bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implications of paraureteral diverticulum for the management of vesicoureteral reflux
Authors: Im Young Jae , Lee Yong Seung , Kim Sang Woon , Han Sang Won
Published: May 2015

Objectives

To investigate the clinical importance of paraureteral diverticulum in the management of vesicoureteral reflux by analyzing the relationship between paraureteral diverticulum and recurrent urinary tract infections.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 131 children diagnosed with vesicoureteral reflux. We diagnosed vesicoureteral reflux and paraureteral diverticulum by initial voiding cystourethrography and defined “delayed ureteral drainage” as the presence of contrast media in the upper urinary tract on delayed films after voiding. We analyzed the relationships between paraureteral diverticulum, delayed ureteral drainage and recurrent urinary tract infections.

Results

The mean age at diagnosis of vesicoureteral reflux was 20.7 months. Of the 202 refluxing ureters, 55 (27.2%) had a paraureteral diverticulum. Of the 55 ureters with paraureteral diverticulum, 51 (92.7%) showed delayed ureteral drainage of refluxing contrast, which was significantly higher than the percentage of delayed ureteral drainage in ureters without paraureteral diverticulum (P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis of the effect of reflux grade or paraureteral diverticulum on delayed ureteral drainage of refluxing contrast, the odds ratio of paraureteral diverticulum was 11.47 (P < 0.001). In addition, the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections increased in ureters with paraureteral diverticulum (P = 0.020).

Conclusions

In patients with vesicoureteral reflux and paraureteral diverticulum, the risk of recurrent febrile urinary tract infections seems to increase. Therefore, more progressive surveillance and treatment protocols should be considered in these patients.
Comparative study of postoperative morbidity in dental treatment under general anesthesia in pediatric patients with and without an underlying disease
Authors: Escanilla‐Casal Alejandro , Ausucua‐Ibáñez Martina , Aznar‐Gómez Mireia , Viaño‐García José M. , Sentís‐Vilalta Joan , Rivera‐Baró Alejandro
Published: May 2015

Objectives

To identify and quantify the variables and their influence on postoperative morbidity in dental treatment under general anesthesia (GA) in pediatric patients with and without an underlying disease.

Methods

A prospective, descriptive, and comparative analysis was conducted of healthy (n = 49) and disabled/medically compromised (n = 81) children treated under GA. Intra‐/post‐surgical, clinical epidemiology, technical, care‐related, and pharmacologic data were gathered, as were postoperative complications.

Results

The average age of ASA I patients (6.7 ± 4.4 years) was younger than that of ASA II‐III patients (9.0 ± 4.5 years). Average hospitalization time was 4.27 ± 6.5 h in ASA I and 7.41 ± 6.8 h in ASA II‐III. Significant differences were found between the two groups in fillings, pulpotomies, oral surgery, and scaling. Postoperative morbidity in ASA I and ASA II‐III was similar both in frequency and severity and decreased during the first 72 h. The most common complication in both groups was toothache.

Conclusion

Postoperative morbidity is high after dental treatment under GA, but it is not higher in disabled/medically compromised patients.
The Question of Ideology: Althusser, Pecheux and Foucault
Authors: Cousins Mark , Hussain Athar
Published: May 2015

Althusser's essay on ideology revived Marxist analyses of ideology, and charted a path for their further development. Michel Pecheux's Language, Semantics and Ideology is undoubtedly the most imaginative attempt to develop Althusser's sketch of theory of ideology. The first part of the paper deals with Pecheux, and goes on to show that his reformulation of the category of interpellation in Althusser leads in the end to the dissolution of the category of ideology itself. This is not a failure but a symptom of the fundamental difficulties which beset the problem of ideology as it has been posed. The second section of the paper is devoted to an examination of the implications of Foucault's analyses for the discussions of ideology.
On Authority and its Relationship to Power
Authors: Barnes Barry
Published: May 2015

This paper suggests an alternative to the received view of the relationship between power and authority. It regards authorities as the passive agents of powers. Thus to possess authority is to possess less than to possess power in its own right. Contrast this with the received view where to possess authority is to possess more than to possess power: authority may be power plus legitimacy, or power plus consent.

The paper goes on to consider some of the implications of this alternative view, and shows how it allows an analogy between possessing authority in relation to actions and being an authority in relation to knowledge and culture.
Patterns and predictors of medication discrepancies in primary care
Authors: Coletti Daniel J. , Stephanou Hara , Mazzola Nissa , Conigliaro Joseph , Gottridge JoAnne , Kane John M.
Published: May 2015

Rationale, aims and objectives

Identifying medication discrepancies across transitions of care is a common patient safety problem. Research examining relations between medication discrepancies and adherence, however, is limited. The objective of this investigation is to explore the relations between adherence and patient–provider medication discrepancies, and to test the hypothesis that non‐adherence would be associated with medication discrepancies.

Methods

Three hundred twenty‐eight outpatients completed a current medication list and measures of health literacy, adherence, perceived physical functioning and subjective well‐being. Patient lists were compared with active medications in the electronic medical record. Multivariate analyses identified demographic, clinical and patient‐reported variables associated with discrepancies involving prescribed daily medications.

Results

Despite high rates of self‐reported adherence, patients reported taking fewer medications than the number of active medications in their medical record (3.79 vs. 4.83, P < 0.001). We identified one or more discrepancies in most records (294/328 or 89.6%). Identified discrepancies were completely reconciled in only 21.1% of patients with discrepancies. Discrepancies were associated with lower health literacy, poorer physical health status and subjective well‐being, and poorer adherence to the regimen patients believed they had been prescribed. Multivariate analysis indicated that the number of medical record‐reported medications and subjective well‐being independently predicted the presence of discrepancies.

Conclusions

Findings suggest a complex relation between treatment adherence and medication discrepancies in which patient well‐being and regimen complexity work in tandem to create discordance between patient and provider medication plans. Simplifying regimens when possible and attending to patient life satisfaction may improve adherence to a regimen constructed jointly between patient and provider.
Rapid assessment of cognitive function in down syndrome across intellectual level and dementia status
Authors: Walsh D. M. , Doran E. , Silverman W. , Tournay A. , Movsesyan N. , Lott I. T.
Published: May 2015

Background

Adults with Down syndrome (DS) are at risk of developing dementia and cognitive assessment is a fundamental part of the diagnostic process. Previously, we developed a Rapid Assessment for Developmental Disabilities (RADD), a brief, broadly focused direct test of cognition. In the current report, we assess whether the RADD is sensitive to dementia in DS and the degree to which it compares with other cognitive measures of dementia in this population.

Methods

In a sample of 114 individuals with DS, with dementia diagnosed in 62%, the RADD was compared with the Dementia Questionnaire for Mentally Retarded Persons (DMR), the Bristol Activities of Daily Living Scale, Severe Impairment Battery (SIB), and the Brief Praxis Test (BPT).

Results

The RADD showed predicted effects across intellectual disability (ID) levels and dementia status (p < 0.001). Six‐month test‐retest reliability for the subset of individuals without dementia was high (r(41) = 0.95, p < 0.001). Criterion‐referenced validity was demonstrated by correlations between RADD scores and ID levels based upon prior intelligence testing and clinical diagnoses (rs(114) = 0.67, p = 0.001) and with other measures of cognitive skills, such as the BPT, SIB, and DMR‐Sum of Cognitive scores (range 0.84 through 0.92). Using receiver operating characteristic curves for groups varying in pre‐morbid severity of ID, the RADD exhibited high sensitivity (0.87) and specificity (0.81) in discriminating among individuals with and without dementia, although sensitivity was somewhat lower (0.73) for the subsample of dementia cases diagnosed no more than 2 years prior to their RADD assessment.

Conclusion

Taken together, findings indicated that the RADD, a relatively brief, easy‐to‐administer test for cognitive function assessment across ID levels and dementia status, would be a useful component of cognitive assessments for adults with DS, including assessments explicitly focused on dementia.
Not the time or the place: the missing spatio‐temporal link in publicly available genetic data
Authors: Pope Lisa C. , Liggins Libby , Keyse Jude , Carvalho Silvia B , Riginos Cynthia
Published: May 2015

Genetic data are being generated at unprecedented rates. Policies of many journals, institutions and funding bodies aim to ensure that these data are publicly archived so that published results are reproducible. Additionally, publicly archived data can be ‘repurposed’ to address new questions in the future. In 2011, along with other leading journals in ecology and evolution, Molecular Ecology implemented mandatory public data archiving (the Joint Data Archiving Policy). To evaluate the effect of this policy, we assessed the genetic, spatial and temporal data archived for 419 data sets from 289 articles in Molecular Ecology from 2009 to 2013. We then determined whether archived data could be used to reproduce analyses as presented in the manuscript. We found that the journal's mandatory archiving policy has had a substantial positive impact, increasing genetic data archiving from 49 (pre‐2011) to 98% (2011–present). However, 31% of publicly archived genetic data sets could not be recreated based on information supplied in either the manuscript or public archives, with incomplete data or inconsistent codes linking genetic data and metadata as the primary reasons. While the majority of articles did provide some geographic information, 40% did not provide this information as geographic coordinates. Furthermore, a large proportion of articles did not contain any information regarding date of sampling (40%). Although the inclusion of spatio‐temporal data does require an increase in effort, we argue that the enduring value of publicly accessible genetic data to the molecular ecology field is greatly compromised when such metadata are not archived alongside genetic data.
Citrus psorosis virus 24K protein interacts with citrus miRNA precursors, affects their processing and subsequent miRNA accumulation and target expression
Authors: Reyes Carina A. , Ocolotobiche Eliana E. , Marmisollé Facundo E. , Robles Luna Gabriel , Borniego María B. , Bazzini Ariel A. , Asurmendi Sebastian , García María L.
Published: May 2015

Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), one of the most important fruit crops worldwide, may suffer from disease symptoms induced by virus infections, thus resulting in dramatic economic losses. Here, we show that the infection of sweet orange plants with two isolates of Citrus psorosis virus (CPsV) expressing different symptomatology alters the accumulation of a set of endogenous microRNAs (miRNAs). Within these miRNAs, miR156, miR167 and miR171 were the most down‐regulated, with almost a three‐fold reduction in infected samples. This down‐regulation led to a concomitant up‐regulation of some of their targets, such as Squamosa promoter‐binding protein‐like 9 and 13, as well as Scarecrow‐like 6. The processing of miRNA precursors, pre‐miR156 and pre‐miR171, in sweet orange seems to be affected by the virus. For instance, virus infection increases the level of unprocessed precursors, which is accompanied by a concomitant decrease in mature species accumulation. miR156a primary transcript accumulation remained unaltered, thus strongly suggesting a processing deregulation for this transcript. The co‐immunoprecipitation of viral 24K protein with pre‐miR156a or pre‐miR171a suggests that the alteration in the processing of these precursors might be caused by a direct or indirect interaction with this particular viral protein. This result is also consistent with the nuclear localization of both miRNA precursors and the CPsV 24K protein. This study contributes to the understanding of the manner in which a virus can alter host regulatory mechanisms, particularly miRNA biogenesis and target expression.
Improved photosynthetic performance during severe drought in Nicotiana tabacum overexpressing a nonenergy conserving respiratory electron sink
Authors: Dahal Keshav , Martyn Greg D. , Vanlerberghe Greg C.
Published: May 2015

Chloroplasts have means to manage excess reducing power but these mechanisms may become restricted by rates of ATP turnover. Alternative oxidase (AOX) is a mitochondrial terminal oxidase that uncouples the consumption of reducing power from ATP synthesis.

Physiological and biochemical analyses were used to compare respiration and photosynthesis of Nicotiana tabacum wild‐type (WT) plants with that of transgenic lines overexpressing AOX, under both well‐watered and drought stress conditions.

With increasing drought severity, AOX overexpression acted to increase respiration in the light (RL) relative to WT. CO2 and light response curves indicated that overexpression also improved photosynthetic performance relative to WT, as drought severity increased. This was not due to an effect of AOX amount on leaf water status or the development of the diffusive limitations that occur due to drought. Rather, AOX overexpression dampened photosystem stoichiometry adjustments and losses of key photosynthetic components that occurred in WT.

The results indicate that AOX amount influences RL, particularly during severe drought, when cytochrome pathway respiration may become increasingly restricted. This impacts the chloroplast redox state, influencing how the photosynthetic apparatus responds to increasing drought severity. In particular, the development of biochemical limitations to photosynthesis are dampened in plants with increased nonenergy conserving RL.
Effects of fire and CO2 on biogeography and primary production in glacial and modern climates
Authors: Martin Calvo Maria , Prentice Iain Colin
Published: May 2015

Dynamic global vegetation models (DGVMs) can disentangle causes and effects in the control of vegetation and fire. We used a DGVM to analyse climate, CO2 and fire influences on biome distribution and net primary production (NPP) in last glacial maximum (LGM) and pre‐industrial (PI) times.

The Land surface Processes and eXchanges (LPX) DGVM was run in a factorial design with fire ‘off’ or ‘on’, CO2 at LGM (185 ppm) or PI (280 ppm) concentrations, and LGM (modelled) or recent climates. Results were analysed by Stein–Alpert decomposition to separate primary effects from synergies.

Fire removal causes forests to expand and global NPP to increase slightly. Low CO2 greatly reduces forest area (dramatically in a PI climate; realistically under an LGM climate) and global NPP. NPP under an LGM climate was reduced by a quarter as a result of low CO2. The reduction in global NPP was smaller at low temperatures, but greater in the presence of fire.

Global NPP is controlled by climate and CO2 directly through photosynthesis, but also through biome distribution, which is strongly influenced by fire. Future vegetation simulations will need to consider the coupled responses of vegetation and fire to CO2 and climate.
Multiple functions of fire ant Solenopsis invicta mandibular gland products
Authors: Choi Man‐Yeon , Vander Meer Robert K.
Published: May 2015

Alarm pheromones of social insects are best known for their role in the defence and maintenance of colony integrity. Previous studies with the fire ant Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) demonstrate that the mandibular glands of workers (sterile females) and male and female sexuals produce an alarm pheromone, 2‐ethyl‐3,6‐dimethylpyrazine. The function of alarm pheromones in worker ants is well understood and divergent from the function of these compounds in the winged sexual forms. The present study quantifies the amount of pyrazine in the mandibular glands from male and female alate sexuals, as well as queens. Pyrazine production in female alates starts in the late pupal stage and increases until they reach mating flight‐ready maturity; however, after mating flight participation, the pyrazine level declines by >50%. Interestingly, mature male alates lose >85% of their mandibular gland pyrazine during mating flight activity. The results of the present study indicate that male and female sexuals use mandibular gland secretions for mating flight initiation and during mating flights. Furthermore, the ontogeny of mandibular gland products (pyrazine as the marker) from newly‐mated queens to mature colony queens shows a more than two‐fold increase in the amount of pyrazine by 6 months after mating. However, this is followed by a decline to trace amounts in mature colony queens (>2 years old), suggesting a function for mandibular gland products during colony development. Multifunctional use of social insect pheromones is well documented and data are reported in the present study suggesting new roles for mandibular gland products in fire ants.
Growing the urban forest: tree performance in response to biotic and abiotic land management
Authors: Oldfield Emily E. , Felson Alexander J. , Auyeung D. S. Novem , Crowther Thomas W. , Sonti Nancy F. , Harada Yoshiki , Maynard Daniel S. , Sokol Noah W. , Ashton Mark S. , Warren Robert J. , Hallett Richard A. , Bradford Mark A.
Published: May 2015

Forests are vital components of the urban landscape because they provide ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, storm‐water mitigation, and air‐quality improvement. To enhance these services, cities are investing in programs to create urban forests. A major unknown, however, is whether planted trees will grow into the mature, closed‐canopied forest on which ecosystem service provision depends. We assessed the influence of biotic and abiotic land management on planted tree performance as part of urban forest restoration in New York City,U.S.A. Biotic treatments were designed to improve tree growth, with the expectation that higher tree species composition (six vs. two) and greater stand complexity (with shrubs vs. without) would facilitate tree performance. Similarly, the abiotic treatment (compost amendment vs. without) was expected to increase tree performance by improving soil conditions. Growth and survival was measured for approximately 1,300 native saplings across three growing seasons. The biotic and abiotic treatments significantly improved tree performance, where shrub presence increased tree height for five of the six tree species, and compost increased basal area and stem volume of all species. Species‐specific responses, however, highlighted the difficulty of achieving rapid growth with limited mortality. Pioneer species had the highest growth in stem volume over 3 years (up to 3,500%), but also the highest mortality (up to 40%). Mid‐successional species had lower mortality (<16%), but also the slowest growth in volume (approximately 500% in volume). Our results suggest that there will be trade‐offs between optimizing tree growth versus survival when implementing urban tree planting initiatives.
Public Perception of Climate Change: The Importance of Knowledge and Cultural Worldviews
Authors: Shi Jing , Visschers Vivianne H. M. , Siegrist Michael
Published: May 2015

The importance of knowledge for lay people's climate change concerns has been questioned in recent years, as it had been suggested that cultural values are stronger predictors of concern about climate change than knowledge. Studies that simultaneously measured knowledge related to climate change and cultural values have, however, been missing. We conducted a mail survey in the German‐speaking part of Switzerland (N = 1,065). Results suggested that cultural worldviews and climate‐related knowledge were significantly related with people's concern about climate change. Also, cultural worldviews and climate‐relevant knowledge appeared important for people's willingness to change behaviors and to accept climate change policies. In addition, different types of knowledge were found to have different impacts on people's concern about climate change, their willingness to change behaviors, and their acceptance of policies about climate change. Specifically, causal knowledge significantly increased concern about climate change and willingness to support climate‐friendly policies. We therefore concluded that risk communication should focus on causal knowledge, provided this knowledge does not threaten cultural values.
The effectiveness and safety of tranexamic acid in total hip or knee arthroplasty: a meta‐analysis of 2720 cases
Authors: Wei Z. , Liu M.
Published: May 2015

Aims

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA). The specific endpoints assessed in this meta‐analysis include the total blood loss, the incidence rate of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolisms (PE), the number of patients requiring at least 1 U of red blood cell following surgery.

Background

The prevalence of THA and TKA is increasing and both are usually accompanied by considerable blood loss. TXA has been reported to reduce total blood loss in many orthopaedic surgeries. TXA administration continues to be a controversial topic in the literature about joint arthroplasty, and many studies have reported substantial doubt with respect to its benefits and safety.

Methods/materials

We conducted a meta‐analysis that combined all data from available randomised controlled trials, regardless the methods of TXA administration, which included administrated intravenously, intra‐articularly, topically or orally. Finally, available data from the 39 included trials were pooled for analysis. Then, mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was calculated for continuous outcomes and relative risks with 95% CIs for dichotomous outcomes.

Results

This meta‐analysis suggests that the administration of TXA significantly reduced blood loss and the need for allogeneic blood transfusion, without apparent increased risk of DVT or PE thromboembolic complications.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this meta‐analysis is more powerful and persuasive than any other published before. It suggests that the use of TXA reduced the risk of blood loss and the need for allogeneic blood transfusion significantly, without apparent increased risk of DVT or PE complications.
Roles and responsibilities in newborn care in four African sites
Authors: Iganus R. , Hill Z. , Manzi F. , Bee M. , Amare Y. , Shamba D. , Odebiyi A. , Adejuyigbe E. , Omotara B. , Skordis‐Worrall J.
Published: May 2015

Objectives

To explore roles and responsibilities in newborn care in the intra‐ and postpartum period in Nigeria, Tanzania and Ethiopia.

Methods

Qualitative data were collected using in‐depth interviews with mothers, grandmothers, fathers, health workers and birth attendants and were analysed through content and framework analyses.

Results

We found that birth attendants were the main decision‐makers and care takers in the intrapartum period. Birth attendants varied across sites and included female relatives (Ethiopia and Nigeria), traditional birth attendants (Tanzania and Nigeria), spiritual birth attendants (Nigeria) and health workers (Tanzania and Nigeria). In the early newborn period, when the mother is deemed to be resting, female family members assumed this role. The mothers themselves only took full responsibility for newborn care after a few days or weeks. The early newborn period was protracted for first‐time mothers, who were perceived as needing training on caring for the baby. Clear gender roles were described, with newborn care being considered a woman's domain. Fathers had little physical contact with the newborn, but played an important role in financing newborn care, and were considered the ultimate decision‐maker in the family.

Conclusion

Interventions should move beyond a focus on the mother–child dyad, to include other carers who perform and decide on newborn care practices. Given this power dynamic, interventions that involve men have the potential to result in behaviour change.
Post‐translational mechanisms are associated with fertility restoration of cytoplasmic male sterility in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris)
Authors: Kitazaki Kazuyoshi , Arakawa Takumi , Matsunaga Muneyuki , Yui‐Kurino Rika , Matsuhira Hiroaki , Mikami Tetsuo , Kubo Tomohiko
Published: May 2015

Genetic conflict between cytoplasmically inherited elements and nuclear genes arising from their different transmission patterns can be seen in cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS), the mitochondrion‐encoded inability to shed functional pollen. CMS is associated with a mitochondrial open reading frame (ORF) that is absent from non‐sterility inducing mitochondria (S‐orf). Nuclear genes that suppress CMS are called restorer‐of‐fertility (Rf) genes. Post‐transcriptional and translational repression of S‐orf mediates the molecular action of Rf that encodes a class of RNA‐binding proteins with pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) motifs. Besides the PPR‐type of Rfs, there are also non‐PPR Rfs, but the molecular interactions between non‐PPR Rf and S‐orf have not been described. In this study, we investigated the interaction of bvORF20, a non‐PPR Rf from sugar beet (Beta vulgaris), with preSatp6, the S‐orf from sugar beet. Anthers expressing bvORF20 contained a protein that interacted with preSATP6 protein. Analysis of anthers and transgenic calli expressing a FLAG‐tagged bvORF20 suggested the binding of preSATP6 to bvORF20. To see the effect of bvORF20 on preSATP6, which exists as a 250‐kDa protein complex in CMS plants, signal bands of preSATP6 in bvORF20‐expressing and non‐expressing anthers were compared by immunoblotting combined with Blue Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The signal intensity of the 250‐kDa band decreased significantly, and 200‐ and 150‐kDa bands appeared in bvORF20‐expressing anthers. Transgenic callus expressing bvORF20 also generated the 200‐ and 150‐kDa bands. The 200‐kDa complex is likely to include both preSATP6 and bvORF20. Post‐translational interaction between preSATP6 and bvORF20 appears to alter the higher order structure of preSATP6 that may lead to fertility restoration in sugar beet.
Independent evaluation of tolerance of therapeutic plasma inactivated by amotosalen‐HCl–UVA (Intercept™) over a 5‐year period of extensive delivery
Authors: Bost V. , Chavarin P. , Boussoulade F. , Fabrigli P. , Chabre C. , Benamara H. , Odent‐Malaure H. , Legrand D. , Cognasse F. , Garraud O.
Published: May 2015

Amotosalen‐HCl–UVA (AI) is a process to inactivate pathogens in therapeutic plasma (FFP). Tolerance is the main residual issue in FFP transfusion, and only large series observations are powered enough to identify significantly elevated levels of hazards. We report here on 15 133 new transfusions of AI‐FFP, over the previously published 36 035, which in all represents one of the largest series observed by means of a highly standardized surveillance (51 168 observations). There is no noticeable difference in terms of tolerance of AI‐FFP compared to 5875 transfusions of Quarantine (Q)‐FFP. There was no significant difference in terms of advance events, between the two types of FFP (P = 0·98); further, no difference was recorded either when the total number of AI‐FFP (51 168) was compared to the corresponding number of Q‐FFP (5875; P = 0·62).
Computational Fluid Dynamics and Heat Transfer Analysis of Vortex Formation in a Solar Reactor
Authors: Chien Min-Hsiu , Ozalp Nesrin , Morrison Gerald
Published: May 2015

A hydrogen-producing solar reactor was experimentally tested to study the cyclone flow dynamics of the gas–particle two-phase phenomenon. Two-dimensional particle image velocimetry (PIV) was used to observe the flow and to quantify the vortex formation inside the solar reactor. The vortex flow structure in the reactor was reconstructed by capturing images from orientations perpendicular and parallel to the geometrical axis of the reactor, respectively. The experimental results showed that the tangential components of the fluid velocity formed a Rankine-vortex profile. The free vortex portions of the Rankine profile were synchronized and independent of the axial position. The axial components showed a vortex funnel of higher speed fluid supplied by a reversing secondary flow. According to the inlet channel design, the geometry dominates the flow dynamics. A stable processing vortex line was observed. As the vortex flow evolves toward the exit, the vortex funnel expands radially with decreasing tangential velocity magnitude peak as a result of the vortex stretching. An optimal residence time of the flow was found by changing the cyclone flow inlet conditions. The swirl number versus the main flow rate change was obtained. Upon completion of the experimental studies, a thorough numerical analysis was conducted to model the flow dynamics inside the solar reactor and to verify the results by comparison to the experimental results. Three turbulence models including the standard k–ϵ, k–ϵ renormalization groups (RNG), and Reynolds stress transport models were used. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were coupled with heat transfer analysis via discrete ordinate (DO) model. Particle tracing in Lagrange frame was applied to simulate the particle trajectory. A comparison between the turbulence modeling results for the room temperature and high temperature cases, as well as the experimental results for room temperature cases is presented.
Fast time domain modeling of surface scattering from reflectors and diffusers
Authors: Cox Trevor J.
Published: May 2015

Time-domain prediction models have been developed for auditorium reflectors and room acoustic diffusers. The models are time-domain equivalents of the single-frequency formulations that exploit the Kirchhoff boundary conditions. Consequently, they are approximate, wave-based solutions to the Kirchhoff integral equation using surface meshes. The new time-domain formulations are validated by comparison to their frequency-domain equivalents for three different surfaces: a plane surface, a curved reflector, and a Schroeder diffuser. In terms of computation time and accuracy, the new models lie between the finite difference time domain and geometric room models.
Acoustic attenuation coefficients for polycrystalline materials containing crystallites of any symmetry class
Authors: Kube Christopher M. , Turner Joseph A.
Published: May 2015

This letter provides a theoretical extension to the elastic properties of polycrystals in order to describe elastic wave scattering from grain boundaries. The extension allows the longitudinal and shear attenuation coefficients for scattering to be derived and is valid for polycrystals containing crystallites of any symmetry class. Attenuation curves are given for polycrystalline SiO2, ZrO2, and SnF2, which contain monoclinic crystallites. This work will allow ultrasonic techniques to be applied to new classes of materials containing nontrivial microstructures.
Stereopsis is adaptive for the natural environment
Authors: Sprague William W. , Cooper Emily A. , Tošić Ivana , Banks Martin S.
Published: May 2015

The visual system allocates its limited computational resources for stereoscopic vision in a manner that exploits regularities in the binocular input from the natural environment.
Transcriptomic and Proteomic Profiling of Anabaena sp. Strain 90 under Inorganic Phosphorus Stress
Authors: Teikari Jonna , Österholm Julia , Kopf Matthias , Battchikova Natalia , Wahlsten Matti , Aro Eva-Mari , Hess Wolfgang R. , Sivonen Kaarina
Published: May 2015

Inorganic phosphorus (P
i
) is one of the main growth-limiting factors of diazotrophic cyanobacteria. Due to human activity, the availability of P
i
has increased in water bodies, resulting in eutrophication and the formation of massive cyanobacterial blooms. In this study, we examined the molecular responses of the cyanobacterium
Anabaena
sp. strain 90 to phosphorus deprivation, aiming at the identification of candidate genes to monitor the P
i
status in cyanobacteria. Furthermore, this study increased the basic understanding of how phosphorus affects diazotrophic and bloom-forming cyanobacteria as a major growth-limiting factor. Based on RNA sequencing data, we identified 246 differentially expressed genes after phosphorus starvation and 823 differentially expressed genes after prolonged P
i
limitation, most of them related to central metabolism and cellular growth. The transcripts of the genes related to phosphorus transport and assimilation (
pho
regulon) were most upregulated during phosphorus depletion. One of the most increased transcripts encodes a giant protein of 1,869 amino acid residues, which contains, among others, a phytase-like domain. Our findings predict its crucial role in phosphorus starvation, but future studies are still needed. Using two-dimensional difference in gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), we found 43 proteins that were differentially expressed after prolonged phosphorus stress. However, correlation analysis unraveled an association only to some extent between the transcriptomic and proteomic abundances. Based on the present results, we suggest that the method used for monitoring the P
i
status in cyanobacterial bloom should contain wider combinations of
pho
regulon genes (e.g., PstABCS transport systems) in addition to the commonly used alkaline phosphatase gene alone.
Novel HIV-1 Recombinant Identified in a Foreign Heterosexual Resident in Japan: Relatedness to Recently Reported CRF69_01B, Detected Primarily among Japanese Men Who Have Sex with Men
Authors: Kusagawa Shigeru , Yokota Yuko , Negishi Masayoshi , Kondo Makiko , Matano Tetsuro , Kato Shingo , Takebe Yutaka
Published: May 2015

We report here an HIV-1 recombinant composed of CRF01_AE and subtype B, with a total of eight recombination breakpoints in the
gag-pol
and
vpr-tat
regions. This recombinant was identified from a Myanmarese heterosexual male in Japan and showed the chimera structure identical to recently reported CRF69_01B, detected primarily among men who have sex with men in Japan.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Bacillus
sp. Strain CMAA 1185, a Cellullolytic Bacterium Isolated from Stain House Lake, Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Santos Suikinai Nobre , Kavamura Vanessa Nessner , Taketani Rodrigo Gouvêa , Vasconcellos Rafael L. F. , Zucchi Tiago Domingues , Melo Itamar Soares
Published: May 2015

The aim of this study was to report the genome sequence of the cellulolytic
Bacillus
sp. strain CMAA 1185, isolated from Stain House Lake, Antarctica.
Draft Genome Sequences of 24 Microbial Strains Assembled from Direct Sequencing from 4 Stool Samples
Authors: Jeraldo Patricio , Hernández Álvaro , White Bryan A. , O’Brien Daniel , Ahlquist David , Boardman Lisa , Chia Nicholas
Published: May 2015

The ability to assemble genomes from metagenomic sequencing avoids the need for culture and any associated culture biases. We assembled 24 essentially complete draft genomes from metagenomic pair-end and size-selected mate pair sequencing from 4 stool samples, 2 from subjects diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 2 from healthy controls.
Whole-Genome Sequence of Serratia liquefaciens HUMV-21, a Cytotoxic, Quorum-Sensing, and Biofilm-Producing Clinical Isolate
Authors: Lázaro-Díez María , Acosta Felix , Remuzgo-Martínez Sara , Ocampo-Sosa Alain , Ocejo-Vinyals Javier Gonzalo , Bravo Jimena , El Aamri Fátima , Escuela Oliver , Martínez-Martínez Luis , Ramos-Vivas José
Published: May 2015

A clinical isolate of
Serratia liquefaciens
(strain HUMV-21) was obtained from a skin ulcer of an adult patient. We report here its complete genome assembly using PacBio single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing, which resulted in a single circular chromosome with 5.3 Mb. About 5,844 protein-coding genes are predicted from this assembly.
Draft Genome Sequence of Mycoparasite
Clonostachys rosea
Strain 67-1
Authors: Sun Zhan-Bin , Sun Man-Hong , Li Shi-Dong
Published: May 2015

Clonostachys rosea
is a promising mycoparasite. In this study, we sequenced the draft genome of the highly effective strain 67-1 using the Illumina HiSeq 2500 sequencing platform. The genome is 55.4 Mb with a G+C content of 49.2% and provides a powerful resource for future studies on the molecular mechanisms underlying
Clonostachys rosea
's antagonism on fungal pathogens.
Complete Genome Sequence of Sulfolobus solfataricus Strain 98/2 and Evolved Derivatives
Authors: McCarthy Samuel , Gradnigo Julien , Johnson Tyler , Payne Sophie , Lipzen Anna , Martin Joel , Schackwitz Wendy , Moriyama Etsuko , Blum Paul
Published: May 2015

Sulfolobus solfataricus
is a thermoacidophilic crenarcheote with a 3.0-Mb genome. Here, we report the genome sequence of
S. solfataricus
strain 98/2, along with several evolved derivatives generated through experimental microbial evolution for enhanced thermoacidophily.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Circovirus from Zebra Finch
Authors: Rinder Monika , Schmitz Anna , Peschel Andrea , Korbel Rüdiger
Published: May 2015

A novel circovirus was identified in zebra finches (
Taeniopygia guttata
). The genome of the circovirus strain, designated 8454V25-1, comprised 1,982 nucleotides with two major open reading frames encoding a replication-associated protein and a viral capsid protein.
Draft Genome Sequence of Isoproturon-Mineralizing
Sphingomonas
sp. SRS2, Isolated from an Agricultural Field in the United Kingdom
Authors: Nielsen Tue Kjærgaard , Sørensen Sebastian R. , Hansen Lars Hestbjerg
Published: May 2015

Sphingomonas
sp. SRS2 was the first described pure strain that is capable of mineralizing the phenylurea herbicide isoproturon and some of its related compounds. This strain has been studied thoroughly and shows potential for bioremediation purposes. We present the draft genome sequence of this bacterium, which will aid future studies.
Complete Genome Sequence of Corynebacterium kutscheri DSM 20755, a Corynebacterial Type Strain with Remarkably Low G+C Content of Chromosomal DNA
Authors: Rückert Christian , Albersmeier Andreas , Winkler Anika , Tauch Andreas
Published: May 2015

The complete genome sequence of the type strain
Corynebacterium kutscheri
DSM 20755 comprises 2,354,065 bp and 2,047 protein-coding genes. The mean G+C content of the chromosomal DNA is 46.46%, which is the lowest value detected so far in a member of the genus
Corynebacterium
.
Restriction Enzyme Digestion Exercise – An In-class Activity
Authors: Parent Michelle
Published: May 2015

Understanding the concepts of molecular biology and then applying those concepts to laboratory experiments can be challenging to entry-level students. In order to facilitate the topics of restriction enzyme digestion and the generation of compatible ends in the process of gene cloning, an in-class activity was designed. This restriction enzyme digestion exercise, designed for an introductory undergraduate course in genetics, molecular biology and molecular diagnostics, can be utilized in either a lecture or laboratory setting. Students are provided with information on enzyme discovery and origin, sticky, blunt and compatible ends, base-cutters, isoschizomers and isocaudomers. Students then review the components required for restriction enzyme digestion setup, such as DNA concentration, buffer volume and compatibility and multi-enzyme digestions. Upon completion of the theory review, students participate in this classroom activity where scissors and paper replace restriction enzymes and DNA, providing a visual learning experience.
Students in Differential Equations and Epidemiology Model a Campus Outbreak of pH1N1
Authors: Greer Meredith L. , Palin Karen A.
Published: May 2015

We describe a semester-long collaboration between a mathematics class and a biology class. Students worked together to understand and model the trajectory of the pandemic H1N1, pH1N1, outbreak across campus in fall 2009. Each course had about 30 students and was an upper-level elective for majors. Some mathematics students had taken no college-level biology, and some biology students had taken no college-level mathematics. All students had taken at least three quantitative courses, so they had some experience working with data. Our goals were to allow students to work with and model a real data set that affected them personally, to explore how the outbreak spread within our small campus, and for students to share their areas of expertise. This project created opportunities for synthesis and evaluation.
A structured process for unmet clinical need analysis for medical device innovation in India: early experiences
Authors: Chaturvedi Jagdish , Logan Andrew , Narayan Girish , Kuttappa Shakuntala
Published: May 2015

It is estimated that approximately 75% of medical devices and diagnostics come to India from imports. A WHO report on medical devices highlighted that most devices present in developing countries have been designed for use in developed countries. Consequently, when these medical devices are implemented in India, they are either unaffordable or are maladapted to fit the complex healthcare ecosystem. A strong need exists to develop technologies that are intentionally designed to suit the Indian healthcare system. To address these issues, we have applied a modified version of the biodesign process, originally developed by Stanford University, to identify unmet clinical needs in the field of emergency medicine at a tertiary referral hospital in southern India. Since the biodesign process was originally created to identify unmet needs in a more mature Medtech ecosystem, we have altered its implementation to make it more suitable to the evolving Medtech ecosystem that prevails in India. At the completion of 2 months of clinical immersion by a multidisciplinary team, 100 unmet needs with significant negative outcomes were identified. The team then took all the need statements collected during the period of the clinical immersion and applied four rounds of precalibrated filters to arrive at the top 10 most compelling clinically validated needs that would be selected for the phase of invention. In this article, we present our reasons for making modifications to the biodesign process, our results and our experiences while implementing this process in an Indian healthcare system.
Masters in veterinary professional studies
Authors: McGowan Catherine , Tee Rebekah
Published: May 2015

Kate Thompson and Dan Shaw will soon become the first graduates of the University of Liverpool's Postgraduate Masters in Veterinary Professional Studies. Catherine McGowan, director of veterinary postgraduate education, and Rebekah Tee, lecturer in small animal practice, believe that the programme marks a new phase in postgraduate education
On the mechanical behaviour of dredged submarine clayey sediments stabilized with lime or cement
Authors: Federico Antonio , Vitone Claudia , Murianni Agnese
Published: May 2015

This paper presents the preliminary results of experimental research into the stabilization of clayey sediments dredged from the Port of Taranto (Italy) with cement and (or) lime. First, the physical properties of the natural sediments are briefly described and compared with those of the same sediments when treated with different additives and cured up to 4 years. In particular, the effect of the treatment on the soil plasticity properties is originally analyzed in terms of plasticity paths. Then, the influence of the different stabilizing agents on the compression behaviour of the dredged soil is analyzed and methods for quickly predicting the admixed-soil behaviour are presented.
Comparison of recreational harvest estimates provided by onsite and offsite surveys: detecting bias and corroborating estimates
Authors: Hartill Bruce William , Edwards Charles Thomas Thesen
Published: May 2015

We compare estimates of recreational harvest provided concurrently by two fundamentally different survey designs: an offsite panel survey and an onsite aerial-access survey. Aerial-access estimates for the five most commonly caught species were 2% to 50% lower than the panel survey estimates, with the greatest differences apparent for the least commonly caught species. Boosted regression tree modelling of spatially and temporally disaggregated harvest estimates identified a consistent pattern of temporal bias that explained much of the difference between the two sets of estimates. An analysis of web camera-based traffic data collected concurrently at key boat ramps confirmed that the selection of days for the aerial-access survey was biased towards lower effort days in three out of four temporal strata. Some evidence of under-reporting of zero catch trips by panelists was also identified by boosted regression tree modelling of catch per trip data. Nonetheless, the estimates provided by the two surveys were still remarkably similar given the range of potential biases that the two contrasting survey approaches were potentially subject to. Comparative studies such as this are rare, but they provide greater insights than introspective evaluations of single surveys and therefore greater certainty in the future.
Observables for model-independent detections of Z′ boson at the ILC
Authors: Skalozub V. , Kucher I.
Published: May 2015

The integral observables for model-independent detections of Abelian Z′ gauge boson in e+e- → μ+μ-(τ+τ-) process with unpolarized beams at the ILC energies are proposed. They are based on the differential cross-section of deviations from the standard model predictions calculated with a low energy effective Lagrangian and taking into consideration the relations between the Z′ couplings to the fermions derived already. Due to these relations, the cross-section exhibits angular distribution giving a possibility for introducing one- or two-parameter observables which effectively fit the mass mZ′, the axial-vector [Formula: see text] and the product of vector couplings vevμ(vevτ). A discovery reach for the Z′ is estimated for two of introduced observables. Determination of the basic Z′ model is discussed. Comparison with other results and approaches is given.
Design and fabrication of DR1/PC-based electro-optic switch
Authors: Sun Jian , Wang Xibin , Sun Jingwen , Sun Xiaoqiang , Chen Changming , Wang Fei , Zhang Daming
Published: May 2015

A Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI) electro-optic (E-O) switch based on a guest–host material DR1/PC was designed and fabricated. The optical properties and long-term stability of the material were studied. By optimizing the concentration of DR1, the DR1/PC material exhibited an E-O coefficient of 12.8 pm/V at 1310 nm. The characteristic parameters of the waveguide were calculated, and the fabrication process was strictly controlled. The MZI switch on-off time was found to be about 50 ns. The extinction ratio was measured to be about 13.4 dB. At room temperature, the switch could keep operating for at least 150 days.