bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electronically reconfigurable uni‐planar antenna for cognitive radio applications
Authors: Augustin Gijo , Chacko Bybi P. , Denidni Tayeb A.
Published: December 2013

A single port, electronically reconfigurable, uni‐planar antenna for cognitive‐radio (CR) systems is presented. This design effectively merges the time‐domain properties of tapered slot antennas with uni‐planar nature of coplanar waveguide (CPW). Two tapered slot antennas were excited through a CPW, which is embedded with a PIN diode controlled band‐pass filter. The prototype fabricated on Rogers® RO3006 high‐frequency laminate with dielectric constant 6.5, loss tangent 0.002 and thickness 1.28 mm facilitates S11 < −10 dB bandwidth from 1.6 to 6.0 GHz in the wide‐band mode and 3.39 to 3.80 GHz in the narrow‐band mode. The measured radiation characteristics show that the design is suitable for CR applications, in which a wide‐band antenna is used for spectrum sensing and a narrow‐band antenna for transmission. In addition, the measured time‐domain characteristics of the antenna including group delay, impulse response and fidelity factor are presented. These indicate that the proposed antenna can also be used for microwave imaging devices that are connected to the host through high‐speed worldwide interoperability for microwave access terminals. Finally, to assist antenna engineers working on industrial design, the housing effect on the prototype was also studied experimentally in frequency and time domains.
Constant power control‐based strategy for Vienna‐type rectifiers to expand operating area under severe unbalanced grid
Authors: Hang Lijun , Zhang Ming
Published: December 2013

For a Vienna type rectifier, unbalanced grids introduce twice the fundamental frequency ripples in dc‐link voltage and input active/reactive power. To eliminate the input power ripple, the common current reference generation strategy, such as dual‐frame hybrid vector control, can be adopted to maintain constant input power and eliminate ripples in dc‐link voltage under light unbalanced grids. However, this control method does not work when under severe unbalanced grids. The theoretical operation area of the constant power control method under unbalanced grids is analysed in this study, furthermore, a compromised control method, which injects a small amount of input power ripple and makes a compromise between the working area and the output voltage ripples, is proposed. The control method can work when the grids have severe unbalance. The experimental operating area of constant power control is presented. The performance comparison and waveforms of three control strategies under different unbalanced grids are given.
Memory‐based two‐dimensional‐parallel differential matched filter correlator for global navigation satellite system code acquisition
Authors: Chen Chia‐Wei , Chen Sih‐Huan , Tsao Hen‐Wai , Mao Wei‐Lung
Published: December 2013

This study presents a code acquisition architecture for a global navigation satellite system (GNSS). The proposed scheme aim to reduce buffer resource required without reducing the number of code, frequency and satellite bins. Therefore the GNSS signal has no information loss. The code acquisition process in a GNSS attempts to find the code phase of a satellite signal, and it includes three procedures: coherent integration (CI), correlation and in CI. The proposed code acquisition architecture provides a lower operation count for correlation with reduced memory consumption. Firstly, the memory in CI and the shift register in the correlator are integrated by changing the operation sequence of CI and correlation. Thus, half of the memory in CI can be removed, and the shift register becomes the sharing buffer for both correlation and CI. Secondly, the addition count in the correlation is reduced by combining a parallel differential matched filter (PDMF) with a two‐dimensional (2D) architecture to form a memory‐based 2D‐PDMF correlator. Finally, changing the sample sequence before integration reduces the memory of in CI. Compared with conventional code acquisition, the proposed design can reduce register consumption by 80% and addition count by 60% operation count for correlation and 50% memory consumption of incoherent integration.
Should diagnosis codes from emergency department data be used for case selection for emergency department key performance indicators?
Authors: Howell Stuart C. , Wills Rachael A. , Johnston Trisha C.
Published: December 2013

Objective
The aim of the present study was to assess the suitability of emergency department (ED) discharge diagnosis for identifying patient cohorts included in the definitions of key performance indicators (KPIs) that are used to evaluate ED performance.

Methods
Hospital inpatient episodes of care with a principal diagnosis that corresponded to an ED-defined KPI were extracted from the Queensland Hospital Admitted Patient Data Collection (QHAPDC) for the year 2010–2011. The data were then linked to the corresponding ED patient record and the diagnoses applied in the two settings were compared.

Results
The asthma and injury cohorts produced favourable results with respect to matching the QHAPDC principal diagnosis with the ED discharge diagnosis. The results were generally modest when the QHAPDC principal diagnosis was upper respiratory tract infection, poisoning and toxic effects or a mental health diagnosis, and were quite poor for influenza.

Conclusions
There is substantial variation in the capture of patient cohorts using discharge diagnosis as recorded on Queensland Hospital Emergency Department data.

What is known about the topic?
There are several existing KPIs that are defined according to the diagnosis recorded on ED data collections. However, there have been concerns over the quality of ED diagnosis in Queensland and other jurisdictions, and the value of these data in identifying patient cohorts for the purpose of assessing ED performance remains uncertain.

What does this paper add?
This paper identifies diagnosis codes that are suitable for use in capturing the patient cohorts that are used to evaluate ED performance, as well as those codes that may be of limited value.

What are the implications for practitioners?
The limitations of diagnosis codes within ED data should be understood by those seeking to use these data items for healthcare planning and management or for research into healthcare quality and outcomes.
Pepducin targeting the C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 acts as a biased agonist favoring activation of the inhibitory G protein
Authors: Quoyer Julie , Janz Jay M. , Luo Jiansong , Ren Yong , Armando Sylvain , Lukashova Viktoria , Benovic Jeffrey L. , Carlson Kenneth E. , Hunt Stephen W. , Bouvier Michel
Published: December 2013

Significance

Pepducins are a class of biologics that allosterically control G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) activity, but very little is known about their mode of action. Here, we report that ATI-2341, a pepducin targeting the C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4), functions as a biased ligand, favoring Gαi activation over Gα13. Moreover, contrary to the natural CXCR4 agonist, stromal cell-derived factor-1α, ATI-2341 does not promote β-arrestin recruitment. In addition to revealing the selective signaling underlying ATI-2341 effects on hematopoietic cell mobilization, the study shows that pepducins are powerful tools offering perspectives for studying GPCR functional selectivity that could impact the development of drugs with fewer side effects.
Structure-based model for light-harvesting properties of nucleic acid nanostructures
Authors: Pan Keyao , Boulais Etienne , Yang Lun , Bathe Mark
Published: December 2013

Programmed self-assembly of DNA enables the rational design of megadalton-scale macromolecular assemblies with sub-nanometer scale precision. These assemblies can be programmed to serve as structural scaffolds for secondary chromophore molecules with light-harvesting properties. Like in natural systems, the local and global spatial organization of these synthetic scaffolded chromophore systems plays a crucial role in their emergent excitonic and optical properties. Previously, we introduced a computational model to predict the large-scale 3D solution structure and flexibility of nucleic acid nanostructures programmed using the principle of scaffolded DNA origami. Here, we use Förster resonance energy transfer theory to simulate the temporal dynamics of dye excitation and energy transfer accounting both for overall DNA nanostructure architecture as well as atomic-level DNA and dye chemical structure and composition. Results are used to calculate emergent optical properties including effective absorption cross-section, absorption and emission spectra and total power transferred to a biomimetic reaction center in an existing seven-helix double stranded DNA-based antenna. This structure-based computational framework enables the efficient in silico evaluation of nucleic acid nanostructures for diverse light-harvesting and photonic applications.
The spring-loaded genome: Nucleosome redistributions are widespread, transient, and DNA-directed
Authors: Sexton Brittany S. , Avey Denis , Druliner Brooke R. , Fincher Justin A. , Vera Daniel L. , Grau Daniel J. , Borowsky Mark L. , Gupta Shobhit , Girimurugan Senthil B. , Chicken Eric , Zhang Jinfeng , Noble William S. , Zhu Fanxiu , Kingston Robert E. , Dennis Jonathan H.
Published: December 2013

Nucleosome occupancy plays a key role in regulating access to eukaryotic genomes. Although various chromatin regulatory complexes are known to regulate nucleosome occupancy, the role of DNA sequence in this regulation remains unclear, particularly in mammals. To address this problem, we measured nucleosome distribution at high temporal resolution in human cells at hundreds of genes during the reactivation of Kaposi's sarcoma–associated herpesvirus (KSHV). We show that nucleosome redistribution peaks at 24 h post-KSHV reactivation and that the nucleosomal redistributions are widespread and transient. To clarify the role of DNA sequence in these nucleosomal redistributions, we compared the genes with altered nucleosome distribution to a sequence-based computer model and in vitro–assembled nucleosomes. We demonstrate that both the predicted model and the assembled nucleosome distributions are concordant with the majority of nucleosome redistributions at 24 h post-KSHV reactivation. We suggest a model in which loci are held in an unfavorable chromatin architecture and “spring” to a transient intermediate state directed by DNA sequence information. We propose that DNA sequence plays a more considerable role in the regulation of nucleosome positions than was previously appreciated. The surprising findings that nucleosome redistributions are widespread, transient, and DNA-directed shift the current perspective regarding regulation of nucleosome distribution in humans.
Extensive Functional Pleiotropy ofREVOLUTASubstantiated through Forward Genetics
Authors: Porth Ilga , Kláp¡tě Jaroslav , McKown Athena D. , La Mantia Jonathan , Hamelin Richard C. , Skyba Oleksandr , Unda Faride , Friedmann Michael C. , Cronk Quentin C.B. , Ehlting Jürgen , Guy Robert D. , Mansfield Shawn D. , El-Kassaby Yousry A. , Douglas Carl J.
Published: December 2013

In plants, genes may sustain extensive pleiotropic functional properties by individually affecting multiple, distinct traits. We discuss results from three genome-wide association studies of approximately 400 natural poplar (Populus trichocarpa) accessions phenotyped for 60 ecological/biomass, wood quality, and rust fungus resistance traits. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the poplar ortholog of the class III homeodomain-leucine zipper transcription factor gene REVOLUTA (PtREV) were significantly associated with three specific traits. Based on SNP associations with fungal resistance, leaf drop, and cellulose content, the PtREV gene contains three potential regulatory sites within noncoding regions at the gene’s 3′ end, where alternative splicing and messenger RNA processing actively occur. The polymorphisms in this region associated with leaf abscission and cellulose content are suggested to represent more recent variants, whereas the SNP associated with leaf rust resistance may be more ancient, consistent with REV’s primary role in auxin signaling and its functional evolution in supporting fundamental processes of vascular plant development.
catena-Poly[[diaquabis(4-formylbenzoato-κO
1)copper(II)]-μ-pyrazine-κ2
N:N′]
Authors: Çelik Fatih , Dilek Nefise , Çaylak Delibaş Nagihan , Necefoğlu Hacali , Hökelek Tuncer
Published: December 2013

In the title polymeric compound, [Cu(C8H5O3)2(C4H4N2)(H2O)2]
n
, the CuII atom is located on a twofold rotation axis and has a slightly distorted octahedral coordination sphere. In the equatorial plane, it is coordinated by two carboxylate O atoms of two symmetry-related monodentate formylbenzoate anions and by two N atoms of the bridging pyrazine ligand, which is bisected by the twofold rotation axis. The axial positions are occupied by two O atoms of the coordinating water molecules. In the formylbenzoate anion, the carboxylate group is twisted away from the attached benzene ring by 6.2 (2)°, while the benzene and pyrazine rings are oriented at a dihedral angle of 68.91 (8)°. The pyrazine ligands bridge the CuII cations, forming polymeric chains running along the b-axis direction. Strong intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bonds link the water molecules to the carboxylate O atoms. In the crystal, O—Hwater...Owater hydrogen bonds link adjacent chains into layers parallel to the bc plane. The layers are linked via C—Hpyrazine...Oformyl hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional network. There are also weak C—H...π interactions present.
Growth temperature effect on the structure of CoPt islands on NaCl(001) studied by grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering
Authors: Maret Mireille , Liscio Fabiola , Makarov Denys , Doisneau-Cottignies Béatrice , Ganss Fabian , Missiaen Jean-Michel , Albrecht Manfred
Published: December 2013

The structure (size, shape, orientation) of CoPt alloy islands formed on NaCl(001) substrates was investigated using grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) combined with electron and X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Co50Pt50and Co25Pt75islands formed at 473 K by co-deposition of Co and Pt species are oriented along the [001] direction, and their shapes are well described as truncated spheres with lateral sizes of around 4–5 nm. In contrast, using the same Co and Pt atomic fluxes, co-deposition at 673 K leads to the formation of strongly enriched Pt islands with larger sizes, and different orientations and shapes. The Pt enrichment is attributed to a large increase in the difference between the Co and Pt condensation coefficients with deposition temperature. Surprisingly, for the island assemblies formed at 673 K, the GISAXS patterns are dominated by the scattered intensities of the [001]-oriented islands with a truncated octahedron shape, thus masking the contributions of the [111]- and [110]-oriented islands which can exhibit larger sizes.
Effect of filtration forces on the structure of casein micelles
Authors: Gebhardt Ronald
Published: December 2013

Pressure-driven membrane filtration is a widely used method to separate casein micelles (CM) from smaller components in milk. The structure of CM attached on the membrane has been investigated because in such a deposited state they reduce the performance of the filtration process. Scattering experiments with nano- and micrometre sized X-ray beams and a filtration setup with silicon micro-sieves as membranes were used. Grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) experiments above porous regions of the micro-sieves show that spherical CM become stretched in the direction of the filtration flow. The one-dimensional scattering functions extracted from the two-dimensional GISAXS patterns were analyzed by a single ellipsoidal form factor fit. According to the model, CM assume a prolate ellipsoidal shape at a trans-membrane pressure of Δp= 400 mbar (1 mbar = 100 Pa). With increasing trans-membrane pressure, the shape of the CM undergoes a transition towards an oblate structure between 400 and 600 mbar. Small-angle X-ray scattering experiments with a 200 nm beam allow for transmission experiments on CM in a single pore of the micro-sieve. Typical characteristics of the internal structure could not be identified in the scattering functions of CM subjected to filtration forces.
Scanning SAXS–WAXS microscopy on osteoarthritis-affected bone – an age-related study
Authors: Giannini C. , Siliqi D. , Ladisa M. , Altamura D. , Diaz A. , Beraudi A. , Sibillano T. , De Caro L. , Stea S. , Baruffaldi F. , Bunk O.
Published: December 2013

Osteoarthritis (OA), among other bone pathologies, is expected to determine supramolecular changes at the level of the mineralized collagen fiber. In a proof-of-principle study, bone biopsies were collected from six coxarthritis-affected patients, aged 62–87 years, during hip prosthesis implant surgery, sliced down to 100 µm-thick tissues, and investigated using scanning small-angle and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS and WAXS) transmission microscopy. A multi-modal imaging evaluation of the SAXS and WAXS data, combined with principal component and canonical correlation analyses, allowed the transformation of the raw data into microscopy images and inspection of the nanoscale structure of the mineralized collagen fibers across mm2tissue areas. The combined scanning SAXS and WAXS microscopy is shown to be a suitable choice for characterizing and quantifying the nanostructural properties of collagen over extended areas. The results suggest the existence of a correlation between age and cross-linking-induced rigidity of collagen fibers.
Momentum-resolved resonant inelastic X-ray scattering on a single crystal under high pressure
Authors: Yoshida Masahiro , Ishii Kenji , Jarrige Ignace , Watanuki Tetsu , Kudo Kazutaka , Koike Yoji , Kumagai Ken'ichi , Hiraoka Nozomu , Ishii Hirofumi , Tsuei Ku-Ding , Mizuki Jun'ichiro
Published: December 2013

A single-crystal momentum-resolved resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) experiment under high pressure using an originally designed diamond anvil cell (DAC) is reported. The diamond-in/diamond-out geometry was adopted with both the incident and scattered beams passing through a 1 mm-thick diamond. This enabled us to cover wide momentum space keeping the scattering angle condition near 90°. Elastic and inelastic scattering from the diamond was drastically reduced using a pinhole placed after the DAC. Measurement of the momentum-resolved RIXS spectra of Sr2.5Ca11.5Cu24O41at the CuK-edge was thus successful. Though the inelastic intensity becomes weaker by two orders than the ambient pressure, RIXS spectra both at the center and the edge of the Brillouin zone were obtained at 3 GPa and low-energy electronic excitations of the cuprate were found to change with pressure.
CT‐Guided, Minimally Invasive, Postmortem Needle Biopsy Using the B‐Rob II Needle‐Positioning Robot
Authors: Martinez Rosa M. , Ptacek Wolfgang , Schweitzer Wolf , Kronreif Gernot , Fürst Martin , Thali Michael J. , Ebert Lars C.
Published: December 2013

CT‐guided, minimally invasive needle biopsy techniques can be used to retrieve tissue or body fluid samples for histologic tissue diagnoses in forensic investigations. The purpose of this study was an evaluation of CT‐guided needle‐positioning robot B‐Rob II. To operate under CT guidance, we adopted the B‐Rob II robotic needle placement system and its workflow. The accuracy and speed of the procedure were tested on a gelatin phantom in a series of 21 biopsies. We achieved an average needle placement accuracy of 1.8 mm (±1.1 mm) using robotic assistance. The procedure required an average of 2 min 21 s. The needle placement accuracy for minimally invasive needle biopsies using the B‐Rob II biopsy robot is sufficiently accurate and fast for forensic postmortem examinations of focal organ changes. Further tests will be performed to test the feasibility of the robot for performing biopsies of focal organ changes in human bodies.
Release of Allyl Isothiocyanate from Mustard Seed Meal Powder
Authors: Dai Ruyan , Lim Loong‐Tak
Published: December 2013

Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) is a wide‐spectrum antimicrobial compound found in mustard seeds, produced when their tissues are disrupted. The formation of AITC in mustard seed is mediated by the myrosinase enzyme which catalyzes the release of volatile AITC from a glucosinolate—sinigrin. Since water is a substrate in the reaction, humidity from the air can be used to activate the release of AITC from mustard seed. In this study, defatted and partially defatted mustard seed meals were ground into powders with particle size ranging from 5 to 300 μm. The mustard seed meal powder (MSMP) samples were enclosed within hermetically sealed glass jars wherein the headspace air was adjusted to 85% or 100% relative humidity at 5, 20, or 35 °C. Data from gas chromatography analysis showed that AITC release rate and amount increased with increasing relative humidity and temperature. Moreover, the release rate can be manipulated by particle size and lipid content of the MSMP samples. The amount of AITC released ranged from 2 to 17 mg/g MSMP within 24 h under the experimental conditions tested. In view of the antimicrobial properties of AITC, the mustard meal powder may be used as a natural antimicrobial material for extending the shelf life of food products.
Metered dose inhaler technique among inner‐city asthmatics and its association with asthma medication adherence
Authors: Lurslurchachai Linda , Krauskopf Katherine , Roy Angkana , Halm Ethan A. , Leventhal Howard , Wisnivesky Juan P.
Published: December 2013

Introduction

Inhaled medications, critical for asthma treatment, are self‐administered through metered dose inhalers (MDI). Asthma self‐management hinges on adherence to these medications and to proper MDI technique.

Objective

To assess predictors of proper MDI technique, and MDI technique as a tool to identify patients with low adherence to inhaled medications.

Methods

Prospective cohort of asthmatics from clinics in New York, NY and New Brunswick, NJ. MDI technique was assessed using a standardized checklist. Adherence to inhaled asthma controller medication was evaluated with the Medication Adherence Report Scale. Predictors of MDI technique were evaluated using regression analyses. The distribution of number of MDI technique steps missed was compared in adherent vs. non‐adherent asthmatics.

Results

Overall, 326 patients were included (55% Hispanic, 27% Black). In adjusted analyses, age < 55 years was significantly associated with MDI technique (P = 0.03). Overall, 12%, 34%, 40% of asthmatics missed 5–6, 3–4, or 1–2 MDI steps; 16% received a perfect MDI technique score. Adherence rates were 20%, 39%, 48%, and 62% among those who missed 5–6, 3–4, 1–2, or none of the steps in the MDI technique checklist (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Poor MDI technique is common among inner‐city patients with asthma and is associated with poor adherence to controller medications. Older patients with asthma are at higher risk of improper MDI technique. Assessment of MDI technique may be a simple clinical aid to identify patients with low adherence to controller medications.
Nocturnal continuous positive airway pressure in severe non‐apneic asthma. A pilot study
Authors: D'Amato Maria , Stanziola Anna A. , de Laurentiis Guglielmo , Diana Radicella , Russo Cristian , Maniscalco Mauro , D'Amato Gennaro , Sofia Matteo
Published: December 2013

Introduction

It has been demonstrated that brief periods of nocturnal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) reduce airway reactivity in animal models and in patients with asthma. The effects of nCPAP in severe uncontrolled non‐apneic asthmatic patients are not well known.

Aim

In this open pilot study, we aimed to assess the effect nCPAP on peak flow (PEF) variability and asthma control in this type of patients.

Methods

CPAP was applied to 10 patients with severe long‐standing asthma without obstructive sleep apnea for seven consecutive nights. CPAP was titrated in auto setting and applied to the patients. Daily PEF, was measured from 2 weeks before the intervention to 2 weeks after the end of nCPAP treatment. PEF amplitude and PEF morning dip (MD) over 24‐h periods averaged over 1 week were calculated as indexes of PEF variability. Asthma control test (ACT) and European quality of life (EuroQol) questionnaire were measured at baseline and after 1 month, and at baseline and at the end of CPAP period, respectively.

Results

The PEF amplitude significantly decreased both during CPAP period and in the first week after nCPAP discontinuation as compared with the baseline (19.8 ± 7.5%, 23.9 ± 9.1% and 28.9 ± 11.5%, respectively, always P < 0.05). PEF MD significantly decreased during nCPAP in comparison with the baseline (P < 0.001). The ACT and EuroQol significantly improved after nCPAP in comparison with the basal value.

Conclusions

In this preliminary report, brief period of nCPAP reduces PEF variability and improves control in severe non‐apneic asthma at a short‐term evaluation. Further studies with longer‐term evaluation and larger number of patients are warranted.
Factors associated with poor asthma control among asthmatic patient visiting emergency department
Authors: Ahmed Anwar E. , AL‐Jahdali Hamdan , AL‐Harbi Abdullah , Khan Mohmad , Ali Yosra , Al Shimemeri Abdullah , AL‐Muhsen Salih , Halwani Rabieh
Published: December 2013

Introduction

Bronchial asthma is a common chronic disease that affects people of all ages. Insufficient asthma control may cause frequent emergency department (ED) visit by patients who seek crisis management of their asthma.

Objectives

This study aims to identify the factors associated with poor asthma control.

Methods

We enrolled 450 participants who visited (ED) for asthma management. Besides assessing the asthma severity classification, we assess each participant for asthma control over the months preceding ED visit using Asthma Control Test score. We employed an independent t‐test and ANOVA to assess if the differences in asthma control scores by demographic and clinical characteristics are statistically significant. The dependence of asthma control scores on demographic and clinical characteristics had been investigated with stepwise regression model.

Results

There are differences in asthma control scores by the number of ED visits and severity of asthma classification (P values = 0.001). It was found that participant age, multiple ED visits, severe persistent, moderate persistent, mild persistent, received education about asthma medication and received education about asthma disease were greatly affected asthma control scores. For instance, the asthma control is predicted to decrease by 10.688 when participant had severe persistent asthma. Similarly, the asthma control is predicted to decrease by 5.647 when the participant had moderate persistent asthma.

Conclusions

This study identified many factors that may explain insufficient asthma control.
Rescaling the trophic structure of marine food webs
Authors: Hussey Nigel E. , MacNeil M. Aaron , McMeans Bailey C. , Olin Jill A. , Dudley Sheldon F.J. , Cliff Geremy , Wintner Sabine P. , Fennessy Sean T. , Fisk Aaron T.
Published: December 2013

Measures of trophic position (TP) are critical for understanding food web interactions and human‐mediated ecosystem disturbance. Nitrogen stable isotopes (δ15N) provide a powerful tool to estimate TP but are limited by a pragmatic assumption that isotope discrimination is constant (change in δ15N between predator and prey, Δ15N = 3.4‰), resulting in an additive framework that omits known Δ15N variation. Through meta‐analysis, we determine narrowing discrimination from an empirical linear relationship between experimental Δ15N and δ15N values of prey consumed. The resulting scaled Δ15N framework estimated reliable TPs of zooplanktivores to tertiary piscivores congruent with known feeding relationships that radically alters the conventional structure of marine food webs. Apex predator TP estimates were markedly higher than currently assumed by whole‐ecosystem models, indicating perceived food webs have been truncated and species‐interactions over simplified. The scaled Δ15N framework will greatly improve the accuracy of trophic estimates widely used in ecosystem‐based management.
Socioemotional Wealth as a Mixed Gamble: Revisiting Family Firm R&D Investments with the Behavioral Agency Model
Authors: Gomez–Mejia Luis R. , Campbell Joanna Tochman , Martin Geoffrey , Hoskisson Robert E. , Makri Marianna , Sirmon David G.
Published: December 2013

Theoretical explanations for family firm underinvestment in R&D relative to nonfamily firms remain nascent. We revisit this question using a refinement to the behavioral agency model (BAM)—the mixed gamble—that allows us to examine the socioemotional trade–offs that R&D represents for the family firm and how this differentiates their R&D investment decision from nonfamily firms. We do so in an empirical context where R&D investment is of greatest importance—high–technology industries. Moreover, we examine three contingencies that allow us to explore heterogeneity across family firms in their R&D decisions due to their effect upon the family's socioemotional wealth mixed gamble: institutional investor ownership, related diversification, and performance hazard.
Pathophysiology and recent findings of primary biliary cirrhosis complicated by systemic sclerosis
Authors: Ohira Hiromasa , Watanabe Hiroshi
Published: December 2013

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) can be complicated by systemic sclerosis (SSc) and, more specifically, limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc), which was previously called CREST syndrome. Moreover, combined PBC and SSc has been described in many case reports. Although neither the etiology of PBC nor that of SSc has been elucidated, some genetic and immunological factors are known to be shared. Both disorders are autoimmune fibrotic diseases characterized by increased levels of profibrotic cytokines transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) and interleukin‐6, which have recently been suggested to influence T‐helper 17 cells and regulatory T cells involved in acquired immunity. lcSSc is accompanied by CREST symptoms, although complete CREST cases are rare, with relatively high prevalence of Raynaud's phenomenon, sclerodactyly and telangiectasia, and lower prevalence of calcinosis and esophageal dysmotility. Because patients with anticentromere antibody positive PBC–SSc are at a high risk of developing portal hypertension, particular attention should be paid to the management of gastroesophageal varices. In addition, the management of SSc‐related non‐hepatic disorders, such as pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, heart disorder, infection and malignancy, is also important for improved outcomes. Because PBC is often complicated by rheumatic disease, hepatologists should keep the possibility of systemic disorder in mind when examining PBC patients.
Current treatment status of polycystic liver disease in Japan
Authors: Ogawa Koichi , Fukunaga Kiyoshi , Takeuchi Tomoyo , Kawagishi Naoki , Ubara Yoshifumi , Kudo Masatoshi , Ohkohchi Nobuhiro
Published: December 2013

Aim

Polycystic liver disease (PLD) is a genetic disorder characterized by the progressive development of multiple liver cysts. No standardized criteria for the selection of treatment exist because PLD is a rare condition and most patients are asymptomatic. We here aimed to clarify the status of treatment and to present a therapeutic strategy for PLD in Japan.

Methods

From 1 June 2011 to 20 December 2011, we administered a questionnaire to 202 PLD patients from 86 medical institutions nationwide.

Results

The patients included 45 men and 155 women, and the median age was 63 years. Two hundred and eighty‐one treatments were performed for these patients, as follows: cyst aspiration sclerotherapy (AS) in 152 cases, cyst fenestration (FN) in 53, liver resection (LR) in 44, liver transplantation (LT) in 13 and other treatments in 19. For cases of type I PLD (mild form) according to Gigot's classification, the therapeutic effects of AS, FN and LR were similar. For type II (moderate form), LT demonstrated the best therapeutic effects, followed by LR and FN. For type III (severe form), the effects of LT were the best. The incidences of complications were 23.0% in AS, 28.4% in FN, 31.8% in LR and 61.5% in LT.

Conclusion

Considering the therapeutic effects and complications, AS, LR and LT showed good results for type I, type II and type III PLD, respectively. However, LT for PLD was performed in a small number of patients. In Japan, the transplantation therapy is expected to be common in the future.
Expression of stemness markers (CD133 and EpCAM) in prognostication of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chan Anthony W H , Tong Joanna H M , Chan Stephen L , Lai Paul B S , To Ka‐Fai
Published: December 2013

Aims

The expression of stemness markers in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is suggested to be associated with poor clinical outcome after surgical resection. There are few data on their independent prognostic role in addition to the existing AJCC TNM staging system.

Methods and results

The immunohistochemical expression of CD133, EpCAM, CK19 and CD56 was studied in a cohort of 282 surgical specimens collected from patients undergoing resection of primary HCC. CD133‐positive HCCs were usually smaller in size (P = 0.002) and arose more frequently in cirrhotic liver (P = 0.002). CD133 expression was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (hazard ratio 2.30, P < 0.001), and a highly potent prognostic factor in patients with stage I disease (hazard ratio 3.91, P = 0.001). EpCAM expression was associated with younger age (P < 0.001), smaller tumour size (P = 0.018) and poorer histological differentiation (P = 0.042). EpCAM immunoreactivity was an independent factor for disease‐free survival in HCCs at all stages (hazard ratio 2.05, P = 0.001), stage II (hazard ratio 3.66, P = 0.010) and stages III/IV (hazard ratio 3.22, P = 0.001). Neither CK19 nor CD56 offered any independent prognostic value.

Conclusion

The prognostic role of CD133 was most significant in TNM stage I disease, while the prognostic role of EpCAM was more apparent in more advanced TNM stages.
Microstructure of Eu3+‐Doped Perovskites‐Type Niobate Ceramic La3Mg2NbO9
Authors: Qi Shuyun , Wei Donglei , Huang Yanlin , Kim Sun Il , Yu Young Moon , Seo Hyo Jin
Published: December 2013

Eu3+‐doped red‐emitting ceramics of Eu3+‐doped La3Mg2NbO9 were prepared via typical solid state. X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope were utilized to characterize the ceramics. The photoluminescence excitation and emission spectra, the fluorescence decay curves, and color coordinates were investigated. The concentration quenching of the samples were discussed as well. The microstructures of the ceramics were discussed according to the spectral properties of probe ions of Eu3+, for example, substitution sites for Eu3+, inhomogeneous broadening and splitting of the emission bands, nonexponential decay, 5D0→7F0 emission transition, distorted symmetry sites, etc. The crystal structure of La3Mg2NbO9 is heavily distorted due to the mixed occupation of Mg and Nb on B sites. Eu3+ ions only substitute La3+ sites and Eu3+ ions (or rare‐earth ions) are arranged in the heavily disordered environments over the whole structure in La3Mg2NbO9.
Bifurcating effects of hope and support in short‐ and long‐term health outcomes among primary care patients without mental illness
Authors: Katerndahl David
Published: December 2013

Rationale

Adverse life events and stressors can lead to symptoms, increased alcohol intake, and impaired functional status, while hope and social support can mitigate such adverse effects. Yet, there is reason to question such simple, linear relationships among healthy adults. The purpose of this study was to assess whether short‐term or long‐term changes in alcohol intake, psychological symptoms or functional status were better modelled as cusp catastrophic or linear processes among primary care patients without mental illness.

Methods

This secondary analysis of a study on the stability of psychological symptoms among primary care patients without mental disorders included 38 subjects who completed baseline, and 2‐month and/or 6‐month assessments of psychological symptoms, functional status and stressors as well as hope and social support. The analyses modelled short‐term and long‐term changes in alcohol intake, psychological symptoms and functional status using cusp catastrophe (CCM) and linear modelling.

Results

Overall, four of the nine 2‐month analyses found CCM superior to linear models; however, only one 6‐month analysis (alcohol intake) found that CCM was superior. The 2‐month cusp phenomena included both symptomatology and functional status. The asymmetry variables were often not significant in the CCM models; in fact, only distress was significant at all. While hope was a significant bifurcation variable at both the 2‐month and 6‐month levels, social support was a significant bifurcation variable for three of the four 2‐month CCMs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while 6‐month outcomes were rarely explained through CCM, half of 2‐month outcomes were. Hope and support demonstrated bifurcation effects.
Consumer Response to Product Form in Technology‐Based Industries
Authors: Truong Yann , Klink Richard R. , Fort‐Rioche Laurence , Athaide Gerard A.
Published: December 2013

Product design is a key driver of competitive advantage and new product success. Relative to its importance, product design remains an underresearched area. The authors address this issue by examining the moderating effects of consumer innovativeness and design acumen on consumer response to product form—i.e., the product's visual appearance. Using subjects from the United Kingdom, these effects were tested with a technology‐based product that is expected to be introduced to market in the near future. A technological innovation was chosen because such products are often characterized by an accelerating pace of innovation and shortening life cycles. In such contexts, the product's visual appearance is often critical to success because it drives inferences about the technical capabilities and functional novelty. Our findings indicate that for more innovative consumers, an innovative product form can further enhance perceived value, product liking, and purchase intention. Furthermore, for consumers who possess more design acumen, an innovative product form can increase perceived value and product liking. An innovative product form was not found to enhance purchase intention for consumers with higher levels of design acumen. A primary implication of the study is to consider target market characteristics such as consumer innovativeness and design acumen when selecting a product form strategy. Additional implications include involving consumer innovators in the development and evaluation of product forms and involving consumers with greater design acumen early in the product's introduction so that they may influence other buyers.
A MODEL‐FREE VERSION OF THE FUNDAMENTAL THEOREM OF ASSET PRICING AND THE SUPER‐REPLICATION THEOREM
Authors: Acciaio B. , Beiglböck M. , Penkner F. , Schachermayer W.
Published: December 2013

We propose a Fundamental Theorem of Asset Pricing and a Super‐Replication Theorem in a model‐independent framework. We prove these theorems in the setting of finite, discrete time and a market consisting of a risky asset S as well as options written on this risky asset. As a technical condition, we assume the existence of a traded option with a superlinearly growing payoff‐function, e.g., a power option. This condition is not needed when sufficiently many vanilla options maturing at the horizon T are traded in the market.
Long‐term endemism of two highly divergent lineages of the amphibian‐killing fungus in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil
Authors: Rodriguez D. , Becker C. G. , Pupin N. C. , Haddad C. F. B. , Zamudio K. R.
Published: December 2013

The recent global spread of the amphibian‐killing fungus [Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd)] has been closely tied to anthropogenic activities; however, regional patterns of spread are not completely understood. Using historical samples, we can test whether Bd was a spreading or endemic pathogen in a region within a particular time frame, because those two disease states provide different predictions for the regional demographic dynamics and population genetics of Bd. Testing historical patterns of pathogen prevalence and population genetics under these predictions is key to understanding the evolution and origin of Bd. Focusing on the Atlantic Forest (AF) of Brazil, we used qPCR assays to determine the presence or absence of Bd on 2799 preserved postmetamorphic anurans collected between 1894 and 2010 and used semi‐nested PCRs to determine the frequency of rRNA ITS1 haplotypes from 52 samples. Our earliest date of detection was 1894. A mean prevalence of 23.9% over time and spatiotemporal patterns of Bd clusters indicate that Bd has been enzootic in the Brazilian AF with no evidence of regional spread within the last 116 years. ITS1 haplotypes confirm the long‐term presence of two divergent strains of Bd (BdGPL and Bd‐Brazil) and three spatiotemporally broad genetic demes within BdGPL, indicating that Bd was not introduced into southeast Brazil by the bullfrog trade. Our data show that the evolutionary history and pathogen dynamics of Bd in Brazil is better explained by the endemic pathogen hypothesis.
Long‐term isolation and stability explain high genetic diversity in the Eastern Himalaya
Authors: Qu Yanhua , Ericson Per G. P. , Quan Qing , Song Gang , Zhang Ruiying , Gao Bin , Lei Fumin
Published: December 2013

China's Southwest Mountainous Region in Eastern Himalaya is a ‘biodiversity hotspot’ of global interest for conservation. Yet little is known about what has driven this unique diversity. The dramatic topography of the Southwest Mountainous Region resulting from the tectonic uplift during the late Pliocene leads to dramatic ecological stratification, which creates physical barriers to migration and isolates organisms into different subregions and mountain systems. This agrees with the observation that the phylogeographical patterns found in four species of birds (Alcippe morrisonia, Stachyridopsis ruficeps, Parus monticolus and Aegithalos concinnus) distributed in this region are characterized by deep splits between lineages that coalesce between 0.8 and 2.1 Ma. Unlike other regions at this latitude, the Southwest Mountainous Region was largely unaffected by the Pleistocene glaciations. Genetically isolated populations of these birds could thus be maintained throughout the Pleistocene in these rather stable montane environments. In comparison, we found radically different phylogeographical patterns in populations of the same four species distributed in the adjacent lowland, the Central China region. This region has a distinctly different geological history with dramatic, climate‐induced shifts in vegetation during the Pleistocene. Here, we found a considerably less geographical structure in the genetic variation and a much younger coalescence time (0.3–0.7 Ma). We also found evidence of genetic bottlenecks during the glacial periods and gene flow during the interglacial expansions. We conclude that the high genetic diversity in the Southwest Mountainous Region results from a long‐term in situ diversification within these evolutionary isolated and environment stable montane habitats.
Characterization of Aspergillus nidulans α‐glucan synthesis: roles for two synthases and two amylases
Authors: He Xiaoxiao , Li Shengnan , Kaminskyj Susan G. W.
Published: December 2013

Cell walls are essential for fungal survival and growth. Fungal walls are ∼ 90% carbohydrate, mostly types not found in humans, making them promising targets for anti‐fungal drug development. Echinocandins, which inhibit the essential β‐glucan synthase, are already clinically available. In contrast, α‐glucan, another abundant fungal cell wall component has attracted relatively little research attention because it is not essential for most fungi. Aspergillus nidulans has two α‐glucan synthases (AgsA and AgsB) and two α‐amylases (AmyD and AmyG), all of which affect α‐glucan synthesis. Gene deletion showed that AgsB was the major synthase. In addition, AmyG promoted α‐glucan synthesis whereas AmyD had a repressive effect. The lack of α‐glucan had no phenotypic impact on solid medium, but reduced conidial adhesion during germination in shaken liquid. Moreover, α‐glucan level correlated with resistance to Calcofluor White. Intriguingly, overexpression of agsA could compensate for the loss of agsB at the α‐glucan level, but not for phenotypic defects. Thus, products of AgsA and AgsB have different roles in the cell wall, consistent with agsA being mainly expressed at conidiation. These results suggest that α‐glucan contributes to drug sensitivity and conidia adhesion in A. nidulans, and is differentially regulated by two synthases and two amylases.
Review: Adult neurogenesis and its role in neuropsychiatric disease, brain repair and normal brain function
Authors: Braun S. M. G. , Jessberger S.
Published: December 2013

Neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) in the mammalian brain retain the ability to generate new neurones throughout life in discrete brain regions, through a process called adult neurogenesis. Adult neurogenesis, a dramatic form of adult brain circuitry plasticity, has been implicated in physiological brain function and appears to be of pivotal importance for certain forms of learning and memory. In addition, failing or altered neurogenesis has been associated with a variety of brain diseases such as major depression, epilepsy and age‐related cognitive decline. Here we review recent advances in our understanding of the basic biology underlying the neurogenic process in the adult brain, focusing on mechanisms that regulate quiescence, proliferation and differentiation of NSPCs. In addition, we discuss how neurogenesis influences normal brain function, and in particular its role in memory formation, as well as its contribution to neuropsychiatric diseases. Finally, we evaluate the potential of targeting endogenous NSPCs for brain repair.
RoKSN, a floral repressor, forms protein complexes with RoFD and RoFT to regulate vegetative and reproductive development in rose
Authors: Randoux Marie , Davière Jean‐Michel , Jeauffre Julien , Thouroude Tatiana , Pierre Sandrine , Toualbia Youness , Perrotte Justine , Reynoird Jean‐Paul , Jammes Marie‐José , Hibrand‐Saint Oyant Laurence , Foucher Fabrice
Published: December 2013

FT/TFL1 family members have been known to be involved in the development and flowering in plants. In rose, RoKSN, a TFL1 homologue, is a key regulator of flowering, whose absence causes continuous flowering. Our objectives are to functionally validate RoKSN and to explore its mode of action in rose.

We complemented Arabidopsis tfl1 mutants and ectopically expressed RoKSN in a continuous‐flowering (CF) rose. Using different protein interaction techniques, we studied RoKSN interactions with RoFD and RoFT and possible competition.

In Arabidopsis, RoKSN complemented the tfl1 mutant by rescuing late flowering and indeterminate growth. In CF roses, the ectopic expression of RoKSN led to the absence of flowering. Different branching patterns were observed and some transgenic plants had an increased number of leaflets per leaf. In these transgenic roses, floral activator transcripts decreased. Furthermore, RoKSN was able to interact both with RoFD and the floral activator, RoFT. Protein interaction experiments revealed that RoKSN and RoFT could compete with RoFD for repression and activation of blooming, respectively.

We conclude that RoKSN is a floral repressor and is also involved in the vegetative development of rose. RoKSN forms a complex with RoFD and could compete with RoFT for repression of flowering.