bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What Really Divides Northern and Southern Europe?
Authors: TASSINARI FABRIZIO
Published: July 2014

Historically, liberal democracy was born as a means to curb the power of kings and tyrants through mechanisms that would ensure accountability and consent of the governed. A system of checks and balances—two legislative chambers, executive and independent courts—were instituted to ensure power did not become too concentrated.

Today's highly diverse, mass consumer societies, however, have presented another set of challenges. Power is so diffused governance is becoming ineffective. The short‐term mentality of voters and the lobbying of special interests undermine the ability of democracies to focus on the long‐term and the common interest. Because there are more checks than balances, gridlock has supplanted consensus.

In this section, we compare Chinese and Western systems on their ability to deliver good governance. The editors of the Economist magazine put the debate in historical context.
Post‐Party Democracy Can Restore the Rule of the Many Over Money
Authors: BERGGRUEN NICOLAS , GARDELS NATHAN
Published: July 2014

Historically, liberal democracy was born as a means to curb the power of kings and tyrants through mechanisms that would ensure accountability and consent of the governed. A system of checks and balances—two legislative chambers, executive and independent courts—were instituted to ensure power did not become too concentrated.

Today's highly diverse, mass consumer societies, however, have presented another set of challenges. Power is so diffused governance is becoming ineffective. The short‐term mentality of voters and the lobbying of special interests undermine the ability of democracies to focus on the long‐term and the common interest. Because there are more checks than balances, gridlock has supplanted consensus.

In this section, we compare Chinese and Western systems on their ability to deliver good governance. The editors of the Economist magazine put the debate in historical context.
Validation of two models for self‐incompatibility in autotetraploid perennial ryegrass using high resolution melting‐based markers
Authors: Arias Aguirre Andrea , Studer Bruno , Do Canto Javier , Frei Ursula , Lübberstedt Thomas
Published: July 2014

Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) displays a two‐locus gametophytic self‐incompatibility (SI) system that remains intact at the tetraploid level. Two models are plausible for SI in autotetraploids. In Model I: both alleles at the S locus and both at the Z locus in diploid pollen matching the female genotype results in incompatibility. In Model II: only one allele at S and one at Z locus in diploid pollen matching the female results in incompatibility. The goals were to determine which of the models best explains SI in our autotetraploid ryegrass population and to evaluate the efficiency of high‐resolution melting (HRM) genotyping for discriminating different iso‐allelic genotypes. The progeny of a cross between two autotetraploids was characterized with three HRM‐based markers co‐segregating with Z. Segregation ratios were used to make inferences about the mode of action of the SI system. The observed segregation differed significantly (P < 0.001) from the expected under Model I, but not from the expected under Model II (P = 0.463). Thus, Model II explains SI in this population, and HRM is an efficient tool to distinguish different iso‐allelic genotypic classes.
Anti‐Metaphysicalism, Necessity, and Temporal Ontology
Authors: Balaguer Mark
Published: July 2014

This paper argues for a certain kind of anti‐metaphysicalism about the temporal ontology debate, i.e., the debate between presentists and eternalists over the existence of past and future objects. Three different kinds of anti‐metaphysicalism are defined—namely, non‐factualism, physical‐empiricism, and trivialism. The paper argues for the disjunction of these three views. It is then argued that trivialism is false, so that either non‐factualism or physical‐empiricism is true. Finally, the paper ends with a discussion of whether we should endorse non‐factualism or physical‐empiricism. An initial reason is provided for thinking that non‐factualism might be true, but in the end, the paper leaves this question open. The paper also argues against a certain kind of necessitarianism about the temporal ontology debate; but this isn't an extra job—the falsity of this necessitarian view falls out of the other arguments as a sort of corollary.
Household use of insecticide consumer products in a dengue‐endemic area in México
Authors: Loroño‐Pino María Alba , Chan‐Dzul Yamili N. , Zapata‐Gil Rocio , Carrillo‐Solís Claudia , Uitz‐Mena Ana , García‐Rejón Julián E. , Keefe Thomas J. , Beaty Barry J. , Eisen Lars
Published: July 2014

Objectives

To evaluate the household use of insecticide consumer products to kill mosquitoes and other insect pests, as well as the expenditures for using these products, in a dengue‐endemic area of México.

Methods

A questionnaire was administered to 441 households in Mérida City and other communities in Yucatán to assess household use of insecticide consumer products.

Results

A total of 86.6% of surveyed households took action to kill insect pests with consumer products. The most commonly used product types were insecticide aerosol spray cans (73.6%), electric plug‐in insecticide emitters (37.4%) and mosquito coils (28.3%). Mosquitoes were targeted by 89.7% of households using insecticide aerosol spray cans and >99% of households using electric plug‐in insecticide emitters or mosquito coils. Products were used daily or every 2 days in most of the households for insecticide aerosol spray cans (61.4%), electric plug‐in insecticide emitters (76.2%) and mosquito coils (82.1%). For all products used to kill insect pests, the median annual estimated expenditure per household that took action was 408 Mexican pesos ($MXN), which corresponded to approximately 31 $US. These numbers are suggestive of an annual market in excess of 75 million $MXN (>5.7 million $US) for Mérida City alone.

Conclusion

Mosquitoes threaten human health and are major nuisances in homes in the study area in México. Households were found to have taken vigorous action to kill mosquitoes and other insect pests and spent substantial amounts of money on insecticide consumer products.
Imports, Exports and the Firm Product Scope: Evidence From Turkey
Authors: Lo Turco Alessia , Maggioni Daniela
Published: July 2014

By exploiting an original firm‐product level dataset for Turkish manufacturing, ‐way trading on firm product scope and innovation in a multiple treatment setting. Our evidence points at the prominent role of exporting, while no effect is found for importing only. Nonetheless, we corroborate existing evidence on the virtuous nexus between the two international activities and add to the literature by showing that joint firm involvement in exporting and importing fosters product innovation and quality upgrading.
Genetic characterization and genotyping of hepatitis B virus (HBV) isolates from donors with an occult HBV infection
Authors: Chamni N. , Louisirirotchanakul S. , Oota S. , Sakuldamrongpanish T. , Saldanha J. , Chongkolwatana V. , Phikulsod S.
Published: July 2014

Background and Objectives

Screening of Thai blood donors has resulted in the detection of donors with an occult HBV infection (OBI), where HBsAg is undetectable, but hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA is present in serum in low concentrations. This study was designed to determine whether the occurrence of OBI in donors was linked to the HBV genotype and possibly to mutations in the surface (S) and core (C) gene regions.

Materials and Methods

Mutations in the S and C gene regions in 48 Thai donors with OBI were mapped by sequencing. Genotyping was determined with the INNO‐LiPA test and by phylogenetic analysis of sequences from the S and C genes.

Results

The majority of OBI samples were genotype C (81·3%) with 6·3% of samples being genotype B. In addition, two genotype I isolates were identified. Mutations in the S region (100%) were found especially in loop 1 of the major hydrophilic loop (MHL) at positions I110L, T114S, T126I and S113T, whereas mutations in the C region (65%) were within the basal core promoter region (position A1762T/G1764A) and precore region (position G1896A).

Conclusion

The majority of OBI samples were HBV genotype C, although genotype I, which is newly emerging in Thailand, was also detected. The study demonstrated that OBI was probably not associated with a particular HBV genotype or with certain mutations in the S and C gene regions. However, mutations in the C gene region which could potentially impair viral replication and HBsAg production and potentially lead to OBI were identified.
Hyaluronan in wound healing: Rediscovering a major player
Authors: Aya Kessiena L. , Stern Robert
Published: July 2014

Wound healing involves a series of carefully modulated steps, from initial injury and blood clot to the final reconstituted tissue or scar. A dynamic reciprocity exists throughout between the wound, blood elements, extracellular matrix, and cells that participate in healing. Multiple cytokines and signal transduction pathways regulate these reactions. A major component throughout most of the process is hyaluronan, a straight‐chain carbohydrate extracellular matrix polymer. Hyaluronan occurs in multiple forms, chain length being the only distinguishing characteristic between them. Levels of hyaluronan in its high–molecular‐weight form are prominent in the earliest stages of wound repair. Progressively more fragmented forms occur in a manner not previously appreciated. We outline here steps in the wound healing cascade in which hyaluronan participates, as well as providing a review of its metabolism. Although described by necessity in a series of quantum steps, the healing process is constituted by a smooth continuum of overlapping reactions. The prevalence of hyaluronan in the wound (initially termed “hexosamine‐containing mucopolysaccharide”), particularly in its early stages, was pointed out over half a century ago by the Harvard surgeon J. Engelbert Dunphy. It appears we are now returning to where we started.
Molecular phylogeny of Kalyptorhynchia (Rhabdocoela, Platyhelminthes) inferred from ribosomal sequence data
Authors: Tessens Bart , Janssen Toon , Artois Tom
Published: July 2014

With 556 species described to date, Kalyptorhynchia includes about one‐third of all species of rhabdocoel flatworms. In this study, we present the first molecular phylogenetic analysis of this taxon. The final analysis comprises 110 species. These represent 11 of the 17 known families. The largest family (241 known species), Polycystididae, is represented by nine of 10 subfamilies and 33 of the 58 genera. Sequence data from 18S rDNA and 28S rDNA were analysed using maximum likelihood and Bayesian approaches. Of the two taxa traditionally recognised within Kalyptorhynchia, Eukalyptorhynchia and Schizorhynchia, only Schizorhynchia is monophyletic. All eukalyptorhynch families, except Cicerinidae, are monophyletic. On the other hand, two of the three schizorhynch families included are not monophyletic. Within Polycystididae, the traditional taxonomy was not reflected in our phylogenetic analyses and most subfamilies are polyphyletic. These results suggest that current classification, mostly based on characters of the genital system, suffers from homoplasy. Where possible, a revised classification, taking into account these new findings, is given.
Stable maps and stable quotients
Authors: Manolache Cristina
Published: July 2014

We analyze the relationship between two compactifications of the moduli space of maps from curves to a Grassmannian: the Kontsevich moduli space of stable maps and the Marian–Oprea–Pandharipande moduli space of stable quotients. We construct a moduli space which dominates both the moduli space of stable maps to a Grassmannian and the moduli space of stable quotients, and equip our moduli space with a virtual fundamental class. We relate the virtual fundamental classes of all three moduli spaces using the virtual push-forward formula. This gives a new proof of a theorem of Marian–Oprea–Pandharipande: that enumerative invariants defined as intersection numbers in the stable quotient moduli space coincide with Gromov–Witten invariants.
Vanishing of negative -theory in positive characteristic
Authors: Kelly Shane
Published: July 2014

We show how a theorem of Gabber on alterations can be used to apply the work of Cisinski, Suslin, Voevodsky, and Weibel to prove that $K_n(X) \otimes \mathbb{Z}[{1}/{p}]= 0$ for$n < {-}\! \dim X$ where $X$ is a quasi-excellent noetherian scheme, $p$ is a prime that is nilpotent on $X$, and $K_n$ is the $K$-theory of Bass–Thomason–Trobaugh. This gives a partial answer to a question of Weibel.
Occurrence of High Pressure Spike in Unidirectional Start–Stop–Start Point Contacts
Authors: Sperka P. , Wang J. , Krupka I. , Hartl M. , Kaneta M.
Published: July 2014

The transient film thickness and pressure distributions in point elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) contacts during start–stop–start motion are discussed based on experimental and numerical analyses. When the machine element starts to move after the stopping, where the oil is entrapped between two surfaces, the pressure at the exit area increases very much. The pressure increase depends markedly on the overall film thickness before the stopping of the motion, but is hardly controlled by the acceleration after the stopping. It can be considered that this phenomenon affects the rolling contact fatigue damage.
Collision and Obstacle Avoidance in Unmanned Aerial Systems Using Morphing Potential Field Navigation and Nonlinear Model Predictive Control
Authors: Stastny Thomas J. , Garcia Gonzalo A. , Keshmiri Shawn S.
Published: July 2014

This paper presents a novel approach to collision and obstacle avoidance in fixed-wing unmanned aerial systems (UASs), vehicles with high speed and high inertia, operating in proximal or congested settings. A unique reformulation of classical artificial potential field (APF) navigational approaches, adaptively morphing the functions' shape considering six-degrees-of-freedom (6DOF) dynamic characteristics and constraints of fixed-wing aircraft, is fitted to an online predictive and prioritized waypoint planning algorithm for generation of evasive paths during abrupt encounters. The time-varying waypoint horizons output from the navigation unit are integrated into a combined guidance and nonlinear model predictive control scheme. Real-time avoidance capabilities are demonstrated in full nonlinear 6DOF simulation of a large unmanned aircraft showcasing evasion efficiency with respect to classical methods and collision free operation in a congested urban scenario.
Differential Mobility Particle Sizers for Nanoparticle Characterization
Authors: Zhang Jingjie , Chen Daren
Published: July 2014

Differential mobility particle sizers (DMPSs) are instruments for online sizing gas-borne particles in submicrometer and nanometer diameter ranges. The aerosol charger, the differential mobility analyzer (DMA), and the particle concentration detector are three essential components in DMPSs. In the past four decades, the design of DMAs has evolved into a variety of modern versions to extend their sizing limits, especially in lower detectable size limits. The DMAs are now capable of classifying or sizing particles in the diameters down to 1.0 nm. This article gives a brief overview of state-of-the-art DMAs particularly designed for classifying particles with sizes down to sub-10 nm.
Tangential Contact Stiffness of Rough Cylindrical Faying Surfaces Based on the Fractal Theory
Authors: Shi Junping , Cao Xiaoshan , Zhu Hong
Published: July 2014

The tangential contact stiffness of cylindrical asperities is investigated using macro- and micro-mechanisms in this study. A microanalysis model is developed and the tangential contact stiffness of elliptically parabolic asperities on the contact surface is determined. The shape influence coefficient of the cylindrical contact is defined, and its rationality is evaluated. The influence of asperity distribution on the rough surface is determined, and the tangential contact stiffness macroanalysis model is constructed based on fractal theory. The mathematical expression to determine the tangential contact stiffness of the macroscopically cylindrical contact is generated, and the effects of influential factors on tangential contact stiffness are explicitly evaluated. Numerical results show that the tangential contact stiffness of asperities is determined by several factors, such as material properties, applied loads, fractal dimension, and surface shape.
A Homogeneous Phase Change Model for Two-Phase Mechanical Seals With Three-Dimensional Face Structures
Authors: Wang Tao , Huang Weifeng , Liu Ying , Liu Xiangfeng , Wang Yuming
Published: July 2014

A homogenous phase change model (HPCM) based on the mass conservation law is proposed to analyze the flow field of a two-phase mechanical seal with 3D face structures. The two-phase flow domain is governed by the simultaneous partial differential equation set containing a mass transfer governing equation for each phase with a source term derived from the Rayleigh–Plesset model and a Reynolds equation for the mixture, where the pressure and the liquid fraction are unknowns. A numerical solution is developed based on finite element method (FEM). The results from the present model are in good agreement with those from the previous two-phase mechanical seal models. A two-phase mechanical seal with wavy-tilt-dam face structure is calculated. The results indicate that the 3D face structure affects the phase distribution by altering the film pressure field. The present model is especially useful to analyze the two-phase film flow field bounded by the complex solid surfaces.
New Central Film Thickness Equation for Shear Thinning Lubricants in Elastohydrodynamic Lubricated Rolling/Sliding Point Contact Conditions
Authors: Katyal Puneet , Kumar Punit
Published: July 2014

This paper offers central film thickness formula pertaining to shear-thinning lubricants under rolling/sliding point contact conditions. The shear-thinning behavior of the lubricants is modeled using Carreau viscosity equation and the piezo-viscous response employed herein is the free-volume based Doolittle equation in conjunction with Tait's equation of state for lubricant compressibility. The present formulation is based on reciprocal asymptotic isoviscous piezo-viscous coefficient as it is a more accurate measure of the high pressure piezo-viscous response of elastohydrodynamic lubricated (EHL) lubricants compared to the conventional pressure–viscosity coefficient. Comparisons between simulated, curve-fitted values, and experimental results validate both the employed numerical approach and rheological model.
Development of patient‐specific molecular imaging phantoms using a 3D printer
Authors: Gear J. I. , Long C. , Rushforth D. , Chittenden S. J. , Cummings C. , Flux G. D.
Published: July 2014

Purpose:

The aim of the study was to investigate rapid prototyping technology for the production of patient‐specific, cost‐effective liquid fillable phantoms directly from patient CT data.

Methods:

Liver, spleen, and kidney volumes were segmented from patient CT data. Each organ was converted to a shell and filling holes and leg supports were added using computer aided design software and prepared for printing. Additional fixtures were added to the liver to allow lesion inserts to be fixed within the structure. Phantoms were printed from an ultraviolet curable photopolymer using polyjet technology on an Objet EDEN 500V 3D printer.

Results:

The final print material is a clear solid acrylic plastic which is watertight, rigid, and sufficiently durable to withstand multiple assembly and scanning protocols. Initial scans of the phantoms have been performed with Tc‐99m SPECT and F‐18 PET/CT.

Conclusions:

The organ geometry showed good correspondence with anatomical references. The methodology developed can be generally applied to other anatomical or geometrical phantoms for molecular imaging.
Verification of a novel method for tube voltage constancy measurement of orthovoltage x‐ray irradiators
Authors: Wang Chu , Belley Matthew D. , Chao Nelson J. , Dewhirst Mark W. , Yoshizumi Terry
Published: July 2014

Purpose:

For orthovoltage x‐ray irradiators, the tube voltage is one of the most fundamental system parameters as this directly relates to the dosimetry in radiation biology studies; however, to the best of our knowledge, there is no commercial portable quality assurance (QA) tool to directly test the constancy of the tube voltage greater than 160 kV. The purpose of this study is to establish the Beam Quality Index (BQI), a quantity strongly correlated to the tube voltage, as an alternative parameter for the verification of the tube voltage as part of the QA program of orthovoltage x‐ray irradiators.

Methods:

A multipurpose QA meter and its associated data acquisition software were used to customize the measurement parameters to measure the BQI and collect its time‐plot. BQI measurements were performed at 320 kV with four filtration levels on three orthovoltage x‐ray irradiators of the same model, one of which had been recently energy‐calibrated at the factory.

Results:

For each of the four filtration levels, the measured BQI values were in good agreement (<5%) between the three irradiators. BQI showed filtration‐specificity, possibly due to the difference in beam quality.

Conclusions:

The BQI has been verified as a feasible alternative for monitoring the constancy of the tube voltage for orthovoltage irradiators. The time‐plot of BQI offers information on the behavior of beam energy at different phases of the irradiation time line. In addition, this would provide power supply performance characteristics from initial ramp‐up to plateau, and finally, the sharp drop‐off at the end of the exposure.
Leverage points for improving global food security and the environment
Authors: West Paul C. , Gerber James S. , Engstrom Peder M. , Mueller Nathaniel D. , Brauman Kate A. , Carlson Kimberly M. , Cassidy Emily S. , Johnston Matt , MacDonald Graham K. , Ray Deepak K. , Siebert Stefan
Published: July 2014

How to optimize global food production

Keeping societies stable and managing Earth's resources sustainably depend on doing a good, steady job producing and distributing food. West
et al.
asked what combinations of crops and regions offer the best chance of progress. Their analysis focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, nutrient pollution, water use, and food waste. They identify regions that are likely to yield the best balance between applying fertilizer to increase crop yields versus the resulting environmental impact.

Science
, this issue p.
325
Organogenesis in a dish: Modeling development and disease using organoid technologies
Authors: Lancaster Madeline A. , Knoblich Juergen A.
Published: July 2014

The making of bodies part by part

Mention of organoids—organlike structure growing in a Petri dish—might conjure up images of science fiction. However, the generation of organoids is very real, as is the increased understanding of organ form and function that comes from studying them. Lancaster and Knoblich review organoids as structures that include more than one cell type of an organ that exhibit structural and functional features of the natural counterpart. Knowledge of normal organ developmental pathways guides the formation of these structures. Organoids show great promise for modeling human development and disease and for biomedical research and regenerative medicine.

Science
, this issue
10.1126/science.1247125
A chromosome-based draft sequence of the hexaploid bread wheat (
Triticum aestivum
) genome
Authors:   The International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium (IWGSC), Mayer Klaus F. X. , Rogers Jane , Doležel Jaroslav , Pozniak Curtis , Eversole Kellye , Feuillet Catherine , Gill Bikram , Friebe Bernd , Lukaszewski Adam J. , Sourdille Pierre , Endo Takashi R. , Kubaláková Marie , Číhalíková Jarmila , Dubská Zdeňka , Vrána Jan , Šperková Romana , Šimková Hana , Febrer Melanie , Clissold Leah , McLay Kirsten , Singh Kuldeep , Chhuneja Parveen , Singh Nagendra K. , Khurana Jitendra , Akhunov Eduard , Choulet Frédéric , Alberti Adriana , Barbe Valérie , Wincker Patrick , Kanamori Hiroyuki , Kobayashi Fuminori , Itoh Takeshi , Matsumoto Takashi , Sakai Hiroaki , Tanaka Tsuyoshi , Wu Jianzhong , Ogihara Yasunari , Handa Hirokazu , Maclachlan P. Ron , Sharpe Andrew , Klassen Darrin , Edwards David , Batley Jacqueline , Olsen Odd-Arne , Sandve Simen Rød , Lien Sigbjørn , Steuernagel Burkhard , Wulff Brande , Caccamo Mario , Ayling Sarah , Ramirez-Gonzalez Ricardo H. , Clavijo Bernardo J. , Wright Jonathan , Pfeifer Matthias , Spannagl Manuel , Martis Mihaela M. , Mascher Martin , Chapman Jarrod , Poland Jesse A. , Scholz Uwe , Barry Kerrie , Waugh Robbie , Rokhsar Daniel S. , Muehlbauer Gary J. , Stein Nils , Gundlach Heidrun , Zytnicki Matthias , Jamilloux Véronique , Quesneville Hadi , Wicker Thomas , Faccioli Primetta , Colaiacovo Moreno , Stanca Antonio Michele , Budak Hikmet , Cattivelli Luigi , Glover Natasha , Pingault Lise , Paux Etienne , Sharma Sapna , Appels Rudi , Bellgard Matthew , Chapman Brett , Nussbaumer Thomas , Bader Kai Christian , Rimbert Hélène , Wang Shichen , Knox Ron , Kilian Andrzej , Alaux Michael , Alfama Françoise , Couderc Loïc , Guilhot Nicolas , Viseux Claire , Loaec Mikaël , Keller Beat , Praud Sebastien
Published: July 2014

An ordered draft sequence of the 17-gigabase hexaploid bread wheat (
Triticum aestivum
) genome has been produced by sequencing isolated chromosome arms. We have annotated 124,201 gene loci distributed nearly evenly across the homeologous chromosomes and subgenomes. Comparative gene analysis of wheat subgenomes and extant diploid and tetraploid wheat relatives showed that high sequence similarity and structural conservation are retained, with limited gene loss, after polyploidization. However, across the genomes there was evidence of dynamic gene gain, loss, and duplication since the divergence of the wheat lineages. A high degree of transcriptional autonomy and no global dominance was found for the subgenomes. These insights into the genome biology of a polyploid crop provide a springboard for faster gene isolation, rapid genetic marker development, and precise breeding to meet the needs of increasing food demand worldwide.
Dielectric gradient metasurface optical elements
Authors: Lin Dianmin , Fan Pengyu , Hasman Erez , Brongersma Mark L.
Published: July 2014

Extending the range of planar optics

To build miniature optical devices, scientists are using silicon to replace bulky three-dimensional devices with flat versions. A patterned surface consisting of dense arrays of nanoscale silicon strips, which act as antennae, can be designed to work as transparent optical devices for the manipulation of light. Lin
et al.
used their versatile patterning technique to create a suite of planar optical elements. By patterning a 100-nm layer of silicon into a dense arrangement of nano-antennae, they were able to fabricate gratings, lenses, and axicons—a device that can add a shape to a propagating light beam.

Science
, this issue p.
298
Charge transfer goes the distance
Authors: Pratt Stephen T.
Published: July 2014

Electronic relaxation following x-ray excitation illuminates steps in molecular dissociation.

[Also see Report by

Erk
et al.

]
Quantum systems under control
Authors: Thompson Jeff , Lukin Mikhail D.
Published: July 2014

Optical trapping enables the building of quantum matter one atom at a time.

[Also see Report by

Kaufman
et al.

]
One, two, three, cytoplasmic dynein is go!
Authors: Allan Viki
Published: July 2014

The dynein motor protein must be part of a three-way complex to be fully active.

[Also see Report by

McKenney
et al.

]
Creating antioxidants by oxidation catalysis
Authors: Nachtsheim Boris J.
Published: July 2014

A key component of vitamin E can be synthesized without use of expensive transition metal catalysts.

[Also see Report by

Uyanik
et al.

]
Science advocacy, defined
Authors: Carney Joanne Padrón
Published: July 2014

When one thinks of advocacy, the first—usually cynical—idea that comes to mind is generously compensated lobbyists walking the halls of legislature and advocating on behalf of their clients over expensive dinners. While this image may make for great television drama, it is an incomplete picture, especially as regards science advocacy.
Top heart lab comes under fire
Authors: Servick Kelly
Published: July 2014

A high-profile heart research lab is in the spotlight while under investigation by Harvard Medical School.
Commercially Available Complement Component-Depleted Sera Are Unexpectedly Codepleted of Ficolin-2
Authors: Brady Allison M. , Geno K. Aaron , Dalecki Alex G. , Cheng Xiaogang , Nahm Moon H.
Published: July 2014

The ficolins are a family of innate pattern recognition molecules that are known to bind acetylated compounds and activate complement through the association of mannose binding lectin (MBL)/ficolin-associated serine proteases (MASPs). Their importance has more recently become appreciated, as they have been shown to play a role in a variety of disease processes from infection to autoimmunity. While studying ficolin-2-mediated complement deposition onStreptococcus pneumoniae, we found that sera depleted of C1q or other complement components were also codepleted of ficolin-2 but not ficolin-1, ficolin-3, or MBL. MBL present in C1q-depleted sera was able to mediate complement deposition onSaccharomyces cerevisiae, suggesting the presence of MASPs. We found that complement was activated on pneumococci in C1q-depleted serum only after opsonization with exogenous recombinant ficolin-2 (rFicolin-2). Also, no complement deposition was observed in C1q-depleted serum when pneumococci were opsonized with rFicolin-2 mutated at its lysine-57 residue, where MASPs are known to associate. Thus, these depleted sera are a unique tool to study ficolin-2-mediated complement pathways; however, one should be aware that ficolin-2 is absent from complement component-depleted sera.
First Isolate of KPC-2-Producing Klebsiella pneumonaie Sequence Type 23 from the Americas
Authors: Cejas Daniela , Fernández Canigia Liliana , Rincón Cruz Giovanna , Elena Alan X. , Maldonado Ivana , Gutkind Gabriel O. , Radice Marcela A.
Published: July 2014

KPC-2-producing
Klebsiella pneumoniae
isolates mainly correspond to clonal complex 258 (CC258); however, we describe KPC-2-producing
K. pneumoniae
isolates belonging to invasive sequence type 23 (ST23). KPC-2 has scarcely been reported to occur in ST23, and this report describes the first isolation of this pathogen in the Americas. Acquisition of resistant markers in virulent clones could mark an evolutionary step toward the establishment of these clones as major nosocomial pathogens.
Bacteriophage-Based Latex Agglutination Test for Rapid Identification of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Idelevich Evgeny A. , Walther Thomas , Molinaro Sonja , Li Xuehua , Xia Guoqing , Wieser Andreas , Peters Georg , Peschel Andreas , Becker Karsten
Published: July 2014

Rapid diagnosis is essential for the management ofStaphylococcus aureusinfections. A host recognition protein fromS. aureusbacteriophage phiSLT was recombinantly produced and used to coat streptavidin latex beads to develop a latex agglutination test (LAT). The diagnostic accuracy of this bacteriophage-based test was compared with that of a conventional LAT, Pastorex Staph-Plus, by investigating a clinical collection of 86S. aureusisolates and 128 coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) from deep tissue infections. All of the clinicalS. aureusisolates were correctly identified by the bacteriophage-based test. While most of the CoNS were correctly identified as non-S. aureusisolates, 7.9% of the CoNS caused agglutination. Thus, the sensitivity of the bacteriophage-based LAT for identification ofS. aureusamong clinical isolates was 100%, its specificity was 92.1%, its positive predictive value (PPV) was 89.6%, and its negative predictive value (NPV) was 100%. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of the Pastorex LAT for the identification ofS. aureuswere 100%, 99.2%, 98.9%, and 100%, respectively. Among the additionally tested 35S. aureusand 91 non-S. aureusstaphylococcal reference and type strains, 1 isolate was false negative by each system; 13 and 8 isolates were false positive by the bacteriophage-based and Pastorex LATs, respectively. The ability of the phiSLT protein to detectS. aureuswas dependent on the presence of wall teichoic acid (WTA) and corresponded to the production of ribitol phosphate WTA, which is found in mostS. aureusclones but only a small minority of CoNS. Bacteriophage-based LAT identification is a promising strategy for rapid pathogen identification. Finding more specific bacteriophage proteins would increase the specificity of this novel diagnostic approach.
Expression of Porcine Fusion Protein IRF7/3(5D) Efficiently Controls Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Replication
Authors: Ramírez-Carvajal Lisbeth , Díaz-San Segundo Fayna , Hickman Danielle , Long Charles R. , Zhu James , Rodríguez Luis L. , de los Santos Teresa
Published: July 2014

Several studies have demonstrated that the delivery of type I, II, or III interferons (IFNs) by inoculation of a replication-defective human adenovirus 5 (Ad5) vector expressing IFNs can effectively control foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in cattle and swine during experimental infections. However, relatively high doses are required to achieve protection. In this study, we identified the functional properties of a porcine fusion protein, poIRF7/3(5D), as a biotherapeutic and enhancer of IFN activity against FMD virus (FMDV). We showed that poIRF7/3(5D) is a potent inducer of type I IFNs, including alpha IFN (IFN-α), IFN-β, and IFN-ω but not type III IFN (interleukin-28B), without inducing cytotoxicity. Expression of poIRF7/3(5D) significantly and steadily reduced FMDV titers by up to 6 log
10
units in swine and bovine cell lines. Treatment with an IFN receptor inhibitor (B18R) combined with an anti-IFN-α antibody neutralized the antiviral activity in the supernatants of cells transduced with an Ad5 vector expressing poIRF7/3(5D) [Ad5-poIRF7/3(5D)]. However, several transcripts with known antiviral function, including type I IFNs, were still highly upregulated (range of increase, 8-fold to over 500-fold) by poIRF7/3(5D) in the presence of B18R. Furthermore, the sera of mice treated with Ad5-poIRF7/3(5D) showed antiviral activity that was associated with the induction of high levels of IFN-α and resulted in complete protection against FMDV challenge at 6, 24, or 48 h posttreatment. This study highlights for the first time the antiviral potential of Ad5-poIRF7/3(5D)
in vitro
and
in vivo
against FMDV.

IMPORTANCE
FMD remains one of the most devastating diseases that affect livestock worldwide. Effective vaccine formulations are available but are serotype specific and require approximately 7 days before they are able to elicit protective immunity. We have shown that vector-delivered IFN is an option to protect animals against many FMDV serotypes as soon as 24 h and for about 4 days postadministration. Here we demonstrate that delivery of a constitutively active transcription factor that induces the production of endogenous IFNs and potentially other antiviral genes is a viable strategy to protect against FMD.
A Substitution in the Transmembrane Region of the Glycoprotein Leads to an Unstable Attenuation of Machupo Virus
Authors: Patterson Michael , Koma Takaaki , Seregin Alexey , Huang Cheng , Miller Milagros , Smith Jennifer , Yun Nadezhda , Smith Jeanon , Paessler Slobodan
Published: July 2014

Machupo virus (MACV) is the etiologic agent of Bolivian hemorrhagic fever (BHF). Utilizing a reverse-genetics system recently developed, we report the rescue of a rationally modified recombinant MACV containing a single mutation in the transmembrane region of the glycoprotein. Following challenge of susceptible mice, we identified a significant reduction in virulence in the novel virus. We also identified an instability leading to reversion of the single mutation to a wild-type genotype.
Epstein-Barr Virus EBNA1 Protein Regulates Viral Latency through Effects on let-7 MicroRNA and Dicer
Authors: Mansouri Sheila , Pan Qun , Blencowe Benjamin J. , Claycomb Julie M. , Frappier Lori
Published: July 2014

The EBNA1 protein of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) plays multiple roles in EBV latent infection, including altering cellular pathways relevant for cancer. Here we used microRNA (miRNA) cloning coupled with high-throughput sequencing to identify the effects of EBNA1 on cellular miRNAs in two nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines. EBNA1 affected a small percentage of cellular miRNAs in both cell lines, in particular, upregulating multiple let-7 family miRNAs, including let-7a. The effects of EBNA1 on let-7a were verified by demonstrating that EBNA1 silencing in multiple EBV-positive carcinomas downregulated let-7a. Accordingly, the let-7a target, Dicer, was found to be partially downregulated by EBNA1 expression (at the mRNA and protein levels) and upregulated by EBNA1 silencing in EBV-positive cells. Reporter assays based on the Dicer 3′ untranslated region with and without let-7a target sites indicated that the effects of EBNA1 on Dicer were mediated by let-7a. EBNA1 was also found to induce the expression of let-7a primary RNAs in a manner dependent on the EBNA1 transcriptional activation region, suggesting that EBNA1 induces let-7a by transactivating the expression of its primary transcripts. Consistent with previous reports that Dicer promotes EBV reactivation, we found that a let-7a mimic inhibited EBV reactivation to the lytic cycle, while a let-7 sponge increased reactivation. The results provide a mechanism by which EBNA1 could promote EBV latency by inducing let-7 miRNAs.

IMPORTANCE
The EBNA1 protein of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) contributes in multiple ways to the latent mode of EBV infection that leads to lifelong infection. In this study, we identify a mechanism by which EBNA1 helps to maintain EBV infection in a latent state. This involves induction of a family of microRNAs (let-7 miRNAs) that in turn decreases the level of the cellular protein Dicer. We demonstrate that let-7 miRNAs inhibit the reactivation of latent EBV, providing an explanation for our previous observation that EBNA1 promotes latency. In addition, since decreased levels of Dicer have been associated with metastatic potential, EBNA1 may increase metastases by downregulating Dicer.
Automated clinical trial eligibility prescreening: increasing the efficiency of patient identification for clinical trials in the emergency department
Authors: Ni Yizhao , Kennebeck Stephanie , Dexheimer Judith W , McAneney Constance M , Tang Huaxiu , Lingren Todd , Li Qi , Zhai Haijun , Solti Imre
Published: July 2014

Objectives (1) To develop an automated eligibility screening (ES) approach for clinical trials in an urban tertiary care pediatric emergency department (ED); (2) to assess the effectiveness of natural language processing (NLP), information extraction (IE), and machine learning (ML) techniques on real-world clinical data and trials.

Data and methods We collected eligibility criteria for 13 randomly selected, disease-specific clinical trials actively enrolling patients between January 1, 2010 and August 31, 2012. In parallel, we retrospectively selected data fields including demographics, laboratory data, and clinical notes from the electronic health record (EHR) to represent profiles of all 202795 patients visiting the ED during the same period. Leveraging NLP, IE, and ML technologies, the automated ES algorithms identified patients whose profiles matched the trial criteria to reduce the pool of candidates for staff screening. The performance was validated on both a physician-generated gold standard of trial–patient matches and a reference standard of historical trial–patient enrollment decisions, where workload, mean average precision (MAP), and recall were assessed.

Results Compared with the case without automation, the workload with automated ES was reduced by 92% on the gold standard set, with a MAP of 62.9%. The automated ES achieved a 450% increase in trial screening efficiency. The findings on the gold standard set were confirmed by large-scale evaluation on the reference set of trial–patient matches.

Discussion and conclusion By exploiting the text of trial criteria and the content of EHRs, we demonstrated that NLP-, IE-, and ML-based automated ES could successfully identify patients for clinical trials.
Stem cell transplantation of matched sibling donors compared with immunosuppressive therapy for acquired severe aplastic anaemia: a Cochrane systematic review
Authors: Peinemann Frank , Labeit Alexander Michael
Published: July 2014

Objectives

Acquired severe aplastic anaemia is a rare and potentially fatal disease. The aim of this Cochrane review was to evaluate the effectiveness and adverse events of first-line allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation of human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-matched sibling donors compared with first-line immunosuppressive therapy.

Setting

Specialised stem cell transplantations units in primary care hospitals.

Participants

We included 302 participants with newly diagnosed acquired severe aplastic anaemia. The age ranged from early childhood to young adulthood. We excluded studies on participants with secondary aplastic anaemia.

Interventions

We included allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation as the test intervention harvested from any source of matched sibling donor and serving as a first-line therapy. We included immunosuppressive therapy as comparator with either antithymocyte/antilymphocyte globulin or ciclosporin or a combination of the two.

Primary and secondary outcome measures planned and finally measured

The primary outcome was overall mortality. Secondary outcomes were treatment-related mortality, graft failure, graft-versus-host disease, no response to immunosuppressive therapy, relapse after initial successful treatment, secondary clonal disease or malignancies, health-related quality of life and performance scores.

Results

We identified three prospective non-randomised controlled trials with a study design that was consistent with the principle of ‘Mendelian randomisation’ in allocating patients to treatment groups. All studies had a high risk of bias due to the study design and were conducted more than 15 years. The pooled HR for overall mortality for the donor group versus the no donor group was 0.95 (95% CI 0.43 to 2.12, p=0.90).

Conclusions

There are insufficient and biased data that do not allow any firm conclusions to be made about the comparative effectiveness of first-line allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation of HLA-matched sibling donors and first-line immunosuppressive therapy of patients with acquired severe aplastic anaemia.
Tips for teaching hands‐on practical skills
Authors: Crowther Emma , Bell Catriona , Warman Sheena
Published: July 2014

This article, the fifth in a series aimed at providing veterinary staff and students with tips and tools to make the most of the teaching opportunities that arise in practice, looks at ways of teaching practical skills effectively.
Controlling discounts and missed charges
Authors: Felsted Karen
Published: July 2014

Discounts and missed charges can be a drain on practice turnover. Karen Felsted explains how practice profitability can suffer if discounting is not managed properly and discusses steps that can be taken to keep it under control.
Follow‐up fiasco
Authors: Green Richard
Published: July 2014

THIS series gives readers the opportunity to consider and contribute to discussion of some of the ethical dilemmas that can arise in veterinary practice. Each month, a case scenario is presented, followed by discussion of some of the issues involved.

In addition, a possible way forward is suggested; however, there is rarely a cut‐and‐dried answer in such cases, and readers may wish to suggest an alternative approach. This month's dilemma, ‘Follow‐up fiasco’, was submitted and is discussed by Richard Green. Readers with comments to contribute are invited to send them as soon as possible, so that they can be considered for publication in the next issue. Discussion of the dilemma ‘A stitch in time. . . ’, which was published in the June issue of In Practice, appears on page 375.

The series is being coordinated by Siobhan Mullan, of the University of Bristol. It is hoped it will provide a framework that will help practices find solutions when facing similar dilemmas.
Republished: Fibrosing organising pneumonia
Authors: Beardsley Brooke , Rassl Doris
Published: July 2014

Organising pneumonia (otherwise referred to as bronchiolitis obliterans organising pneumonia) is characterised histologically by plugs of granulation tissue, which are present predominantly within small airways, alveolar ducts and peri-bronchiolar alveoli. This pattern is not specific for any disorder or cause, but is one type of inflammatory response to pulmonary injury, which may be seen in a wide variety of clinical conditions. Typically, organising pneumonia responds very well to corticosteroid treatment; however, a small percentage of patients appear to develop progressive fibrosis.
Locally rotationally symmetric (LRS) Bianchi type II string dust viscous fluid cosmological models in Lyra geometry
Authors: Bali Raj , Yadav Mahesh Kumar , Gupta Lokesh Kumar
Published: July 2014

In the present study, a locally rotationally symmetric Bianchi type II string dust cosmological model with varying bulk viscosity in the framework of Lyra geometry is investigated. To get the deterministic solution, we have assumed that shear (σ) is proportional to the expansion (θ) and ζθ = constant, where ζ is the coefficient of bulk viscosity. The ansatz ζθ = constant, was found to coincide with the occurrence of Little Rip (LR) cosmology using Friedmann–Robertson–Walker metric (Breviket al. Phys. Rev. D, 84, 103508-1-6 (2011)). The model describes the pre-inflationary stage of the universe. The presence of viscosity leads to inflationary-like solutions. Anisotropy is maintained because of the presence of strings. The presence of bulk viscosity prevents the matter density from vanishing. In a special case, the model represents the isotropy of the universe. The universe passes through a decelerating stage to an accelerating phase, which is in agreement with Ries et al.’s (Astrophys. J. 607, 665 (2004). doi:10.1086/383612 ) type Ia supernovae astronomical observations. The displacement vector (β) of Lyra geometry is a decreasing function of time analogous to the cosmological constant (Λ) of general relativity. We have attempted to explore the possibility of constructing a string dust viscous fluid cosmological model in Bianchi type II space–time with displacement vector (β) in Lyra geometry using the geometric condition that shear is proportional to expansion.
Noise reduction by combining smearing with multi-level integration methods
Authors: Bakry Ahmed S. , Chen Xurong , Zhang Pengming
Published: July 2014

In this paper, we propose an algorithm that combines the Lüscher–Weiss (LW) multi-level error reduction technique with three-dimensional gauge-field smoothing. The purpose of this algorithm is to reduce the noise and the computational time associated with measuring field correlators in the low temperature pure quantum chromodynamics (QCD), or the stringy regions of Yang–Mills theory in general. The simultaneous application of both link-blocking and path-integral factorization techniques is based on the observation that Monte Carlo updating of the three-dimensional smeared lattices preserves the key features of the long distance physics.