bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vivo‐folded metal–metallothionein 3 complexes reveal the Cu–thionein rather than Zn–thionein character of this brain‐specific mammalian metallothionein
Authors: Artells Ester , Palacios Òscar , Capdevila Mercè , Atrian Sílvia
Published: January 2014

Metallothionein‐3 (MT3) is one of the four mammalian metallothioneins (MT), and is constitutively synthesized in the brain. MT3 acts both intracellularly and extracellularly in this organ, performing functions related to neuronal growth and physiological metal (Zn and Cu) handling. It appears to be involved in the prevention of neurodegenerative disorders caused by insoluble Cu–peptide aggregates, as it triggers a Zn–Cu swap that may counteract the deleterious presence of copper in neural tissues. The literature data on MT3 coordination come from studies either on apo‐MT3 reconstitution or the reaction of Zn–MT3 with Cu2+, an ion that is hardly present inside cells. To ascertain the MT3 metal‐binding features in a scenario closer to the reductive cell cytoplasm, a study of the recombinant Zn2+, Cd2+ and Cu+ complexes of MT3, βMT3, and αMT3, as well as the in vitro Zn2+–Cd2+ and Zn2+–Cu+ replacement processes, is presented here. We conclude that MT3 has a Cu–thionein character that is stronger than that of the MT1 and MT2 isoforms – also present in the mammalian brain – which is mainly contributed by its β domain. In contrast, the α domain retains a high capacity to bind Zn2+ ions, and, consequently, the entire MT3 peptide shows a peculiar dual ability to handle both metal ions. The nature of the formed Cu+–MT3 complexes oscillates from heterometallic Cu6Zn4–MT3 to homometallic Cu10–MT3 major species, in a narrow Cu concentration range. Therefore, the entire MT3 peptide shows a high capacity to bind Cu+, provided that this occurs in a nonoxidative milieux. This reflects a peculiar property of this MT isoform, which accurately senses different Cu contents in the environment in which it is synthesized.
Speleogenesis: the evolution of the Castleton caves
Authors: FORD TREVOR D.
Published: February 2014

Castleton, in North Derbyshire, is unique in Britain in having four caves open to tourists, as well as several ‘mid’ caves, most of which are only accessible to potholers and speleologists. Together, the tourist and wild caves tell a fascinating story of speleogenesis — the growth and development of a cave system. Both geologists and geomorphologists often ignore cave systems, but such systems play an important part in the evolution of the landscape as we see it today.
Evaluating, partitioning, and mapping the spatial autocorrelation component in ecological niche modeling: a new approach based on environmentally equidistant records
Authors: de Oliveira Guilherme , Rangel Thiago Fernando , Lima‐Ribeiro Matheus Souza , Terribile Levi Carina , Diniz‐Filho José Alexandre Felizola
Published: February 2014

Most species data display spatial autocorrelation that can affect ecological niche models (ENMs) accuracy‐statistics, affecting its ability to infer geographic distributions. Here we evaluate whether the spatial autocorrelation underlying species data affects accuracy‐statistics and map the uncertainties due to spatial autocorrelation effects on species range predictions under past and future climate models. As an example, ENMs were fitted to Qualea grandiflora (Vochysiaceae), a widely distributed plant from Brazilian Cerrado. We corrected for spatial autocorrelation in ENMs by selecting sampling sites equidistant in geographical (GEO) and environmental (ENV) spaces. Distributions were modelled using 13 ENMs evaluated by two accuracy‐statistics (TSS and AUC), which were compared with uncorrected ENMs. Null models and the similarity statistics I were used to evaluate the effects of spatial autocorrelation. Moreover, we applied a hierarchical ANOVA to partition and map the uncertainties from the time (across last glacial maximum, pre‐insustrial, and 2080 time periods) and methodological components (ENMs and autocorrelation corrections). The GEO and ENV models had the highest accuracy‐statistics values, although only the ENV model had values higher than expected by chance alone for most of the 13 ENMs. Uncertainties from time component were higher in the core region of the Brazilian Cerrado where Q. grandiflora occurs, whereas methodological components presented higher uncertainties in the extreme northern and southern regions of South America (i.e. outside of Brazilian Cerrado). Our findings show that accounting for autocorrelation in environmental space is more efficient than doing so in geographical space. Methodological uncertainties were concentrated in outside the core region of Q. grandiflora's habitat. Conversely, uncertainty due to time component in the Brazilian Cerrado reveals that ENMs were able to capture climate change effects on Q. grandiflora distributions.
Relative Value of Water for Hydropower and Municipal Supply in Southeastern Reservoirs
Authors: Moreau David H.
Published: February 2014

Population growth in the Southeast has driven withdrawals for municipal water beyond the limits of local supplies. With few options left for development of virgin sources, a number of urban areas are looking toward demand management and additional supplies by reallocating storage in reservoirs that were built primarily or in part for hydropower. Hydropower has become a lesser part of the mix of energy sources, and the question arises as to value of water for that purpose relative to its value for municipal use. Three cases are used to examine the issue. Effects of withdrawal for municipal water supply on output of electric energy are estimated. Benefits of foregone energy are evaluated using the least cost alternative for replacement, and benefits for municipal water are estimated using costs for development of new sources. Benefits for use as municipal water are found to be considerably higher than benefits for hydroelectric energy at existing prices, even higher than the least cost alternative for replacement. Given the spatial distribution of the cases, that finding would appear to hold in general across the region.
Modeling the Fate and Transport of Plunging Inflows to Onondaga Lake
Authors: Owens Emmet M. , Effler Steven W. , O'Donnell David M. , Matthews David A.
Published: February 2014

The transport and fate of two plunging tributaries, Onondaga and Ninemile Creeks, in Onondaga Lake, New York, are quantified based on application of hydrodynamic/transport models. Short‐term transport is simulated with a three‐dimensional Estuary Lake and Coastal Ocean Model (ELCOM), while the longer term fate is represented by a previously validated one‐dimensional model (UFILS4). The validation of ELCOM for the vertical distribution of tributary inflow into the lake's water column is demonstrated for four dye tracer experiments. The models are applied for three years to represent the dynamics of transport and fate for the two tributaries, with ELCOM predictions serving as input for UFILS4. The models together quantify the distribution of these inflows between the upper mixed layer (UML) and stratified depths, and the subsequent transport from stratified depths to the UML by vertical mixing. Substantial short‐term variations are predicted for both tributaries in response to variability in hydrology and weather. Increased inflow to the UML is predicted for high runoff periods. The fraction of Ninemile Creek's inflow directly entering the UML is predicted to be 50% greater than for Onondaga Creek due to Ninemile's lower negative buoyancy. The plunging phenomenon has important water quality implications, by reducing the effective loading to the UML, particularly for constituents with large rates of loss/transformation relative to the rate of vertical transport from stratified depths.
Molecular cloning and expression of a C‐type lectin‐like protein from orange‐spotted grouper Epinephelus coioides
Authors: Ji H. , Wei J. , Wei S. , Yan Y. , Huang Y. , Huang X. , Zhou S. , Zhou Y. , Qin Q.
Published: February 2014

A C‐type lectin‐like protein (Ec‐CTLP) was cloned from the grouper Epinephelus coioides. The full‐length cDNA of Ec‐CTLP was composed of 905 bp with a 522 bp open reading frame that encodes a 174‐residue protein. The putative amino acid sequence of Ec‐CTLP contains a signal peptide of 19 residues at the N‐terminus and a CLECT domain from Cys43 to Arg169 and a conserved imperfect WND (Trp‐Asn‐Asp) motif. The homologous identity of deduced amino acid sequences is from 32 to 42% with other fishes. The expression of Ec‐CTLP was differently upregulated in E. coioides spleen (germline stem) cells after being challenged at 16 and 4° C. Intracellular localization revealed that Ec‐CTLP was distributed only in the cytoplasm. Recombinant Ec‐CTLP (rEc‐CTLP) was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) and purified for mouse Mus musculus anti‐Ec‐CTLP serum preparation. The rEc‐CTLP fusion protein does not possess haemagglutinating activity, but improves survival from frozen bacteria. The survival of bacteria (including gram‐negative E. coli and gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus) was positively correlated with the concentration of the rEc‐CTLP. These findings can provide clues to help understand the probable C‐type lectin in marine fish innate immunity.
Infectious salmon anaemia – pathogenesis and tropism
Authors: Aamelfot M , Dale O B , Falk K
Published: January 2014

Infectious salmon anaemia (ISA) is a serious disease of farmed Atlantic salmon caused by the aquatic orthomyxovirus infectious salmon anaemia virus (ISAV). ISA was first detected in Norway in 1984 and was characterized by severe anaemia and circulatory disturbances. This review elucidates factors related to the pathogenesis of ISA in Atlantic salmon, the dissemination of the virus in the host and the general distribution of the 4‐O‐acetylated sialic acids ISAV receptor. The knowledge contributes to the understanding of this disease, and why, almost 30 years after the first detection, it is still causing problems for the aquaculture industry.
Influence of ferric iron on phase equilibria in greenschist facies assemblages: the hematite‐rich metasedimentary rocks from the Monti Pisani (Northern Apennines)
Authors: Lo Pò D. , Braga R.
Published: January 2014

We have investigated the effects of different Fe2O3 bulk contents on the calculated phase equilibria of low‐T/intermediate‐P metasedimentary rocks. Thermodynamic modelling within the MnO–Na2O–K2O–FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–H2O–TiO2–O (MnNKFMASHTO) chemical system of chloritoid‐bearing hematite‐rich metasedimentary rocks from the Variscan basement of the Pisani Mountains (Northern Apennines, Italy) fails to reproduce the observed mineral compositions when the bulk Fe2O3 is determined through titration. The mismatch between observed and computed mineral compositions and assemblage is resolved by tuning the effective ferric iron content by P–XFe2O3 diagrams, obtaining equilibration conditions of 475 °C and 9–10 kbar related to a post‐compressional phase of the Alpine collision. The introduction of ferric iron affects the stability of the main rock‐forming silicates that often yield important thermobaric information. In Fe2O3‐rich compositions, garnet‐ and carpholite‐in curves shift towards higher temperatures with respect to the Fe2O3‐free systems. The presence of a ferric‐iron oxide (hematite) prevents the formation of biotite in the mineral assemblage even at temperatures approaching 550 °C. The use of P–T–XFe2O3 phase diagrams may also provide P–T information in common greenschist facies metasedimentary rocks.
Nursing perspectives on factors influencing interdisciplinary teamwork in the Canadian primary care setting
Authors: Al Sayah Fatima , Szafran Olga , Robertson Sandra , Bell Neil R. , Williams Beverly
Published: January 2014

Aims and objectives

This study investigated nurses' roles and their perspectives on the factors that influence interdisciplinary teamwork within Canadian primary care setting.

Background

Interdisciplinary teams have shown to lead to better system‐ and patient‐level outcomes and, accordingly, have became important aspects of healthcare systems especially within primary care settings. Nurses play a key role in these primary care teams, particularly with respect to chronic disease management.

Design

A focused ethnography design using semi‐structured individual interviews was conducted.

Methods

Interviews were conducted with 20 primary care nurses between July 2010–May 2011. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and content and thematic analysis was performed.

Results

Nurses experienced increasing scope of practice and professional responsibility as they transitioned into the primary care setting. Nine major roles of primary care nurses were identified. Several factors that facilitate or hinder teamwork were identified and categorised under four theme areas: (1) organisation/leadership (e.g. having common goals and mandate, unclear descriptions of team members' roles); (2) team relationships (e.g. closed loop of communication, trust, respect); (3) process/support (e.g. unclear referral process and reporting structure, large patient panels); and (4) physical environment (e.g. decentralised model of care).

Conclusions

Nurses' roles within primary care setting appear to be focused mainly on case management. Minimal orientation and lack of preparation of nurses for their roles, vagueness of these roles among the interdisciplinary primary care team members and lack of communication appeared to be among the most important factors that influence teamwork and nurses' functioning within these teams.

Relevance to clinical practice

Given that nurses play a key role in interdisciplinary primary care teams, particularly in managing chronic disease patients, approaches to improve chronic disease management and care of these patients should incorporate strategies to ensure effective preparation of these nurses for their roles within these teams and settings.
Presence of Transposons and Mycoviruses in Botrytis cinerea Isolates Collected from a German Grapevine Growing Region
Authors: Kecskeméti Elizabeth , Brathuhn Arne , Kogel Karl‐Heinz , Berkelmann‐Löhnertz Beate , Reineke Annette
Published: January 2014

Transposons and infection of fungal strains with mycoviruses can have significant effects on distinctive phenotypic traits of phytopathogenic fungi such as mycelial growth and sporulation, pathogenicity or fungicide resistance. Two transposable elements (TE), Boty and Flipper, are known to be associated with the ubiquitous fungus Botrytis cinerea. In addition, the presence of two types of ssRNAsRNA viruses, BVX and BVF, has been reported in B. cinerea. In this study, we assessed the genetic diversity of B. cinerea isolates, all sampled within a small‐sized German viticultural area (‘Rheingau’) by examining and classifying them according to the presence of TEs and mycoviruses. A subset of the isolates was further analysed with microsatellite markers to determine the origin of particular isolates with or without one or both mycoviruses. Virtually all isolates (98%) sampled in two different years (2008 and 2010) were screened positive for the presence of a transposon. Presence of one or both B. cinerea mycoviruses was confirmed for 37% of the analysed isolates sampled in 2010, representing the first record of B. cinerea mycoviruses in German isolates. Assignment on individual B. cinerea isolates to different genetic groups was independent of the presence or absence of a mycovirus or a transposable element, respectively. Furthermore, we found no correlation between the presence of either a mycovirus or a transposable element and different viticultural management practices, soil properties or levels of nitrogen fertilization applied to the respective vineyards. However, mycelial growth of B. cinerea strains containing mycovirus BVF was significantly reduced at lower temperatures.
Gene expression analysis in serial liver fine needle aspirates
Authors: Lejnine S. , Marton M. J. , Wang I.‐M. , Howell B. J. , Webber A. L. , Maxwell J. W. , Shire N. , Malkov V. , Lunceford J. , Zeremski M. , Sun A. , Ruddy M. , Talal A. H.
Published: January 2014

No method with low morbidity presently exists for obtaining serial hepatic gene expression measurements in humans. While hepatic fine needle aspiration (FNA) has lower morbidity than core needle biopsy, applicability is limited due to blood contamination, which confounds quantification of gene expression changes. The aim of this study was to validate FNA for assessment of hepatic gene expression. Liver needle biopsies and FNA procedures were simultaneously performed on 17 patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection with an additional FNA procedure 1 week later. Nine patients had mild/moderate fibrosis and eight advanced fibrosis. Gene expression profiling was performed using Affymetrix microarrays and TaqMan qPCR; pathway analysis was performed using Ingenuity. We developed a novel strategy that applies liver‐enriched normalization genes to determine the percentage of liver in the FNA sample, which enables accurate gene expression measurements overcoming biases derived from blood contamination. We obtained almost identical gene expression results (ρ = 0.99, P < 0.0001) comparing needle biopsy and FNA samples for 21 preselected genes. Gene expression results were also validated in dogs. These data suggest that liver FNA is a reliable method for serial hepatic tissue sampling with potential utility for a variety of preclinical and clinical applications.
Binocular fusion, suppression and diplopia for blurred edges
Authors: Georgeson Mark A. , Wallis Stuart A.
Published: January 2014

Purpose

(1) To devise a model‐based method for estimating the probabilities of binocular fusion, interocular suppression and diplopia from psychophysical judgements, (2) To map out the way fusion, suppression and diplopia vary with binocular disparity and blur of single edges shown to each eye, (3) To compare the binocular interactions found for edges of the same vs opposite contrast polarity.

Methods

Test images were single, horizontal, Gaussian‐blurred edges, with blur B = 1–32 min arc, and vertical disparity 0–8.B, shown for 200 ms. In the main experiment, observers reported whether they saw one central edge, one offset edge, or two edges. We argue that the relation between these three response categories and the three perceptual states (fusion, suppression, diplopia) is indirect and likely to be distorted by positional noise and criterion effects, and so we developed a descriptive, probabilistic model to estimate both the perceptual states and the noise/criterion parameters from the data.

Results

(1) Using simulated data, we validated the model‐based method by showing that it recovered fairly accurately the disparity ranges for fusion and suppression, (2) The disparity range for fusion (Panum's limit) increased greatly with blur, in line with previous studies. The disparity range for suppression was similar to the fusion limit at large blurs, but two or three times the fusion limit at small blurs. This meant that diplopia was much more prevalent at larger blurs, (3) Diplopia was much more frequent when the two edges had opposite contrast polarity. A formal comparison of models indicated that fusion occurs for same, but not opposite, polarities. Probability of suppression was greater for unequal contrasts, and it was always the lower‐contrast edge that was suppressed.

Conclusions

Our model‐based data analysis offers a useful tool for probing binocular fusion and suppression psychophysically. The disparity range for fusion increased with edge blur but fell short of complete scale‐invariance. The disparity range for suppression also increased with blur but was not close to scale‐invariance. Single vision occurs through fusion, but also beyond the fusion range, through suppression. Thus suppression can serve as a mechanism for extending single vision to larger disparities, but mainly for sharper edges where the fusion range is small (5–10 min arc). For large blurs the fusion range is so much larger that no such extension may be needed.
Pressure recording analytical method and bioreactance for stroke volume index monitoring during pediatric cardiac surgery
Authors: Garisto Cristiana , Favia Isabella , Ricci Zaccaria , Romagnoli Stefano , Haiberger Roberta , Polito Angelo , Cogo Paola
Published: February 2014

Background

It is currently uncertain which hemodynamic monitoring device reliably measures stroke volume and tracks cardiac output changes in pediatric cardiac surgery patients.

Objective

To evaluate the difference between stroke volume index (SVI) measured by pressure recording analytical method (PRAM) and bioreactance and their ability to track changes after a therapeutic intervention.

Methods

A single‐center prospective observational cohort study in children undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was conducted. Twenty children below 20 kg with median (interquartile range) weight of 5.3 kg (4.1–7.8) and age of 6 months (3–20) were enrolled. Data were collected after anesthesia induction, at the end of CPB, before fluid administration and after fluid administration. Overall, median‐IQR PRAM SVI values (23 ml·m−2, 19–27) were significantly higher than bioreactance SVI (15 ml·m−2, 12–25, P = 0.0001). Correlation (r2) between the two methods was 0.15 (P = 0.0003). The mean difference between the measurements (bias) was 5.7 ml·m−2 with a standard deviation of 9.6 (95% limits of agreement ranged from −13 to 24 ml·m−2). Percentage error was 91.7%. Baseline SVI appeared to be similar, but PRAM SVI was systematically greater than bioreactance thereafter, with the highest gap after the fluid loading phase: 13 (12–18) ml·m−2 vs. 23 (19–25) ml·m−2, respectively, P = 0.0013. A multivariable regression model showed that a significant independent inverse correlation with patients' body weight predicted the CI difference between the two methods after fluid challenge (β coefficient −0.12, P = 0.013).

Conclusions

Pressure recording analytical method and bioreactance provided similar SVI estimation at stable hemodynamic conditions, while bioreactance SVI values appeared significantly lower than PRAM at the end of CPB and after fluid replacement.
Observational study of perioperative behavior changes in children having teeth extracted under general anesthesia
Authors: Beringer Richard M. , Segar Philip , Pearson Annabel , Greamspet Mala , Kilpatrick Nicky
Published: February 2014

Background

Perioperative behavioral disturbance is common in children. Negative behavior changes may be seen during induction of anesthesia, during recovery and following discharge home. There has been little research on this subject in the UK.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of behavioral changes within our institution and identify which children are at increased risk.

Methods

A prospective observational study of healthy children aged two to 12 undergoing elective dental extractions under general anesthesia. Assessments included: the child's and parent's state anxiety; anxiety and behavior during induction of anesthesia (modified Yale preoperative anxiety scale and the pediatric anesthesia behavior score); behavior in PACU (pediatric anesthesia emergence delirium [PAED] scale); behavior at home on postoperative days 1 and 7 (post hospitalization behavior questionnaire). Data were examined for associations and correlations.

Results

One hundred and two children with a median age of 6 years were recruited. Sixty‐seven per cent exhibited high anxiety during induction of anesthesia, although only 3% demonstrated significant vocal or physical resistance. Thirteen per cent had a PAED score of 10 or more. Post‐hospitalization behavior changes were demonstrated by 52% of children on day 1 and 22% on day 7; and were associated with: a previous traumatic healthcare experience, male sex, and distress during induction of anesthesia.

Conclusions

Perioperative behavioral disturbance is common in children undergoing anesthesia. Predicting which children are at increased risk may allow us to adapt the management of these children in order to minimize adverse behavior changes.
Reduction of physical activity in daily life and its determinants in smokers without airflow obstruction
Authors: Furlanetto Karina Couto , Mantoani Leandro Cruz , Bisca Gianna , Morita Andrea Akemi , Zabatiero Juliana , Proença Mahara , Kovelis Demétria , Pitta Fabio
Published: February 2014

Background and objective

In smokers without airflow obstruction, detailed, objective and controlled quantification of the level of physical inactivity in daily life has never been performed. This study aimed to objectively assess the level of physical activity in daily life in adult smokers without airflow obstruction in comparison with matched non‐smokers, and to investigate the determinants for daily physical activity in smokers.

Methods

Sixty smokers (aged 50 (39–54) years) and 50 non‐smokers (aged 48 (40–53) years) matched for gender, age, anthropometric characteristics, educational level, employment status and seasons of the year assessment period were cross‐sectionally assessed regarding their daily physical activity with a step counter, besides assessment of lung function, functional exercise capacity, quality of life, anxiety, depression, self‐reported comorbidities carbon monoxide level, nicotine dependence and smoking habits.

Results

When compared with non‐smokers, smokers walked less in daily life (7923 ± 3558 vs 9553 ± 3637 steps/day, respectively), presented worse lung function, functional exercise capacity, quality of life, anxiety and depression. Multiple regression analyses identified functional exercise capacity, Borg fatigue, self‐reported motivation/physical activity behaviour and cardiac disease as significant determinants of number of steps/day in smokers (partial r2 = 0.10, 0.12, 0.16 and 0.05; b = 15, −997, 1207 and −2330 steps/day, respectively; overall fit of the model R2 = 0.38; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Adult smokers without airflow obstruction presented reduced level of daily physical activity. Functional exercise capacity, extended fatigue sensation, aspects of motivation/physical activity behaviour and self‐reported cardiac disease are significant determinants of physical activity in daily life in smokers.
Influence of changes in physical activity on frequency of hospitalization in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Esteban Cristóbal , Arostegui Inmaculada , Aburto Myriam , Moraza Javier , Quintana José M. , Aizpiri Susana , Basualdo Luis V. , Capelastegui Alberto
Published: February 2014

Background and objective

To evaluate whether changes in regular physical activity (PA) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affect the rate of hospitalizations for COPD exacerbation (eCOPD).

Methods

Five hundred forty‐three ambulatory clinic patients being treated for COPD were prospectively identified. PA was self‐reported by patients, and the level was established by the distance they walked (km/day) at least 3 days per week. Hospitalizations were recorded from hospital databases. All patients with at least a 2‐year follow‐up after enrolment were included in the analysis. The response variable was the number of hospitalizations for eCOPD within the 3‐year period from 2 to 5 years after study enrolment.

Results

Three hundred ninety‐one survivors were studied. Mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s was 52% (±14%) of the predicted value. Patients who maintained a lower level of PA had an increased rate of hospitalization (odds ratio 1.901; 95% confidence interval 1.090–3.317). After having had the highest level of PA, those patients who decreased their PA in the follow‐up showed an increasing rate of hospitalizations (odds ratio 2.134; 95% confidence interval 1.146–3.977).

Conclusions

Patients with COPD with a low level of PA or who reduced their PA over time were more likely to experience a significant increase in the rate of hospitalization for eCOPD. Changes to a higher level of PA or maintaining a moderate or high level of PA over time, with a low intensity activity such as walking for at least 3–6 km/day, could reduce the rate of hospitalizations for eCOPD.
Comments on Quantum Probability Theory
Authors: Sloman Steven
Published: January 2014

Quantum probability theory (QP) is the best formal representation available of the most common form of judgment involving attribute comparison (inside judgment). People are capable, however, of judgments that involve proportions over sets of instances (outside judgment). Here, the theory does not do so well. I discuss the theory both in terms of descriptive adequacy and normative appropriateness.
Quantum and Concept Combination, Entangled Measurements, and Prototype Theory
Authors: Aerts Diederik
Published: January 2014

We analyze the meaning of the violation of the marginal probability law for situations of correlation measurements where entanglement is identified. We show that for quantum theory applied to the cognitive realm such a violation does not lead to the type of problems commonly believed to occur in situations of quantum theory applied to the physical realm. We briefly situate our quantum approach for modeling concepts and their combinations with respect to the notions of “extension” and “intension” in theories of meaning, and in existing concept theories.
Regulated Oligomerization Induces Uptake of a Membrane Protein into COPII Vesicles Independent of Its Cytosolic Tail
Authors: Springer Sebastian , Malkus Per , Borchert Britta , Wellbrock Ursula , Duden Rainer , Schekman Randy
Published: January 2014

Export of transmembrane proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is driven by directed incorporation into coat protein complex II (COPII)‐coated vesicles. The sorting of some cargo proteins into COPII vesicles was shown to be mediated by specific interactions between transmembrane and COPII‐coat‐forming proteins. But even though some signals for ER exit have been identified on the cytosolic domains of membrane proteins, the general signaling and sorting mechanisms of ER export are still poorly understood. To investigate the role of cargo protein oligomer formation in the export process, we have created a transmembrane fusion protein that – owing to its FK506‐binding protein domains – can be oligomerized in isolated membranes by addition of a small‐molecule dimerizer. Packaging of the fusion protein into COPII vesicles is strongly enhanced in the presence of the dimerizer, demonstrating that the oligomeric state is an ER export signal for this membrane protein. Surprisingly, the cytosolic tail is not required for this oligomerization‐dependent effect on protein sorting. Thus, an alternative mechanism, such as membrane bending, must account for ER export of the fusion protein.
Pure Exporter: Theory and Evidence from China
Authors: Lu Jiangyong , Lu Yi , Tao Zhigang
Published: January 2014

This article provides the first evidence about pure exporters (i.e. firms exporting all of their output to the foreign market) – a phenomenon overlooked and cannot be explained in the existing literature. It then offers a theoretical analysis of the existence and behaviour of pure exporters. In particular, pure exporters arise when the export market is sufficiently large – a situation more likely to hold in developing countries as opposed to large developed countries, and their productivity levels are above those of nonexporters, but below those of firms having both domestic sales and export. These theoretical predictions are borne out in a data of Chinese manufacturing firms for the period of 1998–2005.
Counter-Current Extraction in Microchannel Flow: Current Status and Perspectives
Authors: Jaritsch Dimitri , Holbach Alexander , Kockmann Norbert
Published: January 2014

Liquid-liquid extraction is one of the most important unit operations with a broad field of applications. During the past few years, research activities have been increasing in the area of microextraction due to the evident advantages of microchannel equipment. While there is a sweeping number of publications on the topic of the procedure of microextraction using cocurrent flow, there are still some difficulties in accomplishing multistage processes as the countercurrent extraction, such as mixer-settler arrangements. This is due to the fact that it is difficult to achieve a continuous stable phase separation with high throughput. Additionally, it is also challenging to balance the pressure loss with micropumps after every stage. Both of these processes are essential for the countercurrent extraction and, therefore, at the current state of affairs, they pose a bottleneck. This field of research bears a high development potential in order to improve these processes using microchannel equipment and to realize a multistage countercurrent extraction with high effectiveness. In this paper, different phase separation devices and their particular separation principles are presented whereas the focus lies on the continuous separation. Additionally, some experimental as well as theoretical concepts for the conduct of a multistage countercurrent extraction are outlined.
Robust Fault Detection to Determine Compressor Surge Point Via Dynamic Neural Network-Based Subspace Identification Technique
Authors: Mahdi Alavinia Sayyid , Ali Sadrnia Mohammad , Javad Khosrowjerdi Mohammad , Mehdi Fateh Mohammad
Published: January 2014

In this paper, a dynamic neural network (DNN) based on robust identification scheme is presented to determine compressor surge point accurately using sensor fault detection (FD). The main innovation of this paper is to present different and complementary technique for surge suppressing studies within sensor FD. The proposed method aims to utilize the embedded analytical redundancies for sensor FD, even in the presence of uncertainty in the compressor and sensor noise. The robust dynamic neural network is developed to learn the input–output map of the compressor for residual generation and the required data is obtained from the compressor Moore–Greitzer simulated model. Generally, the main drawback of DNN method is the lack of systematic law for selecting of initial Hurwitz matrix. Therefore, the subspace identification method is proposed for selecting this matrix. A number of simulation studies are carried out to demonstrate the advantages, capabilities, and performance of our proposed FD scheme and a worthwhile direction for future research is also presented.
Force/Motion Transmissibility Analysis of Six Degree of Freedom Parallel Mechanisms
Authors: Huang Tian , Wang Manxin , Yang Shuofei , Sun Tao , Chetwynd Derek G. , Xie Fugui
Published: February 2014

Drawing mainly on the concepts of dual space and dual basis in linear algebra and on existing screw theory, this paper presents a novel and systematic approach for the force/motion transmissibility analysis of 6DOF parallel mechanisms. By taking the reciprocal product of a wrench on a twist as a linear functional, the property exhibited by the dual basis allows the formulation of the force/motion transmissibility between the joint space and operation space in an accurate and concise manner. The consistency between the force/motion transmissibility and the minimum singular value of the Jacobian for singularity identification is rigorously proved. This leads to the development of a set of homogeneously dimensionless local and global transmission indices for measuring the closeness to singular configurations as well as for kinematic performance evaluation over a given workspace. A Stewart platform is employed an exemplar to illustrate the effectiveness of the approach.
Motion/Force Constrainability Analysis of Lower-Mobility Parallel Manipulators
Authors: Liu Xin-Jun , Chen Xiang , Nahon Meyer
Published: February 2014

The constraint performance analysis in the limited kinetostatic subspace of parallel manipulators is a significant but ignored issue. The motion/force constrainability analysis, with focus on lower-mobility parallel manipulators, is the subject of this study. Via the theory of screws, three generalized frame-invariant constraint indices are proposed based on the concept of the power coefficient. The introduced indices can not only identify the singularity and the fully constrained property but also measure the closeness between a particular pose and an unconstrained configuration (or fully constrained configuration). In order to demonstrate the feasibility and the validity of the analysis methods and indices, the detailed evaluation of two typical industrial parallel manipulators are presented, the Sprint Z3 head and the Tricept mechanism.
Wrinkling Instability of Graphene on Substrate-Supported Nanoparticles
Authors: Zhu Shuze , Li Teng
Published: February 2014

Wrinkles in graphene with desirable morphology have practical significance for electronic applications. Here we carry out a systematic molecular dynamics study of the wrinkling instability of graphene on substrate-supported nanoparticles (NPs). At a large NP dispersion distance, a monolayer graphene adheres to the substrate and bulges out locally to wrap around individual NPs, forming isolated dome-shaped protrusions. At a small NP dispersion distance, tunneling wrinkles form in graphene to bridge the NP-induced protrusions. A critical NP dispersion distance for the onset of tunneling wrinkle instability of graphene is determined as a function of the NP size. The prediction from the modeling study agrees well with recent experimental observations. Results from the present study offer further insights into the formation of desirable wrinkles in graphene deposited on a substrate with engineered protrusions and, thus, can potentially enable novel design of graphene-based electronics.
Highly separated hybrid orientation structure of CeO2(100) and (110) on Si(100) substrates by electron beam-induced orientation-selective epitaxy
Authors: Inoue Tomoyasu , Shida Shigenari
Published: January 2014

The hybrid orientation structure of the CeO2(100) and (110) regions on Si(100) substrates is studied using electron beam-induced orientation-selective epitaxial (OSE) growth by reactive magnetron sputtering. Two separate areas of growth are seen, with CeO2(100) layers found to grow in areas irradiated by electrons during the growth process, and the CeO2(110) layers growing in the areas not irradiated by the beam. The lateral orientation mapping obtained by x-ray diffraction measurements reveals the existence of transition regions between these two orientation areas. The width of the transition region is found to decrease proportionally as the logarithm of the underlying Si substrate resistivity. The OSE growth experiments using silicon-on-insulator substrates with lithographically formed trenches show that perfect isolation of the two areas becomes possible by optimizing the geometry of the trenches.
Development-Inspired Reprogramming of the Mammalian Central Nervous System
Authors: Amamoto Ryoji , Arlotta Paola
Published: January 2014

Background:
Differentiated cells can be reprogrammed to switch identities from one cell type to another under the direction of powerful transcription factors. In the mammalian central nervous system, this approach has been used experimentally to generate new categories of neuronal cells. The protocols are inspired by what we have learned from normal development, but the applications lie outside of normal embryogenesis. The research is changing how scientists think about regeneration of lost neurons and modeling of neuronal function in the central nervous system. The approaches also allow for new ways to study human neuronal development, a process that cannot be studied in vivo.
Advances:
Neurons are a highly specialized cell type, with their ability to transmit electrical signals. Beyond that, though, neurons also specialize into an astonishing diversity of classes. Although reprogramming with known transcription factors is a comparatively blunt tool, researchers have used knowledge of normal neuronal development to identify suites of factors that can convert mouse or human non-neuronal cells into induced neuronal cells showing class-specific features. These protocols have provided a renewable source of neuronal cells for high-throughput studies, which is particularly useful when source tissue is rare or unavailable. One exciting application of lineage reprogramming has been the generation of new neurons in situ by the direct conversion of other cell types already resident within the brain. Astrocytes have been converted into neurons in vivo. Even neurons have been changed from one subtype to another in young animals, indicating that postmitotic neurons may not be as immutable as once thought. These provocative results may foster the development of strategies for neuronal replacement that rely on “code-switching” of neuronal identity on the spot.
Outlook:
Direct lineage reprogramming is a nascent but promising field. Although both unspecialized and specialized neuronal cells have already been generated by these methods, we still need more refined understanding of how reprogramming works, how the cellular context constrains reprogramming routes, and what synergistic effects arise with various reprogramming factors. Better-defined criteria are needed to classify neurons obtained by reprogramming and to determine how they differ from their endogenous counterparts. Functional analyses are also necessary to clarify when a new neuron achieves the needed function, even if its other features do not match endogenous neurons. The challenge requires collaborative expertise in stem cell biology, embryology, and fundamental neuroscience. Future ability to reprogram postmitotic neurons in the adult brain will be important for the growth of this field and likely influence the way we think about neuronal stability, regeneration, and function.
Effector Specialization in a Lineage of the Irish Potato Famine Pathogen
Authors: Dong Suomeng , Stam Remco , Cano Liliana M. , Song Jing , Sklenar Jan , Yoshida Kentaro , Bozkurt Tolga O. , Oliva Ricardo , Liu Zhenyu , Tian Miaoying , Win Joe , Banfield Mark J. , Jones Alexandra M. E. , van der Hoorn Renier A. L. , Kamoun Sophien
Published: January 2014

The Makings of a Choosy Pathogen

The oomycete
Phytophthora infestans
is responsible for potato blight. A closely related pathogen afflicts the 4 o'clock flower. To assess why such similar pathogens are restricted to one host or the other,
Dong et al.
(p.
552
; see the Perspective by

Coaker

) analyzed similar effectors from both pathogens. The results suggest that the host specialization that led to evolutionary divergence depends on reciprocal single–amino acid changes that tailor the pathogen effector to a specific host protease that is being disabled. Thus, small changes can open the door for a pathogen to jump to another species of host and, itself, diversify into another species of pathogen.
Reversal of Female Infertility by
Chk2
Ablation Reveals the Oocyte DNA Damage Checkpoint Pathway
Authors: Bolcun-Filas Ewelina , Rinaldi Vera D. , White Michelle E. , Schimenti John C.
Published: January 2014

Eggs Well Done

Germ cells can endure extensive DNA damage during their development. Programmed meiotic double-strand breaks (DSBs) are essential for proper segregation of chromosomes to oocytes and sperm. However, incomplete DSB repair by recombination activates a checkpoint that triggers cell death. Exogenous DNA damage is also lethal to oocytes via a highly sensitive checkpoint.

Bolcun-Filas
et al.

(p.
533
) show that the CHK2 kinase is a key component of both checkpoints in mouse oocytes. Deletion of
Chk2
restored fertility to females that would otherwise
be sterile because of a meiotic recombination mutation or radiation exposure.
Suspect Drug Research Blamed for Massive Death Toll
Authors: Vogel Gretchen
Published: January 2014

Two cardiologists claim that flawed papers may have contributed to 800,000 deaths in Europe.
The Dangerous Professor
Authors: Kupferschmidt Kai
Published: January 2014

David Nutt wants to make drug policies science-based and give the world a safe alternative to alcohol. If only politicians would listen, he says.
Performance of the BioPlex 2200 Flow Immunoassay in Critical Cases of Serodiagnosis of Toxoplasmosis
Authors: Guigue Nicolas , Menotti Jean , Hamane Samia , Derouin Francis , Garin Yves Jean-François
Published: January 2014

The BioPlex 2200 automated analyzer (Bio-Rad Laboratories, Hercules, CA) is a recently developed multiplex analyzer that enables the detection of anti-
Toxoplasma
, -rubella, and -cytomegalovirus antibodies in the same assay. The aim of this study was to compare this new technology (using the BioPlex 2200 ToRC IgG/IgM kit) in critical cases of serodiagnosis of toxoplasmosis (acute, chronic, or congenital infections and cases with discrepant results) to the technologies used in our routine practice, i.e., the Platelia IgG/IgM enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) (Bio-Rad Laboratories) and the Toxo-Screen direct agglutination assay (bioMérieux, Lyon, France). Overall, most cases of false-positive/negative results obtained with the Platelia IgG or Toxo-Screen assay were corrected by the BioPlex 2200 ToRC IgG (87.5%). Furthermore, the analysis of 35 sequences of sera showed a trend toward a more rapid decrease of IgM titers by BioPlex 2200 than by Platelia. These results for IgM detection can be explained by a weaker detection of residual IgM. Indeed, among 23 serum samples from patients with probable past infection with long-lasting IgM (Platelia M positive and IgG avidity index, ≥0.5), the BioPlex 2200
Toxoplasma
IgM assay was positive for only 11 serum samples. In our panel of critical cases comprising 156 serum and 6 cord blood samples from 103 patients with acute, chronic, or congenital infection, the BioPlex 2200 IgG assay was a sensitive (97.8%) and specific (91.3%) method for IgG detection. The high specificity (97.4%) of IgM detection combined with the shorter kinetics of IgM titers may considerably reduce the number of residual IgM detections, thus yielding more precise diagnoses of acute infections.
Multiplex High-Resolution Melting Analysis as a Diagnostic Tool for Detection of Plasmid-Mediated AmpC β-Lactamase Genes
Authors: Geyer Chelsie N. , Hanson Nancy D.
Published: January 2014

High-resolution melting (HRM) analysis can be a diagnostic tool to evaluate the presence of resistance genes with the added bonus of discriminating sequence modifications. A real-time, multiplex PCR assay using HRM was designed for the detection of plasmid-mediated
ampC
genes. The specificity and sensitivity of this assay were 96% and 100%, respectively.
Simultaneous Detection of Five Enteric Viruses Associated with Gastroenteritis by Use of a PCR Assay: a Single Real-Time Multiplex Reaction and Its Clinical Application
Authors: Jiang Yixiang , Fang Lin , Shi Xiaolu , Zhang Hailong , Li Yinghui , Lin Yiman , Qiu Yaqun , Chen Qingliang , Li Hui , Zhou Li , Hu Qinghua
Published: January 2014

We developed a highly sensitive reverse transcription and multiplex real-time PCR (rtPCR) assay that can identify five viruses, including six genogroups, in a single reaction: norovirus genogroups I and II; sapovirus genogroups I, II, IV, and V; human rotavirus A; adenovirus serotypes 40 and 41; and human astrovirus. In comparison to monoplex rtPCR assays, the sensitivities and specificities of the multiplex rtPCR ranged from 75% to 100% and from 99% to 100%, respectively, evaluated on 812 clinical stool specimens.
Specific Noninvasive Detection of Leishmania donovani in Desquamated Buccal Cell Swab Samples from Human Visceral Leishmaniasis-HIV Coinfected Patients
Authors: Das Sushmita , Halder Avishek , Rabidas Vidya Nand , Mandal Abhishek , Das Pradeep
Published: January 2014

Diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection with visceral leishmaniasis (VL) coinfection is challenging. Specific diagnosis of VL in HIV-coinfected patients was evaluated by molecular methods in desquamated buccal swab samples, demonstrating 86.3% sensitivity and 98.3% specificity in controls. This test holds significant potential for development as a noninvasive diagnostic tool for VL in HIV-coinfected patients.