bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Welded end‐slot connection and debonding layers for buckling‐restrained braces
Authors: Tsai Keh‐Chyuan , Wu An‐Chien , Wei Chih‐Yu , Lin Pao‐Chun , Chuang Ming‐Chieh , Yu Yi‐Jer
Published: April 2014

The debonding mechanism has a significant effect on the performance of a buckling‐restrained brace (BRB). In this paper, a method for estimating the compression strength adjustment factor for any given BRB core strain is presented. Experimental investigations were conducted on four BRBs to examine the efficiency of four different debonding materials in reducing the difference between the cyclic peak compression and tension. Test results indicate that chloroprene rubber is very easy to install and very effective in minimizing the difference between the compressive and tensile capacities. The excellent performance of 13 full‐scale welded end‐slot BRBs (WES‐BRBs) is illustrated through experiments. Cyclic loading test results of a 12.5‐m long jumbo WES‐BRB reveal that its peak compressive strength exceeds 16,800 kN and its maximum core strain reaches 0.035. All WES‐BRBs show satisfactory performance with a very stable hysteresis response, modest peak compressive to tensile strength ratio, and very predictable axial stiffness. These specimens sustain a cumulative plastic deformation of greater than 400 times the yield deformation. The hysteresis responses can be satisfactorily predicted by using a two‐surface plasticity analytical model. Advantages of the welded end‐slot connections are also presented through a discussion on the effects of the BRB yield region length ratio on the effective stiffness, the yield story drift, and the core strain level. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemoradiation therapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the external auditory canal: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Takenaka Yukinori , Cho Hironori , Nakahara Susumu , Yamamoto Yoshifumi , Yasui Toshimichi , Inohara Hidenori
Published: April 2014

Background

The standard treatment for advanced external auditory canal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is subtotal temporal bone resection and postoperative radiation therapy (RT), whereas chemoradiation therapy (CRT) is used in some institutions to improve patient prognosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of CRT in external auditory canal SCC treatment.

Methods

Meta‐analyses of external auditory canal SCC studies were performed. We extracted 5‐year overall survival rates and number of patients for aggregate patient data, and types of treatment and outcomes for individual patient data.

Results

The 5‐year overall survival rate of 752 patients was 57%. In the individual patient data meta‐analysis, the 5‐year overall survival rates of patients who received surgery ± RT, preoperative CRT, definitive CRT, and postoperative CRT were 53.5%, 85.7%, 43.6%, and 0%, respectively.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that preoperative CRT may improve the survival of surgically treated patients with external auditory canal SCC and that definitive CRT may be equivalent to surgical resection. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 1073–1080, 2015
Two‐dimensional flow response to tidal fluctuation in a heterogeneous aquifer‐aquitard system
Authors: Wang Quanrong , Zhan Hongbin , Tang Zhonghua
Published: March 2014

In alluvial coastal aquifers, finer sediments are preferentially deposited along the downstream direction, so the hydraulic conductivity is generally heterogeneous and changes with distance from the coastline. To investigate the influence of aquifer heterogeneity on seawater‐groundwater interaction, a new two‐dimensional model characterising groundwater flow in an aquifer‐aquitard system was developed assuming that the hydraulic conductivity of the aquifer linearly increases with the distance from the coastline along the inland direction. A closed‐form analytical solution was derived using the separation‐of‐variables method. Comparing the new solution with the numerical solution by comsol Multiphysics (Sweden) based on the finite‐element method, one can see that the new solution agreed with the numerical solution very well except at the early time. We found that both aquitard leakance and the heterogeneity factor (b) could result in the propagation bias. The propagation bias represents the inconsistency between the theoretical calculation and the observed strong attenuation and small time lag between the head and tide fluctuations. The attenuation decreased with perpendicular distance from the coastline (x‐axis), whereas the time lag increased with distance along the x‐axis. The relationship between the time lag and the distance along the x‐axis seemed to be linear when b was 0.001 m−1, whereas it obeyed a power function when b was greater than 0.01 m−1. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Plasma folate concentrations and colorectal cancer risk: A case‐control study nested within the Shanghai Men's Health Study
Authors: Takata Yumie , Shrubsole Martha J. , Li Honglan , Cai Qiuyin , Gao Jing , Wagner Conrad , Wu Jie , Zheng Wei , Xiang Yong‐Bing , Shu Xiao‐Ou
Published: April 2014

Previous epidemiological studies of circulating folate concentration and colorectal cancer have reported inconsistent results. We evaluated associations of prediagnostic plasma folate concentration with colorectal cancer risk in a case‐control study nested within the Shanghai Men's Health Study (2002–2010). Included herein are 288 cases who were diagnosed with incident colorectal cancer and 575 controls who were individually matched to cases on baseline characteristics. Folate concentrations in plasma were measured by microbiological assay. Multivariate conditional logistic regression was used to assess associations of plasma folate concentrations with colorectal cancer risk. Plasma folate was nonsignificantly but positively associated with colorectal cancer risk. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were 1.38 (0.95–2.02) for the middle tertile of plasma folate concentrations and 1.33 (0.90–1.98) for the highest compared to the lowest tertile. The positive association reached statistical significance for the highest tertile of folate concentrations for men with late‐stage colorectal cancer (OR = 2.66; 95% CI = 1.03–6.86) and for the middle tertile for cases diagnosed within the first 4 years after blood collection (OR = 1.72; 95% CI = 1.02–2.92) and for men in the high BMI group (OR = 1.88; 95% CI = 1.14–3.11). In our study population, where folic acid fortification of the food supply and vitamin supplement use are uncommon, plasma folate concentration was positively associated with colorectal cancer risk among men who may have had preneoplastic lesions. These findings need to be confirmed in studies with specific assessment of preneoplastic lesions and repeated measurements of folate level over time.
Counseling Chemically Dependent Chronic Pain Patients in an Integrated Care Setting
Authors: Jacobson Teresa , Hatchett Gregory
Published: April 2014

This article identifies the chronic pain population and explores a holistic integrated approach to treatment and its appropriateness for counseling the chronic pain patient with substance use disorders.
Working With the Millennial Generation: Challenges Facing 21st‐Century Students From the Perspective of University Staff
Authors: Much Kari , Wagener Amy M. , Breitkreutz Holly L. , Hellenbrand Miranda
Published: April 2014

This study explored university staff's general perceptions of millennial generation college students. Analysis of structured interviews with university professionals revealed that millennial students generally tend to ignore what may be expected of them, resist being accountable for their own actions, and depend on others for problem solving. Implications for college counselors are discussed.
Relationship Between Nature Relatedness and Holistic Wellness: An Exploratory Study
Authors: REESE RYAN F. , LEWIS TODD F. , MYERS JANE E. , WAHESH EDWARD , IVERSEN RACHEL
Published: April 2014

Nature relatedness has been explored from interdisciplinary perspectives and found to be related to greater well‐being. However, nature relatedness has not been incorporated into counseling‐based holistic wellness models. This study of the relationship between nature relatedness and wellness provides implications for wellness theory, counseling practice, and research.
The Relationship Between Vitamin A and Risk of Fracture: Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies
Authors: Wu Ai-Min , Huang Chao-Qun , Lin Zhong-Ke , Tian Nai-Feng , Ni Wen-Fei , Wang Xiang-Yang , Xu Hua-Zi , Chi Yong-Long
Published: April 2014

Osteoporotic fracture is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality and is a challenging global health problem. Previous reports of the relation between vitamin A intake or blood retinol and risk of fracture were inconsistent. We searched Medline and Embase to assess the effects of vitamin A (or retinol or beta-carotene but not vitamin A metabolites) on risk of hip and total fracture. Only prospective studies were included. We pooled data with a random effects meta-analysis with adjusted relative risk (adj.RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). We used Q statistic and I2 statistic to assess heterogeneity and Egger's test to assess publication bias. Eight vitamin A (or retinol or beta-carotene) intake studies (283,930 participants) and four blood retinol level prospective studies (8725 participants) were included. High intake of vitamin A and retinol were shown to increase risk of hip fracture (adj.RR [95% CI] = 1.29 [1.07, 1.57] and 1.40 [1.03, 1.91], respectively), whereas beta-carotene intake was not found to increase the risk of hip fracture (adj.RR [95% CI] = 0.82 [0.59, 1.14]). Both high or low level of blood retinol was shown to increase the risk of hip fracture (adj.RR [95% CI] = 1.87 [1.31, 2.65] and 1.56 [1.09, 2.22], respectively). The risk of total fracture does not differ significantly by level of vitamin A (or retinol) intake or by blood retinol level. Dose-response meta-analysis shows a U-shaped relationship between serum retinol level and hip fracture risk. Our meta-analysis suggests that blood retinol level is a double-edged sword for risk of hip fracture. To avoid the risk of hip fracture caused by too low or too high a level of retinol concentration, we suggest that intake of beta-carotene (a provitamin A), which should be converted to retinol in blood, may be better than intake of retinol from meat, which is directly absorbed into blood after intake. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Suppression of osteoblast toll‐like receptor 2 signaling by endothelin‐1
Authors: Suzaki Ai , Komine‐Aizawa Shihoko , Hayakawa Satoshi
Published: April 2014

Peripheral endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) levels are increased in chronic systemic disorders such as congestive cardiac failure, diabetes and chronic renal failure. Bone infections are also associated with poor prognoses in these conditions. In the present study, we examined the alterations in Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2) signaling induced by ET‐1 in an in vitro osteoblast cell model. The TLR2‐positive murine osteoblast cell line MC3T3‐E1 was treated with heat‐killed Listeria monocytogenes (HKLM), a TLR2 ligand, in the presence or absence of ET‐1. We examined TLR2 expression, intranuclear NF‐κB phosphorylation and interleukin 6 (IL‐6) production. ET‐1 suppressed cell surface expression of TLR2, NF‐κB phosphorylation and IL‐6 production. As TLR2 represents an important mechanism by which osteoblasts recognize bacterial pathogens, a continuously elevated ET‐1 status may impair pathogenic recognition by osteoblasts and consequently affect bone metabolism during infections. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:910–914, 2014.
Composing Well‐Defined Stimulus‐Responsive Materials Through Postpolymerization Modification Reactions
Authors: Roth Peter J.
Published: April 2014

Postpolymerization modification—the installation of functional groups into a premade, reactive polymeric precursor—is emerging as an advantageous synthetic strategy toward tailored materials. In this article, the preparation of environmentally sensitive, “smart,” polymers by virtue of postpolymerization modification is presented. The underlying fundamentals of different types of stimulus‐responsiveness are highlighted with an emphasis on thermo­responsiveness, encompassing lower and upper critical solution temperature (LCST and UCST) behavior. Using a range of postpolymerization modifications as examples, properties imparted through incorporation of specific functional groups and their structure–property relations are discussed. Strategies for an appropriate choice of functionality in order to obtain well‐defined materials with custom‐made behavior are presented.

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Alginate hydrogel matrix stiffness influences the in vitro development of caprine preantral follicles
Authors: Brito I.R. , Silva C.M.G. , Duarte A.B.G. , Lima I.M.T. , Rodrigues G.Q. , Rossetto R. , Sales A.D. , Lobo C.H. , Bernuci M.P. , Rosa‐e‐Silva A.C.J.S. , Campello C.C. , Xu M. , Figueiredo J.R.
Published: April 2014

This study examined caprine follicular development in different concentrations of alginate matrix to determine the optimal conditions for culture. Caprine preantral follicles were cultured in a two‐dimensional system (control) or a three‐dimensional encapsulated system in 0.25%, 0.5%, or 1% alginate (ALG 0.25, ALG 0.5, and ALG 1, respectively). A higher percentage of morphologically normal follicles developed in ALG 0.5 and ALG 1 than in ALG 0.25 or the control (P < 0.05). The rate of antrum formation, however, was higher in ALG 0.25 than in ALG 0.5 and ALG 1 conditions (P < 0.05), but similar to the control. Follicles cultured in ALG 0.25 had higher growth rates and meiotic resumption than those cultured in ALG 0.5, ALG 1, or the control (P < 0.05). Moreover, follicles cultured in ALG 0.25 had higher levels of estradiol and progesterone than those cultured in ALG 0.5, ALG 1, or the control, as well as higher levels of CYP19A1 and HSD3B mRNA. In conclusion, a three‐dimensional system that uses ALG 0.25 fosters the in vitro development of caprine preantral follicles and increases the rate of meiotic resumption. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 81: 636–645, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Acetylation dynamics and stoichiometry in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Weinert Brian T. , Iesmantavicius Vytautas , Moustafa Tarek , Schölz Christian , Wagner Sebastian A. , Magnes Christoph , Zechner Rudolf , Choudhary Chunaram
Published: April 2014

Lysine acetylation is a frequently occurring posttranslational modification; however, little is known about the origin and regulation of most sites. Here we used quantitative mass spectrometry to analyze acetylation dynamics and stoichiometry in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We found that acetylation accumulated in growth‐arrested cells in a manner that depended on acetyl‐CoA generation in distinct subcellular compartments. Mitochondrial acetylation levels correlated with acetyl‐CoA concentration in vivo and acetyl‐CoA acetylated lysine residues nonenzymatically in vitro. We developed a method to estimate acetylation stoichiometry and found that the vast majority of mitochondrial and cytoplasmic acetylation had a very low stoichiometry. However, mitochondrial acetylation occurred at a significantly higher basal level than cytoplasmic acetylation, consistent with the distinct acetylation dynamics and higher acetyl‐CoA concentration in mitochondria. High stoichiometry acetylation occurred mostly on histones, proteins present in histone acetyltransferase and deacetylase complexes, and on transcription factors. These data show that a majority of acetylation occurs at very low levels in exponentially growing yeast and is uniformly affected by exposure to acetyl‐CoA.
Numerical modeling of three‐phase dissolution of underground cavities using a diffuse interface model
Authors: Luo H. , Laouafa F. , Guo J. , Quintard M.
Published: April 2014

Natural evaporite dissolution in the subsurface can lead to cavities having critical dimensions in the sense of mechanical stability. Geomechanical effects may be significant for people and infrastructures because the underground dissolution may lead to subsidence or collapse (sinkholes). The knowledge of the cavity evolution in space and time is thus crucial in many cases. In this paper, we describe the use of a local nonequilibrium diffuse interface model for solving dissolution problems involving multimoving interfaces within three phases, that is, solid–liquid–gas as found in superficial aquifers and karsts. This paper generalizes developments achieved in the fluid–solid case, that is, the saturated case [1]. On one hand, a local nonequilibrium dissolution porous medium theory allows to describe the solid–liquid interface as a diffuse layer characterized by the evolution of a phase indicator (e.g., porosity). On the other hand, the liquid–gas interface evolution is computed using a classical porous medium two‐phase flow model involving a phase saturation, that is, generalized Darcy's laws. Such a diffuse interface model formulation is suitable for the implementation of a finite element or finite volume numerical model on a fixed grid without an explicit treatment of the interface movement. A numerical model has been implemented using a finite volume formulation with adaptive meshing (e.g., adaptive mesh refinement), which improves significantly the computational efficiency and accuracy because fine gridding may be attached to the dissolution front. Finally, some examples of three‐phase dissolution problems including density effects are also provided to illustrate the interest of the proposed theoretical and numerical framework. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Screening for abnormal placentation and adverse pregnancy outcomes with maternal serum biomarkers in the second trimester
Authors: Goetzinger Katherine R. , Odibo Anthony O.
Published: March 2014

Second trimester biomarkers were initially introduced with the intent of screening for neural tube defects and then subsequently for Down syndrome. It was soon realized that these markers can be indirect evidence of abnormal placentation and, therefore, can be used for screening for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Several new biomarkers have subsequently been described with conflicting findings regarding their efficiency for screening for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Although a biologically feasible mechanism has been proposed for the role of these biomarkers, they still fall short of an ideal screening test to be clinically useful. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
XPS and some surface characterizations of electrodeposited MgO nanostructure
Authors: Taleatu B. A. , Omotoso E. , Lal C. , Makinde W. O. , Ogundele K. T. , Ajenifuja E. , Lasisi A. R. , Eleruja M. A. , Mola G. T.
Published: April 2014

Growth conditions, structural, and optical properties of MgO nanostructure have been investigated. Surface composition and shift in binding energy of Mg at 50.8 eV due to oxidation were examined by core‐level spectroscopy. The SEM showed that the film is dense, and grain growth and crystallinity are enhanced by post‐deposition annealing. Grain distribution was appraised within the confinement of 24.51 µm2 from the selected scan areas. X‐ray diffraction studies indicated prominent peaks, which are attributed to (111), (200), and (220) reflections from fairly crystallized and randomly oriented MgO thin film. Plane (111) is found to be the preferred orientation of the film. The film transmitted well across the visible spectrum and the estimated energy band gap is 5.41 eV. Absence of catalyst in the electrolyte solution aided the purity of the sample. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of surface analysis in the strategies for conservation of metallic artefacts from the Mediterranean Basin
Authors: Angelini E. , Batmaz A. , de Caro T. , Faraldi F. , Grassini S. , Ingo G. M. , Riccucci C.
Published: April 2014

Conservation and valorization of cultural heritage is a fundamental element and an essential mission of the Mediterranean countries where most of the ancient and fascinating witnesses of human art and creativity are conserved. A large component of this cultural heritage consists of material cultural assets that are often exposed to harmful long‐term effects of environmental pollution, inappropriate handling, and intrinsic chemical–physical instability. Many risks can be mitigated, provided that there is a proper knowledge of the materials involved and of their degradation processes and adequate means to counteract these processes or to restore the materials. The employment of surface analysis can be extremely useful for the development of both tailored conservation procedures and methodologies as a function of the different degradation mechanisms that affect the artefacts, as well as for the monitoring of the conservation state and the identification of the manufacturing techniques. Several metallic artefacts coming from different archaeological sites of the Mediterranean Basin have been examined: weapons found during the excavation of the Ayanis fortress of the Urartu civilization (Lake Van, Anatolia, Turkey) and silver and bronze artefacts found at Tharros (Italy), a Phoenician–Carthaginian and then Roman city located along the Sardinian coast. They have been studied by means of the combined use of selected area X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy + energy dispersive spectrometry. The surface analysis techniques are able to give important contributions in the identification of chloride ions that may dramatically affect the chemical–physical stability of the copper‐based artefacts, thus allowing developing proper conservation strategies, as well as in the identification of the presence of mercury on gilded artefacts, thus giving information on the manufacturing technique. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication of Stretchable Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Logic Devices
Authors: Yoon Jangyeol , Shin Gunchul , Kim Joonsung , Moon Young Sun , Lee Seung‐Jung , Zi Goangseup , Ha Jeong Sook
Published: April 2014

The fabrication of a stretchable single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) inverter array and ring oscillators is reported. The SWCNT CMOS inverter exhibits static voltage transfer characteristics with a maximum gain of 8.9 at a supply voltage of 5 V. The fabricated devices show stable electrical performance under the maximum strain of 30% via forming wavy configurations. In addition, the 3‐stage ring oscillator demonstrates a stable oscillator frequency of ∼3.5 kHz at a supply voltage of 10 V and the oscillating waveforms are maintained without any distortion under cycles of pre‐strain and release. The strains applied to the device upon deformation are also analyzed by using the classical lamination theory, estimating the local strain of less than 0.6% in the SWCNT channel and Pd electrode regions which is small enough to keep the device performance stable under the pre‐strain up to 30%. This work demonstrates the potential application of stretchable SWCNT logic circuit devices in future wearable electronics.
Trauma System Evaluation in Developing Countries: Applicability of American College of Surgeons/Committee on Trauma (ACS/COT) Basic Criteria
Authors: Latifi Rifat , Ziemba Michelle , Leppäniemi Ari , Dasho Erion , Dogjani Agron , Shatri Zhaneta , Kociraj Agim , Oldashi Fatos , Shosha Lida
Published: April 2014

Background

Trauma continues to be a major health problem worldwide, particularly in the developing world, with high mortality and morbidity. Yet most developing countries lack an organized trauma system. Furthermore, developing countries do not have in place any accreditation process for trauma centers; thus, no accepted standard assessment tools exist to evaluate their trauma services.

Aim

The aims of this study were to evaluate the trauma system in Albania, using the basic trauma criteria of the American College of Surgeons/Committee on Trauma (ACS/COT) as assessment tools, and to provide the Government with a situational analysis relative to these criteria.

Materials and methods

We used the ACS/COT basic criteria as assessment tools to evaluate the trauma system in Albania. We conducted a series of semi‐structured interviews, unstructured interviews, and focus groups with all stakeholders at the Ministry of Health, at the University Trauma Hospital (UTH) based in Tirana (the capital city), and at ten regional hospitals across the country.

Results

Albania has a dedicated national trauma center that serves as the only tertiary center, plus ten regional hospitals that provide some trauma care. However, overall, its trauma system is in need of major reforms involving all essential elements in order to meet the basic requirements of a structured trauma system.

Conclusion

The ACS/COT basic criteria can be used as assessment tools to evaluate trauma care in developing countries. Further studies are needed in other developing countries to validate the applicability of these criteria.
Limited Potential for Prevention of Emergency Surgery for Femoral Hernia
Authors: Dahlstrand Ursula , Sandblom Gabriel , Wollert Staffan , Gunnarsson Ulf
Published: March 2014

Background

Femoral hernias are frequently operated on as an emergency. Emergency procedures for femoral hernia are associated with an almost tenfold increase in postoperative mortality, while no increase is seen for elective procedures, compared with a background population.

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare whether symptoms from femoral hernias and healthcare contacts prior to surgery differ between patients who have elective and patients who have emergency surgery.

Methods

A total of 1,967 individuals operated on for a femoral hernia over 1997–2006 were sent a questionnaire on symptoms experienced and contact with the healthcare system prior to surgery for their hernia. Answers were matched with data from the Swedish Hernia Register.

Results

A total of 1,441 (73.3 %) patients responded. Awareness of their hernia prior to surgery was denied by 53.3 % (231/433) of those who underwent an emergency procedure. Of the emergency operated patients, 31.3 % (135/432) negated symptoms in the affected groin prior to surgery and 22.2 % (96/432) had neither groin nor other symptoms. Elective patients had a considerably higher contact frequency with their general practitioner, as well as the surgical outpatient department, prior to surgery compared with patients undergoing emergency surgery (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Patients who have elective and patients who have emergency femoral hernia surgery differ in previous symptoms and healthcare contacts. Patients who need emergency surgery are often unaware of their hernia and frequently completely asymptomatic prior to incarceration. Early diagnosis and expedient surgery is warranted, but the lack of symptoms hinders earlier detection and intervention in most cases.
Immigration and African American Wages and Employment: Critically Appraising the Empirical Evidence
Authors: Mason Patrick L.
Published: April 2014

This paper critically assesses the empirical evidence on the relationship between immigration and African American employment. Studies using various methodologies and data are reviewed: natural experiments, time series, and cross-sectional studies of local labor markets and intertemporal changes in the national labor market. We find that for African Americans as a whole, immigration may have little effect on mean wages and probability of employment. However, there is some evidence that immigration may have had an adverse impact on the labor market outcomes of African Americans belonging to low education-experience groups. However, even this modest conclusion must be qualified: the literature has many unresolved econometric issues that might easily undermine the received wisdom.
Structure and antimicrobial activity of platypus ‘intermediate’ defensin‐like peptide
Authors: Torres Allan M. , Bansal Paramjit , Koh Jennifer M.S. , Pagès Guilhem , Wu Ming J. , Kuchel Philip W.
Published: March 2014

The three‐dimensional structure of a chemically synthesized peptide that we have called ‘intermediate’ defensin‐like peptide (Int‐DLP), from the platypus genome, was determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy; and its antimicrobial activity was investigated. The overall structural fold of Int‐DLP was similar to that of the DLPs and β‐defensins, however the presence of a third antiparallel β‐strand makes its structure more similar to the β‐defensins than the DLPs. Int‐DLP displayed potent antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The four arginine residues at the N‐terminus of Int‐DLP did not affect the overall fold, but were important for its antimicrobial potency.
Initiation and developmental dynamics of Wfs1 expression in the context of neural differentiation and ER stress in mouse forebrain
Authors: Tekko Triin , Lilleväli Kersti , Luuk Hendrik , Sütt Silva , Truu Laura , Örd Tiit , Möls Märt , Vasar Eero
Published: March 2014

Wolframin (Wfs1) is a membrane glycoprotein that resides in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and regulates cellular Ca2+ homeostasis. In pancreas Wfs1 attenuates unfolded protein response (UPR) and protects cells from apoptosis. Loss of Wfs1 function results in Wolfram syndrome (OMIM 222300) characterized by early‐onset diabetes mellitus, progressive optic atrophy, diabetes insipidus, deafness, and psychiatric disorders. Similarly, Wfs1−/− mice exhibit diabetes and increased basal anxiety. In the adult central nervous system Wfs1 is prominent in central extended amygdala, striatum and hippocampus, brain structures largely involved in behavioral adaptation of the organism. Here, we describe the initiation pattern of Wfs1 expression in mouse forebrain using mRNA in situ hybridization and compare it with Synaptophysin (Syp1), a gene encoding synaptic vesicle protein widely used as neuronal differentiation marker. We show that the expression of Wfs1 starts during late embryonic development in the dorsal striatum and amygdala, then expands broadly at birth, possessing several transitory regions during maturation. Syp1 expression precedes Wfs1 and it is remarkably upregulated during the period of Wfs1 expression initiation and maturation, suggesting relationship between neural activation and Wfs1 expression. Using in situ hybridization and quantitative real‐time PCR we show that UPR‐related genes (Grp78, Grp94, and Chop) display dynamic expression in the perinatal brain when Wfs1 is initiated and their expression pattern is not altered in the brain lacking functional Wfs1.
Increasing access to legal termination of pregnancy and postabortion contraception at the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
Authors: Macha Swebby , Muyuni Mutinta , Nkonde Scholastica , Faúndes Anibal
Published: March 2014

The Zambian Association of Gynecology and Obstetrics is one of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) member societies participating in the FIGO Initiative for the Prevention of Unsafe Abortion and its Consequences from the East, Central, and Southern Africa region. The activities included in this country's plan of action were to provide access to safe abortion within the full extent of the law to women receiving care at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, and to increase the proportion of women leaving the hospital with a contraceptive method. Zambian law regarding abortion is liberal, but in general it was not applied until very recently. The proportion of legal terminations of pregnancy among patients receiving abortion care at the hospital increased from 3.2% in 2009 to 7.7% in 2011, while the percentage of women leaving the hospital with a contraceptive method increased from 25.3% to 69.4% over the same period.
Achievements of the FIGO Initiative for the Prevention of Unsafe Abortion and its Consequences in South‐Southeast Asia
Authors: Zaidi Shahida , Begum Ferdousi , Tank Jaydeep , Chaudhury Pushpa , Yasmin Haleema , Dissanayake Mangala
Published: March 2014

Since 2008, the FIGO Initiative for the Prevention of Unsafe Abortion and its Consequences has contributed to ensuring the substitution of sharp curettage by manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) and medical abortion in selected hospitals in participating countries of South‐Southeast Asia. This initiative facilitated the registration of misoprostol in Pakistan and Bangladesh, and the approval of mifepristone for “menstrual regulation” in Bangladesh. The Pakistan Nursing Council agreed to include MVA and medical abortion in the midwifery curriculum. The Bangladesh Government has approved the training of nurses and paramedics in the use of MVA to treat incomplete abortion in selected cases. The Sri Lanka College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, in collaboration with partners, has presented a draft petition to the relevant authorities appealing for them to liberalize the abortion law in cases of rape and incest or when lethal congenital abnormalities are present. Significantly, the initiative has introduced or strengthened the provision of postabortion contraception.
Replacement of dilation and curettage/evacuation by manual vacuum aspiration and medical abortion, and the introduction of postabortion contraception in Pakistan
Authors: Zaidi Shahida , Yasmin Haleema , Hassan Lubna , Khakwani Mehnaz , Sami Shehla , Abbas Tazeen
Published: March 2014

Manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) and medical abortion were introduced to replace dilation and curettage/evacuation for incomplete abortions, and postabortion contraception was provided in 5 selected public hospitals in Pakistan. In the largest hospital, an Ipas MVA training center since 2007, MVA use reached 21% in 2008. After the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) and UNFPA provided MVA kits, MVA use increased dramatically to 70% − 90% in 2010 − 2013. In 2 of the remaining 4 hospitals in which the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Pakistan trained doctors in May 2012 and January 2013, the target of having 50% of women managed by MVA and medical abortion (MA) was met; however, in the third hospital only 43% were treated with MVA and MA. In the fourth hospital, where misoprostol and electric vacuum aspiration use was 64% and 9%, respectively, before training, an MVA workshop introduced the technique. Postabortion contraception was provided to 9% − 29% of women, far below the target of 60%.
NEW INFINITE FAMILIES OF CONGRUENCES MODULO 4 AND 8 FOR 1-SHELL TOTALLY SYMMETRIC PLANE PARTITIONS
Authors: YAO OLIVIA X. M.
Published: April 2014

In 2012, Blecher [‘Geometry for totally symmetric plane partitions (TSPPs) with self-conjugate main diagonal’,Util. Math. 88(2012), 223–235] introduced a special class of totally symmetric plane partitions, called$\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}1$-shell totally symmetric plane partitions. Let$f(n)$denote the number of$1$-shell totally symmetric plane partitions of weight$n$. More recently, Hirschhorn and Sellers [‘Arithmetic properties of 1-shell totally symmetric plane partitions’,Bull. Aust. Math. Soc.to appear. Published online 27 September 2013] discovered a number of arithmetic properties satisfied by$f(n)$. In this paper, employing some results due to Cui and Gu [‘Arithmetic properties of$l$-regular partitions’,Adv. Appl. Math. 51(2013), 507–523], and Hirschhorn and Sellers, we prove several new infinite families of congruences modulo 4 and 8 for$1$-shell totally symmetric plane partitions. For example, we find that, for$n\geq 0$and$\alpha \geq 1$,$$\begin{equation*} f(8 \times 5^{2\alpha } n+39\times 5^{2\alpha -1})\equiv 0 \pmod 8. \end{equation*}$$
Regional Sentiment in Medieval Islamic Egypt
Authors: Haarmann Ulrich
Published: April 2014

Patricia Crone and Michael Cook take an extreme stand in their study of early Islam when they dismiss Islamic Egypt as an utterly depersonalized and assimilated part of the orthodox Muslim polity. ‘Egypt in Islam was not so much a nation or even a country as simply a place.’ In their view the Copts with their indigenous traditions and civilization had become exiles in their own country. Rustic Coptic culture, if compared with the urban Christian intellectual heritage of Syria and Mesopotamia, lacked the stamina to assert itself in. the new religious setting, and receded to the countryside. In the opinion of the authors, Egypt surrendered with extreme readiness her distinctive provincial features to the new Islamic civilization and developed into the most loyal and most prolific, yet at the same time the most parochial and imitative stronghold ofsunnīIslam. They flatly disclaim any specific Egyptian contribution to medieval Islam, even during the two centuries of schismatic Fatimid ascendancy when Cairo was the centre of an intrinsically Egyptian Empire with universal claims. So far the thesis ofHagarism.
DISTRIBUTIONS OF QUADRATIC FUNCTIONALS OF THE FRACTIONAL BROWNIAN MOTION BASED ON A MARTINGALE APPROXIMATION
Authors: Tanaka Katsuto
Published: April 2014

The present paper deals with the distributions related to the fractional Brownian motion (fBm). In particular, we try to compute the distributions of (ratios of) its quadratic functionals, not by simulations, but by numerically inverting the associated characteristic functions (c.f.s). Among them is the fractional unit root distribution. It turns out that the derivation of the c.f.s based on the standard approaches used for the ordinary Bm is inapplicable. Here the martingale approximation to the fBm suggested in the literature is used to compute an approximation to the distributions of such functionals. The associated c.f. is obtained via the Fredholm determinant. Comparison of the first two moments of the approximate with true distributions is made, and simulations are conducted to examine the performance of the approximation. We also find an interesting moment property of the approximate fractional unit root distribution, and a conjecture is given that the same property will hold for the true fractional unit root distribution.
Chikungunya virus and West Nile virus infections imported into Belgium, 2007–2012
Authors: VAN DEN BOSSCHE D. , CNOPS L. , MEERSMAN K. , DOMINGO C. , VAN GOMPEL A. , VAN ESBROECK M.
Published: April 2014

Arboviral infections are emerging among tourists travelling to (sub)tropical regions. This study aims to describe the importation of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and West Nile virus (WNV) into Belgium over a 6-year period from 2007 to 2012. Clinical samples were obtained from travellers presenting at the outpatient clinic of the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM), Antwerp, Belgium or submitted to the Central Laboratory for Clinical Biology of the ITM. Testing was performed by serology and/or by real-time reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction. A total of 1288 returning travellers were investigated for CHIKV infection resulting in 34 confirmed and two probable diagnoses (2·80%). Out of 899 patients, four confirmed and one probable imported WNV infections were diagnosed (0·55%). No locally acquired cases have been registered in Belgium until now and the geographical origin of the imported infections reflects the global locations where the viruses are circulating.
Implementation and Validation of Multisinusoidal, Fast Impedance Measurements in Atomic Force Microscope Contact Mode
Authors: Zieliński Artur , Darowicki Kazimierz
Published: April 2014

This study presents a novel approach to impedance measurements. The methodology discussed is limited to contact in the sample-probe system under ambient conditions without the presence of electrolyte. Comparison with results of direct and alternating current measurements for well-defined metallic surfaces are made. In spite of idealization related to the type of contact examined, the proposed technique provides an improvement of traditional impedance measurement related to sequential changes in system perturbation compared with the sine wave superposition type.
Zur Konstruktvalidität der selektiven Aufmerksamkeit in einer computergestützten Testbatterie zur Aufmerksamkeitsprüfung für Kinder (KITAP)
Authors: Schöneck Nina , Gest Stephanie , Schölmerich Axel
Published: April 2014

Die Fähigkeit zur selektiven Aufmerksamkeit hat eine hohe Relevanz für die psychosoziale Entwicklung von Kindern. Durch die Analyse der Testergebnisse von N = 467 Kindern (52 % Jungen) im Alter von 7 bis 10 Jahren (M = 105.23 Monate; SD = 5.87) in den Subtests Go/NoGo und Ablenkbarkeit der KITAP werden statistische Zusammenhänge dargestellt. Zudem werden Annahmen aus einer theoretischen Perspektive bezüglich selektiver Aufmerksamkeit in der KITAP überprüft. Insgesamt ist es nicht gelungen eine Modellspezifikation selektiver Aufmerksamkeit darzustellen, die die vorliegenden Daten angemessen repräsentiert. Eine exploratorische Faktorenanalyse ergab drei Faktoren (Leistungsgeschwindigkeit, Leistungsgüte und Interferenzeffekt) mit einer Varianzaufklärung von 45 %. Zudem wurden Alters- und Geschlechtsunterschiede gefunden. Die Reliabilitätskennwerte sind mit denen in der Normstichprobe vergleichbar und können nur teilweise als befriedigend eingestuft werden. Folgerungen für die differenzierte Interpretation der beiden KITAP-Subtests werden diskutiert.
Unterschätzung der Studienleistungen von Frauen durch Studierfähigkeitstests: Erklärbar durch Persönlichkeitseigenschaften?
Authors: Fischer Franziska , Schult Johannes , Hell Benedikt
Published: April 2014

Für zwei deutsche Studierfähigkeitstests wird untersucht, ob diese die Studienleistungen von Frauen unterschätzen und wenn ja, ob dieser Befund mit geschlechts-spezifischen Persönlichkeitseigenschaften zusammenhängt. Die Datenbasis liefern 356 Studienanfänger in Wirtschaftswissenschaften und 269 Studienanfänger in Naturwissenschaften. Neben den Noten des ersten Studienjahrs werden die Leistungen im Studierfähigkeitstest, der Abiturerfolg sowie die Leistungsmotivation, die Selbstdisziplin und die Allgemeine Selbstwirksamkeit der Studienanfänger erhoben. Im Ergebnis unterschätzen die eingesetzten fachspezifischen Studierfähigkeitstests die Studienleistungen von Frauen deutlich, insbesondere im oberen Leistungsbereich. Demgegenüber unterschätzt die Abiturnote die Studienleistungen von Männern im obersten Leistungsbereich. Studierfähigkeitstest und Abiturerfolg zusammen liefern sowohl die valideste Vorhersage als auch die geringste geschlechtsspezifische Über- bzw. Unterschätzung. Facetten der Leistungsmotivation und Selbstdisziplin können die Unterschätzung von Frauen durch die Studierfähigkeitstests teilweise erklären, wohingegen die Allgemeine Selbstwirksamkeit keinen Einfluss auf die Unterschätzung der Studienleistungen durch Studierfähigkeitstests hat.
Genetic Fuzzy System Predicting Contractile Reactivity Patterns of Small Arteries
Authors: Tang J , Sheykhzade M , Clausen BF , Boonen HCM
Published: April 2014

Monitoring of physiological surrogate end points in drug development generates dynamic time‐domain data reflecting the state of the biological system. Conventional data analysis often reduces the information in these data by extracting specific data points, thereby discarding potentially useful information. We developed a genetic fuzzy system (GFS) algorithm that is capable of learning all information in time‐domain physiological data. Data on isometric force development of isolated small arteries were used as a framework for developing and optimizing a GFS. GFS performance was improved by several strategies. Results show that optimized fuzzy systems (OFSs) predict contractile reactivity of arteries accurately. In addition, OFSs identified significant differences that were undetectable using conventional analysis in the responses of arteries between groups. We concluded that OFSs may be used in clustering or classification tasks as aids in the objective identification or prediction of dynamic physiological behavior.

CPT Pharmacometrics Syst. Pharmacol. (2014) 3, e108; doi:10.1038/psp.2014.3; published online 2 April 2014
The non-covalent nature of the molecular structure of the benzene molecule
Authors: Cardozo Thiago Messias , Fantuzzi Felipe , Nascimento Marco Antonio Chaer
Published: April 2014

Covalent bonding in π space stabilizes the D3h symmetry of benzene; non-covalent effects arising from σ and π electrons counteract this distortive trend and seem to be responsible for both planarity and D6h symmetry of the molecule.
Separation-dependence evolution of inter-particle interaction in the oriented-attachment growth of nanorods: a case of hexagonal nanocrystals
Authors: Song Yuanqiang , Liu Aifang , Pan Yu , Wang Xiaoning , Hu Jiarui , Hou Xiaorong , Lin Xiao , He Weidong
Published: April 2014

By focusing on hexagonal nanorods, the countering effects of van der Waals interaction and Coulombic interaction on the oriented attachment growth of 1D nanocrystals are investigated.
Dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction for the microvolume spectrophotometric determination of bismuth in pharmaceutical and human serum samples
Authors: Rastegarzadeh Saadat , Pourreza Nahid , Larki Arash
Published: April 2014

A new dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) method coupled with microvolume UV-vis spectrophotometry was developed for the determination of trace amounts of bismuth.
High CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 selectivity in a chiral metal–organic framework with contracted pores and multiple functionalities
Authors: Lv Xiaoxia , Li Liangjun , Tang Sifu , Wang Chao , Zhao Xuebo
Published: April 2014

A MOF with contracted pores and multiple functionalities showing high selectivities on CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 gas mixtures was constructed.
Biomolecular logic gate for analysis of the New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM)-coding gene with concurrent determination of its drug resistance-encoding fragments
Authors: Lai Yu-Hsuan , Liao Yu-Chieh , Mu Jung-Jung , Kuo Tsui-Ming , Hsu Yuan-Hao , Chuang Min-Chieh
Published: April 2014

The new strategy reported here facilitated analysis of long and highly structured genetic sequences, realizing specific identification of NDM and accurate evaluation of its drug resistance.
Colorimetric barbiturate sensing with hybrid spin crossover assemblies
Authors: Young Michael C. , Liew Erica , Hooley Richard J.
Published: April 2014

Iron-based spin crossover complexes can be used as selective, visible sensors for barbiturates in the presence of other biologically relevant hydrogen bonding species.
Influenza A virus-specific aptamers screened by using an integrated microfluidic system
Authors: Lai Hsien-Chih , Wang Chih-Hung , Liou Tong-Miin , Lee Gwo-Bin
Published: April 2014

An integrated microfluidic system was developed to perform the entire SELEX process and positive/negative screening to isolate aptamers for InfA/H1N1.
Nanostructuring with chirality: binaphthyl-based synthons for the production of functional oriented nanomaterials
Authors: Caricato Marco , Sharma Arvind K. , Coluccini Carmine , Pasini Dario
Published: April 2014

Chirality is a powerful tool for the generation of order, directionality, and, as such, of function, in assembled nanoscale chemical devices.
Multi-orthogonal folding of single polymer chains into soft nanoparticles
Authors: Lo Verso Federica , Pomposo José A. , Colmenero J. , Moreno Angel J.
Published: April 2014

Typical topologies of cross-linked nanoparticles are obtained by orthogonal folding of single chain polymer precursors. The number of different chemical species of the cross-linkers is 4 (top) and 6 (bottom). Dark blue beads correspond to inactive monomers. Beads of other colours correspond to the reactive linkers (a different colour for each chemical species, note the pairs of bonded linkers).