the systems agreed that the majority of items belonged within their respective least healthy categories (66–69 %) and that few belonged within their most healthy categories (14–22 %). Agreement among profiling systems was moderate to good, withκwvalues ranging from 0·49 to 0·69. Implementers offered fewer of the least healthy items (P<0·05) and these items had a better nutritional profile compared with items in non-implementing facilities.

Conclusions

The policy outcomes of the three systems are likely to be similar, suggesting there may be scope to harmonize nutrient profiling systems at a national level to avoid unnecessary duplication and support food reformulation by industry.
Use of an Automated SEM to Detect Laboratory Contamination
Authors: Lindstrom A.P. , Ritchie N.W. , Newbury D.E.
Published: December 2014

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, August 4 – August 8, 2013.
Real-time earthquake monitoring using a search engine method
Authors: Zhang Jie , Zhang Haijiang , Chen Enhong , Zheng Yi , Kuang Wenhuan , Zhang Xiong
Published: December 2014

When an earthquake occurs, seismologists want to use recorded seismograms to infer its location, magnitude and source-focal mechanism as quickly as possible. If such information could be determined immediately, timely evacuations and emergency actions could be undertaken to mitigate earthquake damage. Current advanced methods can report the initial location and magnitude of an earthquake within a few seconds, but estimating the source-focal mechanism may require minutes to hours. Here we present an earthquake search engine, similar to a web search engine, that we developed by applying a computer fast search method to a large seismogram database to find waveforms that best fit the input data. Our method is several thousand times faster than an exact search. For an Mw 5.9 earthquake on 8 March 2012 in Xinjiang, China, the search engine can infer the earthquake’s parameters in <1 s after receiving the long-period surface wave data.
Acidically oxidized carbon cloth: a novel metal-free oxygen evolution electrode with high catalytic activity
Authors: Cheng Ningyan , Liu Qian , Tian Jingqi , Xue Yurui , Asiri Abdullah M. , Jiang Hongfang , He Yuquan , Sun Xuping
Published: December 2014

Acidic treatment of carbon cloth (CC) leads to oxidized CC (OCC) which serves as an efficient metal-free oxygen evolution electrode.
Thiophene-fused bowl-shaped polycyclic aromatics with a dibenzo[a,g]corannulene core for organic field-effect transistors
Authors: Lu Ru-Qiang , Zhou Yi-Nyu , Yan Xiao-Yun , Shi Ke , Zheng Yu-Qing , Luo Ming , Wang Xin-Chang , Pei Jian , Xia Haiping , Zoppi Laura , Baldridge Kim K. , Siegel Jay S. , Cao Xiao-Yu
Published: December 2014

Electron-rich thiophene units were fused into the skeleton of corannulene to extend π-surfaces and tune arrangement in a single crystal.
Carbon nanoscroll from C4H/C4F-type graphene superlattice: MD and MM simulation insights
Authors: Liu Zilong , Xue Qingzhong , Tao Yehan , Li Xiaofang , Wu Tiantian , Jin Yakang , Zhang Zhongyang
Published: December 2014

Carbon nanoscrolls from a C4H/C4F-type graphene superlattice.
The ab initio study of laser cooling of BBr and BCl
Authors: Yang Rong , Gao Yufeng , Tang Bin , Gao Tao
Published: December 2014

Ourab initiocalculations demonstrate the possibility of laser cooling of BBr and BCl.
Chemical probes for molecular imaging and detection of hydrogen sulfide and reactive sulfur species in biological systems
Authors: Lin Vivian S. , Chen Wei , Xian Ming , Chang Christopher J.
Published: December 2014

This review highlights progress in the development of molecular probes for live cell imaging of hydrogen sulfide and other reactive sulfur species, including sulfite, bisulfite, sulfane sulfur species, and S-nitrosothiols.
Electronic structures and theoretical modelling of two-dimensional group-VIB transition metal dichalcogenides
Authors: Liu Gui-Bin , Xiao Di , Yao Yugui , Xu Xiaodong , Yao Wang
Published: December 2014

Two-dimensional group-VIB transition metal dichalcogenides have extraordinary properties originating from their complex electronic structures.
Structural diversities and related properties of four coordination polymers synthesized from original ligand of 3,3′,5,5′-azobenzenetetracarboxylic acid
Authors: Fan Liming , Fan Weiliu , Li Bin , Liu Xinzheng , Zhao Xian , Zhang Xiutang
Published: December 2014

Four CPs, derived from the original 3,3′,5,5′-azobenzenetetracarboxylic acid ligand were obtained under solvothermal conditions.
Anatase TiO2 based photoelectrochemical sensor for the sensitive determination of dopamine under visible light irradiation
Authors: Gao Picheng , Ma Hongmin , Yang Jiaojiao , Wu Dan , Zhang Yong , Du Bin , Fan Dawei , Wei Qin
Published: December 2014

The sensitive photoelectrochemical determination of dopamine was achieved using an indium tin oxide electrode modified with TiO2 nanoparticles.
Highly regioselective Pd/C-catalyzed direct arylation toward thiophene-based π-conjugated polymers
Authors: Hayashi Shotaro , Kojima Yoshihisa , Koizumi Toshio
Published: December 2014

We have successfully developed an efficient and regioselective direct arylation polycondensation of thiophenes using Pd/C heterogeneous catalysts.
Pyrrolophthalazine dione (PPD)-based donor–acceptor polymers as high performance electrochromic materials
Authors: Ye Qun , Neo Wei Teng , Lin Tingting , Song Jing , Yan Hong , Zhou Hui , Shah Kwok Wei , Chua Soo Jin , Xu Jianwei
Published: December 2014

Novel solution-processable pyrrolophthalazine dione-containing electrochromic conjugated polymers with high optical contrast, high coloration efficiency, and good long-term stability were reported.
Size-selected boron nitride nanosheets as oxygen-atom corrosion resistant fillers
Authors: Yi Min , Shen Zhigang , Liu Lei , Liang Shuaishuai
Published: December 2014

Boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) as fillers in polymeric composites significantly enhance the oxygen-atom corrosion resistance due to the bonding and barrier effects.
Facile preparation of a highly sensitive nonenzymatic glucose sensor based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes decorated with electrodeposited metals
Authors: Lin Kuo Chiang , Hung Yu Tsung , Chen Shen Ming
Published: December 2014

Preparation of Ni/CuAg/MWCNT hybrid composite modified electrode: (a) bare, (b) MWCNT, (c) CuAg/MWCNT, and (d) Ni/CuAg/MWCNT modified electrodes.
Enhanced catalytic properties of rhodium nanoparticles deposited on chemically modified SiO2 for hydrogenation of nitrile butadiene rubber
Authors: Cao Peng , Ni Yanqiang , Zou Rui , Zhang Liqun , Yue Dongmei
Published: December 2014

Rh NPs deposited on chemical modified SiO2 is an effective, selective and recyclable catalyst for hydrogenation of nitrile butadiene rubber.
Effect of riboflavin concentration on the development of photo-cross-linked amniotic membranes for cultivation of limbal epithelial cells
Authors: Lai Jui-Yang , Luo Li-Jyuan
Published: December 2014

Riboflavin concentration is critical to tailor the cross-linking degree of the collagen network and thus the nanostructure of photo-cross-linked amniotic membrane for cultivation of limbal stem cells.
Iron(iii) bromide catalyzed bromination of 2-tert-butylpyrene and corresponding position-dependent aryl-functionalized pyrene derivatives
Authors: Feng Xing , Hu Jian-Yong , Tomiyasu Hirotsugu , Tao Zhu , Redshaw Carl , Elsegood Mark R. J. , Horsburgh Lynne , Teat Simon J. , Wei Xian-Fu , Yamato Takehiko
Published: December 2014

The present work probes the bromination mechanism of 2-tert-butylpyrene.
Investigating the mechanism of catalytic reduction of silver nitrate on the surface of barium titanate at room temperature: oxygen vacancies play a key role
Authors: Luo Suibin , Yu Shuhui , Fang Fang , Lai Maobai , Sun Rong , Wong Ching-Ping
Published: December 2014

The oxygen vacancies on BaTiO3 surface linked with the hydroxyl oxygen of ethylene glycol and catalyzed the reduction of AgNO3.
Porous reduced graphene oxide wrapped carbon nanotube–manganese dioxide nanocables with enhanced electrochemical capacitive performance
Authors: Kang Yiran , Cai Feng , Chen Hongyuan , Chen Minghai , Zhang Rui , Li Qingwen
Published: December 2014

CNT–MnO2wrapped by porous rGO shows improved electrochemical performance owing to the enhanced conductivity and the convenient ion transportation.
Amine- and blocked isocyanate-terminated polyurethane dendrimers: integrated synthesis, photophysical properties and application in a heat curable system
Authors: Veerapandian S. , Nasar A. Sultan
Published: December 2014

Synthesis of two different functional polyurethane dendrimers in a three step divergent method and their application is described.
Naphthalimide-based fluorescent photoinduced electron transfer sensors for saccharides
Authors: Liu Shanshan , Bai Hongyan , Sun Qian , Zhang Weibing , Qian Junhong
Published: December 2014

A fluorescent probe based on PET mechanism exhibited significant fluorescence enhancement toward saccharides and was used to detect fructose in beverages with good recovery.
A protic ionic liquid catalyzed strategy for selective hydrolytic cleavage of tert-butyloxycarbonyl amine (N-Boc)
Authors: Majumdar Swapan , De Jhinuk , Chakraborty Ankita , Roy Dipanwita , Maiti Dilip K.
Published: December 2014

An efficient strategy for selective hydrolytic cleavage ofN-tert-butyloxycarbonyl (Boc) group is devised using protic ionic liquid as catalyst. The cleavage reaction proceeded well in the presence of many other labile protecting groups.
Stimuli-responsive hybrid materials: breathing in magnetic layered double hydroxides induced by a thermoresponsive molecule
Authors: Abellán Gonzalo , Jordá Jose Luis , Atienzar Pedro , Varela María , Jaafar Miriam , Gómez-Herrero Julio , Zamora Félix , Ribera Antonio , García Hermenegildo , Coronado Eugenio
Published: December 2014

A hybrid magnetic multilayer material consisting of CoAl–LDH ferromagnetic layers intercalated with thermoresponsive molecules diluted with a flexible surfactant has been obtained.
Amorphous 3D nanoflake array-assembled porous 2D cobalt–oxalate coordination polymer thin sheets with excellent pseudocapacitive performance
Authors: Chen Lingyun , Zhang Qing , Xu Hong , Hou Xiaohuan , Xuan Liying , Jiang Yuqian , Yuan Yuan
Published: December 2014

Amorphous 3D nanoflake array-assembled porous 2D cobalt–oxalate coordination polymer thin sheets (CQU-Chen-OA-Co-1-1) with excellent pseudocapacitive performance were reported for the first time.
Molecular mechanism of G-quadruplex unwinding helicase: sequential and repetitive unfolding of G-quadruplex by Pif1 helicase
Authors: Hou Xi-Miao , Wu Wen-Qiang , Duan Xiao-Lei , Liu Na-Nv , Li Hai-Hong , Fu Jing , Dou Shuo-Xing , Li Ming , Xi Xu-Guang
Published: December 2014

Recent advances in G-quadruplex (G4) studies have confirmed that G4 structures exist in living cells and may have detrimental effects on various DNA transactions. How helicases resolve G4, however, has just begun to be studied and remains largely unknown. In the present paper, we use single-molecule fluorescence assays to probe Pif1-catalysed unfolding of G4 in a DNA construct resembling an ongoing synthesis of lagging strand stalled by G4. Strikingly, Pif1 unfolds and then halts at the ss/dsDNA junction, followed by rapid reformation of G4 and ‘acrobatic’ re-initiation of unfolding by the same monomer. Thus, Pif1 unfolds single G4 structures repetitively. Furthermore, it is found that Pif1 unfolds G4 sequentially in two large steps. Our study has revealed that, as a stable intermediate, G-triplex (G3) plays an essential role in this process. The repetitive unfolding activity may facilitate Pif1 disrupting the continuously reforming obstructive G4 structures to rescue a stalled replication fork. The proposed mechanism for step-wise unfolding of G4 is probably applicable to other helicases that resolve G4 structures for maintaining genome stability.
Low-frequency properties of the phonon spectra, and low-temperature thermodynamics of disordered solid solutions
Authors: Gospodarev I. A. , Grishayev V. I. , Eremenko A. V. , Klochko M. S. , Kotlyar A. V. , Manzheliy E. V. , Syrkin E. S. , Feodosyev S. B.
Published: December 2014

This is an analysis of the properties of quasi-local vibrations, and the conditions of the formation thereof, in a realistic model of the crystal lattice on a microscopic scale. The evolution of quasi-local vibrations with an increase in the concentration of impurity atoms, is examined. It is shown that the formation of boson peaks occurs mainly due to the additional dispersion of high-velocity acoustic phonons (connected to the atomic vibrations of the main lattice), caused by the scattering of these phonons by the quasi-local vibrations localized at the impurities. We demonstrate a connection between the boson peaks in disordered systems, and the first van Hove singularity, in regular crystal structures. We analyze the manifestation of quasi-local vibrations and boson peaks, as it relates to the behavior of low-temperature heat capacity, and how it changes with an increasing impurity concentration.
High peak power (≥10 mW) quantum cascade superluminescent emitter
Authors: Aung Nyan L. , Yu Zhouchangwan , Yu Ye , Liu Peter Q. , Wang Xiaojun , Fan Jen-Yu , Troccoli Mariano , Gmachl Claire F.
Published: December 2014

We report room temperature and milliwatt range mid-infrared superluminescent emission at 5 μm from Quantum Cascade (QC) devices. To achieve high power superluminescence, we utilize an ultrastrong coupling QC laser design, and employ a cavity formed by the combination of a 17° tilted cleaved facet and a wet etched rounded and sloped facet to introduce additional mirror loss. For pulsed mode operation, a 8 mm long and 15 μm wide device achieves ∼1.3 mW peak power at 300 K and a 25 μm wide device with Si3N4 anti-reflection coated rounded facet achieves ∼10.2 mW peak optical output power at 250 K.
Scaling laws and deformation mechanisms of nanoporous copper under adiabatic uniaxial strain compression
Authors: Yuan Fuping , Wu Xiaolei
Published: December 2014

A series of large-scale molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to investigate the scaling laws and the related atomistic deformation mechanisms of Cu monocrystal samples containing randomly placed nanovoids under adiabatic uniaxial strain compression. At onset of yielding, plastic deformation is accommodated by dislocations emitted from void surfaces as shear loops. The collapse of voids are observed by continuous emissions of dislocations from void surfaces and their interactions with further plastic deformation. The simulation results also suggest that the effect modulus, the yield stress and the energy aborption density of samples under uniaxial strain are linearly proportional to the relative density ρ. Moreover, the yield stress, the average flow stress and the energy aborption density of samples with the same relative density show a strong dependence on the void diameter d, expressed by exponential relations with decay coefficients much higher than -1/2. The corresponding atomistic mechanisms for scaling laws of the relative density and the void diameter were also presented. The present results should provide insights for understanding deformation mechanisms of nanoporous metals under extreme conditions.
Research on influences of contact force in chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process
Authors: Han Lei , Zhao Hongwei , Zhang Qixun , Jin Mingjun , Zhang Lin , Zhang Peng
Published: December 2014

A series of simulations of chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) were conducted to investigate the contact force between abrasive particles and specimens by using the finite element method (FEM). In this paper, a micro-contact model, which only involves the mechanical interactions, was set up to simulate the polishing process by changing the processing parameters, including the downward pressure, abrasive size, and polishing speed. Simulation results show that the contact force becomes larger when the downward pressure increases. In addition, when the downward pressure and abrasive size increase, the fluctuation of the contact force becomes large, whereas it declines with decreases in the polishing speed. In addition, corresponding CMP experiments were done to investigate the material removal rate (MRR) and polished average roughness (Ra) under different simulation conditions. Through the establishment of the contact force properties in the simulation and the MRR and Ra in the CMP experiment, qualitative research has been done on the relationship between the contact force in the simulation and experimental results. Experimental results indicate that the MRR and surface roughness are influenced by the contact force. A high MRR can be obtained by a large contact force and dramatic fluctuations can lead to poor surface-finish quality. The investigation contributes to obtaining higher polishing efficiency and lower surface roughness through optimization of the polishing parameters.
Effect of supplementation with saponins from Yucca schidigera on ruminal methane production by Pelibuey sheep fed Pennisetum purpureum grass
Authors: Canul-Solis J. R. , Piñeiro-Vázquez A. T. , Briceño-Poot E. G. , Chay-Canul A. J. , Alayón-Gamboa J. A. , Ayala-Burgos A. J. , Aguilar-Pérez C. F. , Solorio-Sánchez F. J. , Castelán-Ortega O. A. , Ku-Vera J. C.
Published: December 2014

The aim of the work was to determine the effect of increasing concentrations of saponins from Yucca schidigera in the diet on voluntary intake, rumen fermentation and methane (CH4) production in Pelibuey sheep fed a tropical grass Pennisetum purpureum. Five male sheep (32.2 ± 1.1 kg liveweight) were fed chopped P. purpureum grass in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. Sheep were supplemented with 0.0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5 or 6.0 g per day of saponins from Y. schidigera mixed with ground corn, before the grass was offered. Feed intake, feed refusal and total faecal output were recorded for 20 days of the adaptation period and 5 days of the experimental period. Apparent digestibility of dry matter (DMD), organic matter (OMD), neutral detergent fibre (NDFD) and acid detergent fibre (ADFD) were determined. Ruminal methane emission was estimated using stoichiometric balance and the molar proportion of volatile fatty acids was determined by gas chromatography. Voluntary intake, DMD, OMD, NDFD, ADFD, volatile fatty acids and CH4 emission were not affected (P > 0.05) by increasing inclusion levels of saponins in the ration of sheep. Nonetheless, CH4 production increased as the voluntary intake of NDF augmented. Addition of 6 g of saponins per day as a supplement to Pelibuey sheep fed a tropical grass did not affect voluntary intake and digestibility of DM, OM, NDF and ADF, or ruminal methane production.
Effect of cold exposure on plasma glucose and acetate turnover rates in sheep
Authors: Al-Mamun M. , Sako Y. , Sano H.
Published: December 2014

Isotopic dilution methodology of [U-13C]glucose and [1-13C]Na-acetate were performed simultaneously as primed continuous infusions to determine plasma glucose and acetate metabolism in sheep during thermoneutral (TN) and cold exposure (CE, 2−4°C). The experiment was performed using crossbred (Corriedale × Suffolk) sheep (n = 5; 3 male and 2 female; ~2 years old, 38 ± 2.5 kg of initial bodyweight). The animals were offered mixed hay of orchardgrass and reed canarygrass (40 : 60) 62 g/kg0.75/day with ad libitum water access. Concentration of plasma glucose was determined enzymatically using the glucose oxidase method. Plasma concentration of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and glucose were higher (P = 0.01 and P = 0.05 respectively) during CE than TN. Plasma concentration and the turnover rate of acetate were numerically higher (P = 0.09 and P = 0.25 respectively) during CE than during TN. Plasma glucose turnover rate was higher (P = 0.02) during CE than TN. The present findings suggested that plasma acetate turnover rate tended to be elevated during CE, with further more extensive studies required to clarify the significance.
Genetic tools to improve reproduction traits in dairy cattle
Authors: Capitan A. , Michot P. , Baur A. , Saintilan R. , Hozé C. , Valour D. , Guillaume F. , Boichon D. , Barbat A. , Boichard D. , Schibler L. , Fritz S.
Published: December 2014

Fertility is a major concern in the dairy cattle industry and has been the subject of numerous studies over the past 20 years. Surprisingly, most of these studies focused on rough female phenotypes and, despite their important role in reproductive success, male- and embryo-related traits have been poorly investigated. In recent years, the rapid and important evolution of technologies in genetic research has led to the development of genomic selection. The generalisation of this method in combination with the achievements of the AI industry have led to the constitution of large databases of genotyping and sequencing data, as well as refined phenotypes and pedigree records. These resources offer unprecedented opportunities in terms of fundamental and applied research. Here we present five such examples with a focus on reproduction-related traits: (1) detection of quantitative trait loci (QTL) for male fertility and semen quality traits; (2) detection of QTL for refined phenotypes associated with female fertility; (3) identification of recessive embryonic lethal mutations by depletion of homozygous haplotypes; (4) identification of recessive embryonic lethal mutations by mining whole-genome sequencing data; and (5) the contribution of high-density single nucleotide polymorphism chips, whole-genome sequencing and imputation to increasing the power of QTL detection methods and to the identification of causal variants.
10 TIMED ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION PROTOCOLS TO SYNCHRONIZATION OF OVULATION IN BOS TAURUS TAURUS SUCKLING BEEF COWS
Authors: Pessoa G. A. , Martini A. P. , Trentin J. M. , Dotto D. R. , Neri H. L. D. , Schreiner D. T. , Zanatta G. M. , Sá Filho M. F. , Rubin M. I. B.
Published: December 2014

The aim of this study was to compare 3 methods for synchronization of ovulation in anestrous beef cows. The hypothesis of this study was to determine whether low doses of hCG has superior efficacy to cypionate to induce ovulation in anestrous cows and provide higher pregnancy rate in oestrus-synchronization programs. Synchronization of ovulation and conception rate to timed AI (TAI) were evaluated in anestrus Bos taurus taurus suckling beef cows 45 ± 15 days postpartum and with body condition score of 2.9 (1 to 5) maintained in a native pastured system in the south of Brazil. Females were evaluated with ultrasound on the Day 0 (D0) of the protocol (Day 0), day 8 (D8), immediately before TAI (D10), and 7 days after TAI (Day 17). All cows were synchronized with an intravaginal progesterone-releasing device (IPRD; 0.75 g of progesterone, Prociclar®, Hertape Calier Animal Health, Juatuba, Brazil) and 2 mg IM of oestradiol benzoate (EB; Benzoato HC®) on D0. On Day 8, the IPRD was removed and 150 μg of D (+) cloprostenol (Veteglan Luteolytic®), and 25 IU IM FSH/LH (Pluset®) were administered. Females of the EC (n = 84) group received 1 mg IM of oestradiol cypionate (EC; Cipionato HC®). Females on D8 of the hCG (n = 81) group received 500 IU IM of hCG (Vetecor®, Hertape Calier) at the time of TAI. The females of the EC + hCG group (n = 83) received both treatments. All cows were submitted to TAI 54 h after withdrawal of IPRD. A part of the cows (n = 102) had the ovulation evaluated every 12 h from the withdrawal of IPRD [EC (n = 34), hCG (n = 34), and hCG + EC (n = 33)]. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS PROC GLIMMIX. The dominant follicle diameter (FD) on Day 8 (8.7 ± 0.2, 8.8 ± 0.2, 8.6 ± 0.2) did not differ between treatments EC, EC + hCG, or hCG (P = 0.79). However, the FD on D10 was higher (P = 0.001) for cows treated with hCG (12.9 ± 0.3) compared with cows from the EC (11.3 ± 0.2) or EC + hCG group (11.8 ± 0.2). The interval (h) between the withdrawal of IPRD and ovulation was lower (P = 0.01) for the hCG group, (71.2 ± 1.7) compared with the groups treated with EC or EC + hCG (76.6 ± 2.18 and 74.2 ± 1.65), respectively. The ovulation rate did not differ (P = 0.61) among the EC (85.2%, 29/34), hCG (91.1%, 31/34), or EC + hCG groups (90.9%, 30/33). Corpus luteum diameter (mm) was higher (P = 0.04) on D17 for the hCG-treated group (21.4 ± 0.3) compared with others treatments (EC = 19.1 ± 0.8 or EC + hCG = 20.4 ± 0.8). However, the plasma progesterone levels on D17 were EC = 2.0 ± 0.1, hCG = 2.4 ± 0.1, and EC + hCG = 2.3 ± 0.1 ng mL–1 (P = 0.19), and the conception rate on the 28th day after TAI (EC = 43.0%; hCG = 47.0%, and EC + hCG = 48.8%; P = 0.76) was also similar. The hCG determined smallest ovulation interval, but similar rates of pregnancy were observed with both treatments.
105 EFFECT OF LYSOPHOSPHATIDIC ACID ON PROSTAGLANDIN PRODUCTION IN THE BOVINE OVIDUCT
Authors: Yoshimoto Y. , Yamamoto Y. , Kobayashi Y. , Woclawek-Potocka I. , Sinderewicz E. , Okuda K.
Published: December 2014

The oviduct is an essential organ for successful pregnancy in mammals. The transport of gametes and early embryos is mainly induced by contraction and relaxation of smooth muscle. The contraction and relaxation of bovine oviductal smooth muscle are induced by prostaglandin (PG) F2α and PGE2, respectively. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a type of phospholipid, is involved in various physiological actions such as promoting inflammation and cellular proliferation in various organs. LPA acts through at least 6 G protein-coupled receptors. Both LPA and LPA receptors are expressed in endometrium and, moreover, LPA affects PG production by the endometrium in cow. Based on the above findings, we hypothesised that LPA is locally involved in PG production by oviductal cells to promote motility of oviductal smooth muscle in cow. Oviductal samples ipsilateral to a corpus luteum or a dominant follicle at peri-ovulation (0–6 and 19–21 days after ovulation) were collected in abattoir. Messenger RNA expression of LPA receptors (LPAR1–6) and LPA-producing enzymes (ATX, PLA1α, PLA1β) was examined in ampullary and isthmic tissues. Expression in cultured epithelial and stromal cells isolated from the bovine oviduct were also examined to determine the cells possessing LPA receptors and LPA-producing enzymes. In addition, the effect of LPA (0.1, 1, 10 μM) on the expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2 (PG-synthesising enzymes) and on PGE2 and PGF2α production by cultured epithelial and stromal cells was investigated. The significant differences (P < 0.05) were determined by Student's t-test for 2 groups, and by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's multiple comparison test for more than 3 groups. LPAR1–6, ATX, PLA1α, and PLA1β were expressed in both ampullary and isthmic tissues as well as in both cultured epithelial and stromal cells. The expression of LPAR1–3 was significantly lower in the isthmic tissues than in the ampullary tissues, whereas the expression of LPAR4–6 was significantly higher in the isthmic tissues than in the ampullary tissues. The expression of COX-2 was significantly stimulated by 10 μM LPA in cultured isthmic stromal cells. In addition, LPA significantly stimulated both PGE2 and PGF2α production by cultured isthmic stromal cells. In the isthmus of the oviduct, LPA produced by epithelial and stromal cells may stimulate the expression of COX-2 in the stromal cells, followed by increased PG production. Because the mRNA expression of LPAR4–6 is higher in the isthmus than in the ampulla, those effects of LPA might be mediated by activation of LPAR4–6. The overall findings suggest that LPA is one of the regulating factors for transport of gametes and early embryos by controlling the motility of smooth muscle in the bovine oviduct.
110 BARLEY SUPPLEMENTATION AT MID-GESTATION IN BROODMARES DOES NOT AFFECT FETAL DEVELOPMENT AND IS ACCOMPANIED BY MINIMAL PLACENTAL ADAPTATIONS
Authors: Robles M. , Peugnet P. , Dubois C. , Wimel L. , Tarrade A. , Chavatte-Palmer P.
Published: December 2014

Modifications of maternal environment could alter fetal growth and development through the placenta and thus health in adulthood. The developmental origins of health and disease suggest that maternal nutrition during pregnancy may affect offspring development and subsequent energy metabolism. To understand the effect of common feeding practices during gestation, 24 saddlebred mares were allocated to 1 of 2 groups: group B was supplemented twice a day with barley (B) and group F was fed only with fodder (F) between month 7 of gestation and foaling. B mares maintained an optimal body condition score through gestation, with an increase in glycaemia and insulinemia after each meal and insulin resistance in month 9 of gestation. F mares lost condition as assessed by body condition score in the last part of gestation, leading to a moderate undernutrition and a transitional increase in nonesterified fatty acid plasma concentrations. Diets had no effect on feto-placental biometry or on placental structure. In contrast, an increase in microcotyledonary vessel volume was observed in F placentas, indicating placental adaptation, possibly to increase fetomaternal exchanges. There was no overall difference in the expression of genes involved in vascularization, nutrient transfer, growth, and development between placentas from B and F mares. Nevertheless, as seen in other species, sex-specific effects of maternal nutrition were observed in placentas from female foals, with differences in the expression of endogline, kinase insert domain receptor, insulin-like growth factor 2 and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor genes. This study demonstrates that breeding practices such as supplementation in concentrate at mid-gestation do not seem to affect fetal development. More work is ongoing to evaluate postnatal health.