bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ossification sequence and genetic patterning in the mouse axial skeleton
Authors: Hautier Lionel , Charles Cyril , Asher Robert J. , Gaunt Stephen J.
Published: August 2014

We provide novel data on vertebral ontogeny in the mouse, the mammalian model‐of‐choice for developmental studies. Most previous studies on ossification sequences in mice have focused on pooled elements of the spine (cervicals, thoracics, lumbars, sacrals, and caudals). Here, we contribute data on ossification sequences in the neural arches and centra to provide a comparative basis upon which to evaluate mammalian diversity of the axial skeleton. In attempt to explain the ossification pattern observed, we compared our observations with the phenotype of Cdx over‐expresser mice. We use high‐resolution X‐ray microtomography and clearing and staining techniques to quantify the precise sequential ossification pattern of the mouse spine. We show that micro‐CT scans perform better in all cases whereas clearing and staining exhibit sensitivity to the presence of semi‐opaque tissue. We observe that the centra of wild‐type mice always ossify after neural arches and that the ossification of the neural arches proceeds from two loci. The ossification of the centra appears more complex, especially in the neck where ossification is delayed and does not just follow the order of the vertebrae along the anterior–posterior axis. Our findings also suggest that Cdx genes' expression levels may be involved in the delayed ossification in the neck centra. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 322B: 631–642, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Implementation of a mortality prediction rule for real‐time decision making: Feasibility and validity
Authors: Cowen Mark E. , Czerwinski Jennifer L. , Posa Patricia J. , Van Hoek Elizabeth , Mattimore James , Halasyamani Lakshmi K. , Strawderman Robert L.
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND

A previously published, retrospectively derived prediction rule for death within 30 days of hospital admission has the potential to launch parallel interdisciplinary team activities. Whether or not patient care improves will depend on the validity of prospectively generated predictions, and the feasibility of generating them on demand for a critical proportion of inpatients.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the feasibility of generating mortality predictions on admission and to validate their accuracy using the scoring weights of the retrospective rule.

DESIGN

Prospective, sequential cohort.

SETTING

Large, tertiary care, community hospital in the Midwestern United States

PATIENTS

Adult patients admitted from the emergency department or scheduled for elective surgery

RESULTS

Mortality predictions were generated on demand at the beginning of the hospitalization for 9312 (92.9%) out of a possible 10,027 cases. The area under the receiver operating curve for 30‐day mortality was 0.850 (95% confidence interval: 0.833‐0.866), indicating very good to excellent discrimination. The prospectively generated 30‐day mortality risk had a strong association with the receipt of palliative care by hospital discharge, in‐hospital mortality, and 180‐day mortality, a fair association with the risk for 30‐day readmissions and unplanned transfers to intensive care, and weak associations with receipt of intensive unit care ever within the hospitalization or the development of a new diagnosis that was not present on admission (ie, complication).

CONCLUSIONS

Important prognostic information is feasible to obtain in a real‐time, single‐assessment process for a sizeable proportion of hospitalized patients. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2014;9:720–726. © 2014 Society of Hospital Medicine
Prevalence of HPV and variation of HPV 16/HPV 18 E6/E7 genes in cervical cancer in women in South West China
Authors: Yang Lijuan , Yang Hongying , Wu Kun , Shi Xinan , Ma Shaohui , Sun Qiangming
Published: August 2014

Genetic variations of High‐Risk HPV E6/E7 may be associated with the development of cervical cancer in specific geographic regions. Few data have been reported about the HPV prevalence and E6/E7 variants among cervical cancer patients in Southwest China. This study was designed to investigate the prevalence of HPV and E6/E7 variants of most prevalent HPV among cervical cancer patients in Southwest China. After genotyping, E6/E7 genes of most prevalent HR HPV samples were sequenced and analyzed. Phylogenetic trees were then constructed, followed by an analysis of the diversity of secondary structure and selection pressures. HPV 16 (73.8%) and HPV 18 (16.4%) are the most prevalent infection types among cervical cancer patients, followed by HPV 58, HPV 56 and HPV 59, which is different from the high HPV 58 infection rate of outpatients in this region. Eighteen single nucleotide changes were observed in HPV 16 E6 with 13/18 non‐synonymous mutations (5 in beta sheet and 2 in alpha helix). Ten single nucleotide changes were identified among HPV 16 E7 with 3/10 non‐synonymous mutations. Three single nucleotide changes were observed in HPV 18 E6 with one non‐synonymous mutation, and only one synonymous mutation was identified in HPV 18 E7. HPV 16 E6‐D25E, E7‐N29S and E7‐T846C (S95S) exhibited a prevalent linkage mutation. The phylogenetic tree demonstrates that European and Asian lineages were the main patterns. This study may help understand the intrinsic geographical relatedness and oncogenic potential of HR HPV and contributes further to research of diagnostic, therapeutic and therapeutic vaccine strategy. J. Med. Virol. 86:1926–1936, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The role of quorum sensing system in antimicrobial induced ampC expression in Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm
Authors: Zhao Jingming , Jiang Handong , Cheng Wei , Wu Jinxiang , Zhao Jiping , Wang Junfei , Dong Liang
Published: August 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of quorum sensing (QS) systems in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) on the expression of ampC gene induced by antibiotics. An in vitro dynamic model of P. aeruginosa biofilms was established in a silicon tube in once‐flowthrough system at 37 °C. Biofilm generation was identified by argentation. Biofilm morphology of standard P. aeruginosa strain (PAO‐1) and QS systems deficient strains (PDO100, rhlI deficient strain; PAO‐JP1, lasI deficient strain; and PAO‐MW1, rhlI and lasI deficient strain) were observed by optical microscope. The expression of ampC in PAO1, PAO1 with QS inhibitor (furanone C‐30) and the QS deficient strains before and after induced by antibiotics were quantified by real‐time quantitative PCR. The biofilms of PAO‐1 and PDO100 were much thicker and denser than that of PAO‐JP1 and PAO‐MW1. Being induced by antibiotics, the expression of ampC in PAO1 and PDO100 was significantly higher than that in PAO‐MW1 and PAO‐JP1. With the effect of furanone C‐30, the expression of ampC in PAO1 induced by antibiotics was reduced in a dose‐dependent manner. QS system, especially the las system, plays an important role in both biofilm formation and antimicrobials induced ampC expression and furanone C‐30 is a potent inhibitor for P. aeruginosa QS system.
Phosphate group vibrational signatures of the osteoporosis drug alendronate
Authors: Bezerra Neto João Rufino , de Lima Neto Pedro , Sales Francisco Adilson Matos , da Silva Edelma Eleto , Ladeira Luiz Orlando , Freire Valder Nogueira , Caetano Ewerton Wagner Santos
Published: August 2014

The infrared (IR) and Raman spectra of the osteoporosis drug alendronate in the monosodium trihydrate alendronate crystal were measured. In order to interpret them, density functional theory (DFT) calculations for the solvated alendronate molecule were performed following the structural features revealed by X‐ray data. A comparison between the DFT‐calculated IR and Raman of the converged species and the measured spectra unveils relevant phosphate group signatures in the 400–1400 cm−1 wavenumber range, especially IR absorption bands at 1015, 1049, 1067, 1131, 1177, and 1235 cm−1, which were related to CP and OP bond length stretching, and Raman lines at 449, 661, and 969 cm−1, involving phosphate scissors and bond length vibrations. A comparison with experimental data of alendronate incorporated into hydroxyapatite (HAP) indicates that, for wavenumbers below 1500 cm−1, the interaction of alendronate with HAP does not affect significantly the alendronate vibrational spectra, while for the 1600–3000 cm−1 interval the interaction with HAP changes the normal mode wavenumbers by about −100 cm−1. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Natural Anionic Polymer Acts as Highly Efficient Trypsin Inhibitor Based on an Electrostatic Interaction Mechanism
Authors: Lv Yan , Zhang Jianbin , Song Yizhe , Wang Bing , Wang Shujun , Zhao Shan , Lv Guojun , Ma Xiaojun
Published: August 2014

Sodium alginate (SA), acting as a trypsin inhibitor by means of electrostatic interaction, is studied. The half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50 = 0.05 μg mL−1) of this natural anionic polymer is about 400 times lower than that of commercial soybean trypsin inhibitor (STI). Unlike the Ca2+‐deprivation mechanisms, its inhibition may be attributed to preventing the trypsin active site (TAS) from accessing the macromolecular substrates instead of denaturing it. SA is an efficient, innocuous, and cost‐effective inhibitory excipient that can be conveniently used in many peptide and protein dosage formulations.

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Cell‐Friendly Inverse Opal‐Like Hydrogels for a Spatially Separated Co‐Culture System
Authors: Kim Jaeyun , Bencherif Sidi A. , Li Weiwei Aileen , Mooney David J.
Published: August 2014

Three‐dimensional macroporous scaffolds have extensively been studied for cell‐based tissue engineering but their use is mostly limited to mechanical support for cell adhesion and growth on the surface of macropores. Here, a templated fabrication method is described to prepare cell‐friendly inverse opal‐like hydrogels (IOHs) allowing both cell encapsulation within the hydrogel matrix and cell seeding on the surface of macropores. Ionically crosslinked alginate microbeads and photocrosslinkable biocompatible polymers are used as a sacrificial template and as a matrix, respectively. The alginate microbeads are easily removed by a chelating agent, with minimal toxicity for the encapsulated cells during template removal. The outer surface of macropores in IOHs can also provide a space for cell adherence. The cells encapsulated or attached in IOHs are able to remain viable and to proliferate over time. The elastic modulus and cell‐adhesion properties of IOHs can be easily controlled and tuned. Finally, it is demonstrated that IOH can be used to co‐culture two distinct cell populations in different spatial positions. This cell‐friendly IOH system provides a 3D scaffold for organizing different cell types in a controllable microenvironment to investigate biological processes such as stem cell niches or tumor microenvironments.

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A new five‐node locking‐free quadrilateral element based on smoothed FEM for near‐incompressible linear elasticity
Authors: Zhang Yiping , Wang Sizhao , Chan Dave
Published: August 2014

The volumetric locking issue is critical in finite element analysis of nearly incompressible problems. In this paper, a new five‐node quadrilateral element (Q5) is proposed by enriching the four‐node quadrilateral element (Q4) with a centroid node to solve the volumetric locking problem in FEM. The cell‐based smoothed FEM is employed with Q5 element (referred as Q5‐CS‐SC4) to soften the stiffness in order to obtain a better solution. To eliminate pressure oscillation in near‐incompressible problems, an edge‐based area‐weighted smoothing scheme incorporated with the cell‐wise divergence‐free Q5 element is carried out (referred as Q5‐EAW), and an adjustable area‐weighted strain smoothing scheme using a parameter p is proposed to improve the performance of the Q5 element in dealing with incompressible media (referred as Q5‐pEAW). The formulation of Q5‐pEAW is a simple combination of Q5‐CS‐SC4 and Q5‐EAW by an adjustable area weight. It can search the exact strain energy of the problem in near‐incompressible cases. We also introduce another node‐based strain smoothing technique (Q5‐NAW) into the domain‐based selective scheme to obtain a Q5‐pEAW/NAW model to solve the pressure oscillation, which gives a much smoother pressure solution than Q5‐EAW. Finally, the Q5 element is extended into hexahedral element to develop a nine‐node hexahedral (H9) element shape function by enriching the eight‐node hexahedral element (Q8) with a centroid node. An H9‐Gi/NAW model similar to Q5‐pEAW/NAW is proposed by using H9 element to solve the 3D volumetric locking. A series of benchmark problems are provided to demonstrate that the proposed Q5‐pEAW/NAW for 2D plane strain problems, and H9‐Gi/NAW model for 3D cases are locking‐free for nearly incompressible problems. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation of an adolescent with neurological manifestations of homozygous missense PRF1 mutation
Authors: Hussein Ayad Ahmed , Hamadah Tuka , Qandeel Monther , Sughayer Maher , Amarin Rula , Mansour Asem , Chiang Samuel C. , Al‐Zaben Abdulhadi , Meeths Marie , Bryceson Yenan T.
Published: August 2014

Individuals with biallelic truncating PRF1 mutations typically present with fulminant early‐onset familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL). We report a 19‐year‐old male with a 5‐year history of recurrent fever and headaches progressing to refractory seizures. Brain imaging revealed multiple ring enhancing lesions. Laboratory investigations demonstrated that the patient displayed defective lymphocyte cytotoxicity and carried a homozygous missense PRF1 mutation, c.394G > A (p.Gly132Arg). The patient was successfully treated with chemo‐immunotherapy followed by matched related allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Our findings demonstrate that prompt HSCT of late‐onset FHL with primarily neurological manifestation can reverse central nervous system symptoms and improve long‐term outcome. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:2313–2315. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence on quality of life from an early cinacalcet prescription for secondary hyperparathyroidism in dialysis
Authors: Filipozzi Pierre , Ayav Carole , Erpelding Marie‐Line , Kessler Michèle , Brunaud Laurent , Frimat Luc
Published: August 2014

Objective

The goal of this study is to compare patient‐reported quality of life (PRQOL) evolution between two groups of end‐stage renal disease patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). The first with a cinacalcet prescription within 3 months after a diagnosis of SHPT (early group) and a second group of patients with a later or no cinacalcet prescription (nonearly group).

Patients and methods

From 2009 to 2012, we conducted a multicenter pharmaco‐epidemiologic study in Lorraine region (France) including all consecutive patients on maintenance dialysis for at least 3 months with a diagnosis of SHPT (PTH > 500 pg/ml or first cinacalcet prescription). PRQOL was estimated using the Kidney Disease Quality Of Life‐Short Form questionnaire, at baseline and at 6 and 12 months follow‐up. Change in PRQOL was compared between the groups and adjusted with a propensity score.

Results

We included 124 patients: 44 in the early group and 80 in the nonearly group. The mental component summary score was lower in the early group, at baseline (43.6 ± 6.6 vs 46.6 ± 7.6; p = 0.030), and at the follow‐up assessment (42.6 ± 6.9 vs 45.7 ± 7.9; p = 0.033). We found no difference between the groups in change in PRQOL, for all dimensions, even after adjustment with the propensity score. Mean serum alkaline phosphatase levels were normal in both groups at baseline (80.9 ± 32.5 vs 95.1 ± 39.6; p = 0.41).

Conclusion

Cinacalcet prescription immediately following diagnosis of SHPT does not seem to be associated with better PRQOL evolution at 1 year. Mean serum alkaline phosphatase levels suggest that physicians should consider waiting for another PTH assay result before starting cinacalcet in case of a PTH rise. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Health‐related quality of life of adolescent and young adult survivors of childhood brain tumors
Authors: Barakat Lamia P. , Li Yimei , Hobbie Wendy L. , Ogle Sue K. , Hardie Thomas , Volpe Ellen M. , Szabo Margo M. , Reilly Maureen , Deatrick Janet A.
Published: August 2014

Objective

Our aim was to expand research on predictors of health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) for adolescent and young adult survivors of childhood brain tumors who are not living independently by evaluating the mediating role of family functioning in the association of disease severity/treatment late effects with survivor self‐report and caregiver‐proxy report of physical and emotional HRQOL.

Methods

Mothers (N = 186) and their survivors living at home (N = 126) completed self‐report and caregiver‐proxy report of physical and emotional HRQOL. Mothers completed family functioning measures of general family functioning, caregiving demands, and caregiver distress. Medical file review and caregiver report were used to evaluate disease severity/treatment late effects.

Results

Using structural equation models, family functioning was adjusted for sociodemographic factors. Disease severity/treatment late effects had significant direct effects on self‐report and caregiver‐proxy report of physical and emotional HRQOL. Family functioning had a significant direct effect on caregiver‐proxy report of physical and emotional HRQOL, but these findings were not confirmed for self‐report HRQOL. Model‐fit indices suggested good fit of the models, but the mediation effect of family functioning was not supported.

Conclusions

Disease severity/treatment late effects explained self‐report and caregiver‐proxy report of physical and emotional HRQOL for these adolescent and young adult survivors of childhood brain tumors. Family functioning was implicated as an important factor for caregiver‐proxy report only. To enhance physical and emotional HRQOL, findings underscore the importance of coordinated, multidisciplinary follow‐up care for the survivors who are not living independently and their families to address treatment late effects and support family management. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Synthesis and Energetic Properties of 3,4‐Bis(2,2,2‐trinitroethylamino)furazan (BTNEDAF)
Authors: Chavez David , Klapötke Thomas M. , Parrish Damon , Piercey Davin G. , Stierstorfer Jörg
Published: August 2014

Energetic furazan 3,4‐bis(trinitroethylamino)furazan (BTNEDAF) was synthesized in 70 % yield. BTNEDAF was characterized as an energetic material in terms of performance, mechanical sensitivity, and thermal stability. BTNEDAF was crystallized from various solvents resulting in multiple polymorphs with varying densities. Some of these polymorphs were characterized with respect to their sensitivity properties. Additionally, the performance of these different polymorphs were calculated using the EXPLO5 code. BTNEDAF was also characterized by vibrational spectroscopy, multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and calorimetric experiments.
Automated Visual Yield Estimation in Vineyards
Authors: Nuske Stephen , Wilshusen Kyle , Achar Supreeth , Yoder Luke , Narasimhan Srinivasa , Singh Sanjiv
Published: August 2014

We present a vision system that automatically predicts yield in vineyards accurately and with high resolution. Yield estimation traditionally requires tedious hand measurement, which is destructive, sparse in sampling, and inaccurate. Our method is efficient, high‐resolution, and it is the first such system evaluated in realistic experimentation over several years and hundreds of vines spread over several acres of different vineyards. Other existing research is limited to small test sets of 10 vines or less, or just isolated grape clusters, with tightly controlled image acquisition and with artificially induced yield distributions. The system incorporates cameras and illumination mounted on a vehicle driving through the vineyard. We process images by exploiting the three prominent visual cues of texture, color, and shape into a strong classifier that detects berries even when they are of similar color to the vine leaves. We introduce methods to maximize the spatial and the overall accuracy of the yield estimates by optimizing the relationship between image measurements and yield. Our experimentation is conducted over four growing seasons in several wine and table‐grape vineyards. These are the first such results from experimentation that is sufficiently sized for fair evaluation against true yield variation and real‐world imaging conditions from a moving vehicle. Analysis of the results demonstrates yield estimates that capture up to 75% of spatial yield variance and with an average error between 3% and 11% of total yield.
An improved conference‐key agreement protocol for dynamic groups with efficient fault correction
Authors: Ermiş Orhan , Bahtityar Şerif , Anarim Emin , Çağlayan M. Ufuk
Published: August 2014

The pervasive usage of the Internet has made secure group communications a significant issue. Conference‐key agreement protocols provide secure group communications with lower computational cost. Providing key agreements and updates of dynamic groups in an efficient manner is a significant challenge for conference‐key agreement protocols. Auxiliary key agreement operations are needed to solve the challenge. In this paper, we propose an improved conference‐key agreement protocol, called Dynamic Conference‐Key Agreement Protocol, that consists of Initial Conference‐Key Agreement Protocol and Auxiliary Conference‐Key Agreement operations. Dynamic Conference‐Key Agreement Protocol has operations to handle dynamic groups. The proposed protocol has better fault correction and provides the same security level with the existing ones. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intrathecal Delivery of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Protects the Structure of Altered Perineuronal Nets in SOD1 Rats and Amends the Course of ALS
Authors: Forostyak Serhiy , Homola Ales , Turnovcova Karolina , Svitil Pavel , Jendelova Pavla , Sykova Eva
Published: August 2014

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder resulting in a lethal outcome. We studied changes in ventral horn perineuronal nets (PNNs) of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) rats during the normal disease course and after the intrathecal application (5 × 105 cells) of human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) postsymptom manifestation. We found that MSCs ameliorated disease progression, significantly improved motor activity, and prolonged survival. For the first time, we report that SOD1 rats have an abnormal disorganized PNN structure around the spinal motoneurons and give different expression profiles of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs), such as versican, aggrecan, and phosphacan, but not link protein-1. Additionally, SOD1 rats had different profiles for CSPG gene expression (Versican, Hapln1, Neurocan, and Tenascin-R), whereas Aggrecan and Brevican profiles remained unchanged. The application of MSCs preserved PNN structure, accompanied by better survival of motorneurons. We measured the concentration of cytokines (IL-1α, MCP-1, TNF-α, GM-CSF, IL-4, and IFN-γ) in the rats’ cerebrospinal fluid and found significantly higher concentrations of IL-1α and MCP-1. Our results show that PNN and cytokine homeostasis are altered in the SOD1 rat model of ALS. These changes could potentially serve as biological markers for the diagnosis, assessment of treatment efficacy, and prognosis of ALS. We also show that the administration of human MSCs is a safe procedure that delays the loss of motor function and increases the overall survival of symptomatic ALS animals, by remodeling the recipients’ pattern of gene expression and having neuroprotective and immunomodulatory effects. Stem Cells  2014;32:3163–3172
A testbed‐based framework for performance evaluation of multicast broadcast systems in OFDMA networks
Authors: Hsiao Chiu‐Han , Rampa Vittorio , Wen Yean‐Fu , Lin Frank Yeong‐Sung
Published: August 2014

Multicast Broadcast Service (MBS) applications can efficiently reduce the usage of network resources, still providing mobile users with real‐time high‐quality content. MBS capabilities are usually implemented by using a single frequency network; moreover, new features, such as connection identifier for broadcast/multicast messages and other MBS‐enabled descriptors, are added to cope with already existent entities and services. With the intention to optimize performances and verify the on‐field feasibility, we propose an MBS approach to Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access systems based on superposition coding (SPC). Because MBS features have a large impact in the architectural design of the network protocols, an integrated framework is mandatory to speed up the system simulation, verification, and redesign steps. This paper shows the design of an experimental testbed for performance evaluation of SPC‐enabled physical (PHY) and medium access control (MAC) layers over Mobile WiMAX systems. In addition, it proposes some architectural modifications of the WiMAX protocols, by exploiting its core network capabilities. The experimental results obtained from the testbed confirm that augmented throughput capabilities can be achieved by SPC‐enabled PHY/MAC layers. However, to fully exploit the additional available throughput, an integrated framework must be adopted to evaluate the protocol modifications for the MBS‐enabled entities. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure and Magnetic Properties of a Trinuclear Nickel(II) Complex Constructed by bpca– Anions
Authors: Huang Ximing , Fan Chunhua , Lu Jing , Liu Cai‐Ming , Lu Zhengliang , Nie Yong
Published: August 2014

The trinuclear NiII cluster [Ni3(bpca)2(bpy)2(H2O)4](NO3)4·H2O (1) (bpca– = anion of bis(2‐pyridylcarbonyl)amine, bpy = 2, 2′‐bipyridine) was isolated. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis showed that three crystallographically independent NiII ions are located in a six‐coordinate distorted octahedral environment, bridged by the organic spacer bpca–. The crystal lattice is stabilized by hydrogen bonds, which are linking the Ni3 cations and NO3– anions into a three‐dimensional framework. Variable‐temperature magnetic susceptibility for complex 1 in the range 2–300 K indicates the presence of weak antiferromagnetic interactions in the Ni3 unit with J = –0.67 cm–1.
Asymptotic decomposition in the problem of joined elastic plates
Authors: Kolpakov A.G. , Andrianov I.V. , Markert B.
Published: August 2014

In this paper, a method of local perturbations, previously successfully applied to decompose the problem of elasticity in the system of connected thin rods and beams [24], is used to study the asymptotic behavior of the elasticity problem in connected thin plates. A complete decomposition of the problem, i.e. the separation of the original problem into the two‐dimensional problem of the theory of plates and local problems is proposed. The local problems describe the three‐dimensional stress‐strain state in the connected plates and can be solved by numerical methods.
Purification and characterization of a novel alkaline β-1,3-1,4-glucanase (lichenase) from thermophilic fungus Malbranchea cinnamomea
Authors: Yang Shaoqing , Xiong Hao , Yan Qiaojuan , Yang Hongye , Jiang Zhengqiang
Published: August 2014

A novel alkaline β-1,3-1,4-glucanase (McLic1) from a thermophilic fungus, Malbranchea cinnamomea, was purified and biochemically characterized. McLic1 was purified to homogeneity with a purification fold of 3.1 and a recovery yield of 3.7 %. The purified enzyme was most active at pH 10.0 and 55 °C, and exhibited a wide range of pH stability (pH 4.0–10.0). McLic1 displayed strict substrate specificity for barley β-glucan, oat β-glucan and lichenan, but did not show activity towards other tested polysaccharides and synthetic p-nitrophenyl derivates, suggesting that it is a specific β-1,3-1,4-glucanase. The K  m values for barley β-glucan, oat β-glucan and lichenan were determined to be 0.69, 1.11 and 0.63 mg mL−1, respectively. Moreover, the enzyme was stable in various non ionic surfactants, oxidizing agents and several commercial detergents. Thus, the alkaline β-1,3-1,4-glucanase may have potential in industrial applications, such as detergent, paper and pulp industries.
On factors of Gibbs measures for almost additive potentials
Authors: YAYAMA YUKI
Published: August 2014

Let$(X,{\it\sigma}_{X}),(Y,{\it\sigma}_{Y})$be one-sided subshifts and${\it\pi}:X\rightarrow Y$a factor map. Suppose that$X$has the specification property. Let${\it\mu}$be a unique invariant Gibbs measure for a sequence of continuous functions${\mathcal{F}}=\{\log f_{n}\}_{n=1}^{\infty }$on$X$, which is an almost additive potential with bounded variation. We show that${\it\pi}{\it\mu}$is a unique invariant Gibbs measure for a sequence of continuous functions${\mathcal{G}}=\{\log g_{n}\}_{n=1}^{\infty }$on$Y$. When$(X,{\it\sigma}_{X})$is a full shift, we characterize${\mathcal{G}}$and${\it\mu}$by using relative pressure. This${\mathcal{G}}$is a generalization of a continuous function found by Pollicott and Kempton in their work on factors of Gibbs measures for continuous functions. We also consider the following question: given a unique invariant Gibbs measure${\it\nu}$for a sequence of continuous functions${\mathcal{F}}_{2}$on$Y$, can we find an invariant Gibbs measure${\it\mu}$for a sequence of continuous functions${\mathcal{F}}_{1}$on$X$such that${\it\pi}{\it\mu}={\it\nu}$? We show that such a measure exists under a certain condition. In particular, if$(X,{\it\sigma}_{X})$is a full shift and${\it\nu}$is a unique invariant Gibbs measure for a function in the Bowen class, then there exists a preimage${\it\mu}$of ${\it\nu}$which is a unique invariant Gibbs measure for a function in the Bowen class.
Breakup of a conducting drop in a uniform electric field
Authors: Karyappa Rahul B. , Deshmukh Shivraj D. , Thaokar Rochish M.
Published: August 2014

A conducting drop suspended in a viscous dielectric and subjected to a uniform DC electric field deforms to a steady-state shape when the electric stress and the viscous stress balance. Beyond a critical electric capillary number $\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}\mathit{Ca}$, which is the ratio of the electric to the capillary stress, a drop undergoes breakup. Although the steady-state deformation is independent of the viscosity ratio $\lambda $ of the drop and the medium phase, the breakup itself is dependent upon $\lambda $ and $\mathit{Ca}$. We perform a detailed experimental and numerical analysis of the axisymmetric shape prior to breakup (ASPB), which explains that there are three different kinds of ASPB modes: the formation of lobes, pointed ends and non-pointed ends. The axisymmetric shapes undergo transformation into the non-axisymmetric shape at breakup (NASB) before disintegrating. It is found that the lobes, pointed ends and non-pointed ends observed in ASPB give way to NASB modes of charged lobes disintegration, regular jets (which can undergo a whipping instability) and open jets, respectively. A detailed experimental and numerical analysis of the ASPB modes is conducted that explains the origin of the experimentally observed NASB modes. Several interesting features are reported for each of the three axisymmetric and non-axisymmetric modes when a drop undergoes breakup.
FROM NORTHAMPTON TO NORTHUMBERLAND: THE STRAND PALACE DURING THE SUFFOLK OWNERSHIP AND THE TRANSFORMATIONS OF ALGERNON PERCY, TENTH EARL OF NORTHUMBERLAND, 1614–68
Authors: Guerci Manolo
Published: August 2014

This paper is a continuation of one that appeared in this journal in 2010.1 That earlier paper explored the house built by Lord Henry Howard, first Earl of Northampton, between 1605 and his death in 1614. This one investigates the Suffolk ownership in the years between Howard’s death and 1642, as well as the subsequent acquisition and transformation of the house by Algernon Percy, tenth Earl of Northumberland, between 1642 and 1668. The first period has never been studied with the benefit of archival research and, if architecturally uneventful, offers interesting insights into the political and patrimonial affairs of the time. The second was analysed by Jeremy Wood in 1993 within an essay dealing with the whole of Algernon’s building activity,2 and not therefore in relation to the architectural development of Northumberland House specifically. It is argued here that Northumberland’s work is of crucial importance, as he turned this predominantly urban palace, with its public rooms overlooking the Strand, into a rus in urbe, an aspect that was to be a decisive influence on its many later refurbishments. In addition, investigating Algernon’s work through a close analysis of the primary sources sheds new light on the debate about the development of architecture during the English Civil War.
Dramatic decline of the Vulnerable Reeves's pheasantSyrmaticus reevesii, endemic to central China
Authors: Zhou Chunfa , Xu Jiliang , Zhang Zhengwang
Published: August 2014

The current status and distribution of the Vulnerable Reeves's pheasantSyrmaticus reevesii, endemic to central China, is poorly known. To obtain updated information on its status we selected 89 candidate sites in six provinces and one municipality in central China and conducted interviews and field surveys from April 2011 to April 2012. Interviews demonstrated the pheasant has disappeared from 46% of the surveyed sites. Our results also revealed a population decline at 46 sites, including protected areas, although population densities in protected areas were higher than those in non-protected areas. Eighty-three, 26 and 20% of the surveyed sites had evidence of poaching, habitat loss and use of poison, respectively, which were the three major threats to this species. To ensure the long-term survival of Reeves's pheasant in China, protection and management need to be enforced in both protected and non-protected areas. We recommend that this species should be upgraded to a national first-level protected species in China and recategorized as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
The effect of alternative forms of hunting on the social organization of two small populations of lions Panthera leo in southern Africa
Authors: Snyman Andrei , Jackson Craig R. , Funston Paul J.
Published: August 2014

African lion Panthera leo populations have declined as a result of various anthropogenic factors, and most extant populations are small, which further compromises their persistence. Lions in unfenced areas are more exposed to illegal hunting, snaring and poisoning, and populations in fenced reserves are subject to population control by removal of selected individuals from particular age and sex classes. During 2000–2011 19 lions from the mostly unfenced Northern Tuli Game Reserve in Botswana were shot, snared or poisoned. By contrast, only one lioness was shot outside the fenced Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve 10 km away, in South Africa, where 29 lions were trophy hunted or culled. We found that the mean population size, sex ratio and litter size were the same for both reserves but population density, pride size and cub survival rate were significantly higher in the fenced reserve. The size of the population in Northern Tuli was constrained by a high rate of indiscriminate anthropogenic mortality, with 94.7% of adult mortality occurring outside the reserve. The different forms of anthropogenic suppression in evidence at the two reserves resulted in different population-level responses, which will ultimately affect population viability. As conservation strategies are attempting to remove fences and establish larger conservation areas, this study indicates how fences can influence population dynamics in areas where human presence threatens large carnivores.
Redescription of Sarcocystis fusiformis sarcocysts from the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: DUBEY J. P. , HILALI M. , VAN WILPE E. , VERMA S. K. , CALERO-BERNAL R. , ABDEL-WAHAB A.
Published: August 2014

Four valid species of Sarcocystis have been reported from the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis): Sarcocystis fusiformis, Sarcocystis buffalonis, Sarcocystis levinei and Sarcocystis dubeyi. Here, we redescribe structure of S. fusiformis sarcocysts by scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM, TEM). Twenty-one macroscopic sarcocysts from oesophagus of the water buffalo in Egypt were examined by light microscopy, SEM and TEM. The sarcocyst wall was up to 9 μm thick, depending on the section and the technique. In 5 μm paraffin-embedded sections, the sarcocyst wall was indistinct, 2–5 μm thick and appeared smooth. In 1 μm plastic-embedded sections stained with toluidine blue, the sarcocyst wall was 2·5–5·2 μm thick and had branched villar protrusions (vp)-like branches of a dead tree. By SEM, the sarcocyst wall had a mesh-like structure with irregularly shaped vp that were folded over the sarcocyst wall. On each vp there were uniform papillomatous structures that were 100 nm wide. By TEM, vp were up to 6 μm long and contained filamentous tubular structures, most of which were parallel to the long axis of the projections; granules were absent from these tubules. By TEM, bradyzoites within the same cyst varied from 11·2 to 16·8 μm in length. By TEM, bradyzoites had a very long (10 μm) convoluted mitochondrion, up to 12 dense granules, but only 2 rhoptries. This redescription should help to differentiate the sarcocysts of S. fusiformis from similar sarcocysts in domestic and wild ruminants.
Dimensional optimization of the Stewart platform based on inertia decoupling characteristic
Authors: Liu Zhihua , Tang Xiaoqiang , Shao Zhufeng , Wang Liping
Published: August 2014

Inertia strongly influences the dynamic performance of parallel manipulators, and ignorance of inertia is apt to result in negative phenomena such as vibrations, overshoot, and slow response. This study analyzes the inertia-decoupling characteristic of Stewart platform. Because the inertia matrix of the Stewart platform is usually non-diagonal, inertia coupling occurs between its legs. Herein, decoupling to inertia is implemented, and independent control channels are determined. The influence of decoupled inertia on the control system is analyzed using the Adams simulation software, and the inertia index of the Stewart platform is proposed. Experiments are conducted on a prototype of the Stewart platform to verify the eigenvalue characteristic of decoupled inertia. The distribution of inertia index in the operational workspace is provided, and the influence of dimensional parameters on inertia index is discussed. Finally, dimensional optimization is realized with a set of optimized dimensions for good dynamic performance.
A Reconsideration of John Stuart Mill's Account of Political Violence
Authors: WHITHAM WILLIAM
Published: August 2014

The received view that John Stuart Mill opposed the use of violence to attain desirable political goals has been undermined by authors stressing Mill's defence of revolutionary causes during his lifetime and his efforts to outline a justificatory theory of political violence. In light of this scholarship, claims of Mill's ostensible ‘gradualism’ with regard to the appropriate methods and pace of social progress may merit reassessment. At the same time Mill's account appears to sanction violence that respects criteria of justice but not of expediency and vice versa, making it untenable as a cogent guide for carrying out or evaluating acts of violence. That this tension is analogous to tensions elsewhere in Mill's writings provides more evidence for the view that his theoretical project was a systematic one, and raises new questions about his philosophical enterprise.
Management of multiple myeloma in older people
Authors: Bolaños E , Iñigo B , Benavente C , Martínez R
Published: August 2014

Multiple myeloma is a neoplastic proliferation of a plasma cell clone that produces a monoclonal immunoglobulin. It is one of the most common haematological malignancies and the incidence increases with age, with a median age at diagnosis of 65–70 years. The diagnosis of multiple myeloma requires the presence of ≥10% plasma cells in the bone marrow and an M-protein in serum and/or urine. Cytogenetic status, serum β2-microglobulin and response to therapy are the key prognostic factors. Treatment is necessary for the patient diagnosed with symptomatic multiple myeloma, with organ damage. Patients older than 65 years are ineligible for autologous transplantation. The introduction of novel agents, such as thalidomide, bortezomib and lenalidomide, have changed the management of myeloma and extended overall survival. However, in older patients the results are not as satisfactory and treatment strategies have to be individualized to improve tolerability and optimize efficacy.
The approach to patients with cognitive impairment and hip fracture: the role of orthogeriatric care
Authors: Tarazona-Santabalbina Francisco J , Doménech-Pascual Juan R , Belenguer-Varea A Ángel , Rovira Daudi Eduardo
Published: August 2014

Hip fracture is very common among older patients, who are characterized by increased co-morbidities, including cognitive impairment. These patients have an increased risk of falls and fractures, poorer functional recovery and lower survival both in hospital and 12 months after discharge. We review the survival and functional outcomes of older patients with cognitive impairment and hip fracture managed in orthogeriatric units, and highlight the gaps in our knowledge of the efficacy and efficiency of specific orthogeriatric programmes for such patients and the future research perspectives in this field.
Late Prematurity in Twins: A Polish Multicenter Study
Authors: Kosinska-Kaczynska Katarzyna , Szymusik Iwona , Bomba-Opon Dorota , Madej Anna , Oleszczuk Jan , Patro-Malysza Jolanta , Marciniak Beata , Breborowicz Grzegorz , Drews Krzysztof , Seremak-Mrozikiewicz Agnieszka , Szymankiewicz Marta , Zimmer Mariusz , Pomorski Michal , Olejek Anita , Slawska Helena , Wielgos Mirosław
Published: August 2014

The study aimed at investigating the impact of late prematurity (LPT) on neonatal outcome in twins and neonatal morbidity and mortality within LPT with regard to the completed weeks of gestation. The study was conducted in six tertiary obstetric departments from different provinces of Poland (Warsaw, Lublin, Poznan, Wroclaw, Bytom). It included 465 twin deliveries in the above centers in 2012. A comparative analysis of maternal factors, the course of pregnancy and delivery and neonatal outcome between LPT (34 + 0–36 + 6 weeks of gestation) and term groups (completed 37 weeks) was performed. The neonatal outcome included short-term morbidities. The analysis of neonatal complication rates according to completed gestational weeks was carried out. Out of 465 twin deliveries 213 (44.8%) were LPT and 156 (33.55%) were term. There were no neonatal deaths among LPT and term twins. One-third of LPT newborns suffered from respiratory disorders or required antibiotics, 40% had jaundice requiring phototherapy, and 30% were admitted to NICU. The analysis of neonatal morbidity with regard to each gestational week at delivery showed that most analyzed complications occurred less frequently with the advancing gestational age, especially respiratory disorders and NICU admissions. The only two factors with significant influence on neonatal morbidity rate were neonatal birth weight (OR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.2–0.9, p = .02) and gestational age at delivery (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.5–0.8, p < .01). LPT have a higher risk of neonatal morbidity than term twins. Gestational age and neonatal birth weight seem to play a crucial role in neonatal outcome in twins.
Twinship as a Resource: Zygosity- and Gender-Based Comparison of Twins’ Attitudes Toward Twinship
Authors: Hegedűs Rita , Pári András , Drjenovszky Zsófia , Kónya Hanna
Published: August 2014

Aiming to perform the first sociological survey of Hungarian twins, our main question was whether being a twin has positive consequences on one's life. Adult twins completed our questionnaire at three Hungarian summer twin festivals, in hospitals during medical twin studies, and on some websites online. Data represent 140 twin pairs (mean age: 38.2 ± 14.6 years). We employed some indices for measuring the resource nature of twinship. Three main types of benefits were distinguished: profit of attraction, as ‘material capital’; the easier obtainability of cultural goods when twins take part in it, as ‘cultural capital’; and positive aspects of an a priori existing dyadic relation, as ‘relational capital’. We were interested in the difference among types of twins regarding advantages. We paid special attention to the five groups of twins derived from gender and zygosity (i.e., monozygotic females, monozygotic males, dizygotic females, dizygotic males, opposite-sex pairs). Our analysis showed that Hungarian twins involved in our research basically enjoy their twinship; during their lives they used and still make use of different benefits given by it. In our twin samples, women had more advantages from being a twin than men. Significant differences could be observed on all indicators between monozygotic and dizygotic twins.
The Interpretation of Dreams, and of Jokes
Authors: Erdelyi Matthew Hugh
Published: August 2014

The problem of meaning in dreams is examined along with the question of how such meaning may be legitimately extracted. Quantitative content analysis has shown that a rough continuity exists between dream content and awake experiences and concerns (and that, therefore, dreams are implicit memories). Continuity becomes more pronounced when figurative (latent) contents are taken into account in addition to literal (manifest) contents and when temporal disjunctions between dream experiences and life-events are factored in. Formal homologies exist between dreams and jokes, which provide a simplifying model for dream interpretation. Jokes prove, for example, that latent contents (which arise from interactions of surface manifest contents with context) convey crucial meanings missing in manifest contents. Dreams are release phenomena involving disinhibition and underregulation of content and style, and for this reason are simultaneously revealing and confusing. Dream distortions turn out to be identical to those found in other types of resource-poor cognition (e.g., aphasia, subliminal perception), suggesting that defense (“censorship”) is not necessarily responsible for dream distortion.
Toward a Better Understanding of Self-Construal Theory: An Agency View of the Processes of Self-Construal
Authors: Voyer Benjamin G. , Franks Bradley
Published: August 2014

This article offers a novel perspective on self-construal theory. Self-construal concerns how individuals understand who they are in relation to the broad set of cultural influences in which they live. We look at the nature and antecedents of self-construal, and characterize it as a self-process, rather than self-knowledge. Integrating work from the literature on social and evolutionary psychology, and philosophy, we suggest that the differences between independent and interdependent self-construal are best understood from a self-agency perspective. This concerns how people assess whether they are the causes of an action and, if so, whether their causal role depends on other people. We introduce and discuss the roles of 3 different modalities of agency involved in self-agency assessment: implicit (sensorimotor), intermediate (self-related affordances), and explicit (reflective) self-agency. We offer a conceptual model on how self-agency relates to power, evolutionary motivations and to social and cultural affordances, in the formation of, and interaction with, different types of dominant independent and interdependent self-construals.