bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recurrence of Pain After Usual Nonoperative Care for Symptomatic Lumbar Disk Herniation: Analysis of Data From the Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial
Authors: Suri Pradeep , Pearson Adam M. , Scherer Emily A. , Zhao Wenyan , Lurie Jon D. , Morgan Tamara S. , Weinstein James N.
Published: November 2015

Objective

To determine risks and predictors of recurrent leg and low back pain (LBP) after unstructured, usual nonoperative care for subacute/chronic symptomatic lumbar disk herniation (LDH).

Design

Secondary analysis of data from a concurrent randomized trial and observational cohort study.

Setting

Thirteen outpatient spine practices.

Participants

A total of 199 participants with resolution of leg pain and 142 participants with resolution of LBP from among 478 participants receiving usual nonoperative care for symptomatic LDH.

Assessment of Risk Factors

Potential predictors of recurrence included time to initial symptom resolution, sociodemographics, clinical characteristics, work‐related factors, imaging‐detected herniation characteristics, and baseline pain bothersomeness.

Main Outcome Measurements

Leg pain and LBP bothersomeness were assessed by the use of a 0‐6 numerical scale at up to 4 years of follow‐up. For individuals with initial resolution of leg pain, we defined recurrent leg pain as having leg pain, receiving lumbar epidural steroid injections, or undergoing lumbar surgery subsequent to initial leg pain resolution. We calculated cumulative risks of recurrence by using Kaplan‐Meier survival plots and examined predictors of recurrence using Cox proportional hazards models. We used similar definitions for LBP recurrence.

Results

One‐ and 3‐year cumulative recurrence risks were 23% and 51% for leg pain, and 28% and 70% for LBP, respectively. Early leg pain resolution did not predict future leg pain recurrence. Complete leg pain resolution (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.31‐0.72) and posterolateral herniation location (aHR 0.61; 95% CI 0.39‐0.97) predicted a lower risk of leg pain recurrence, and joint problems (aHR 1.89; 95% CI 1.16‐3.05) and smoking (aHR 1.81; 95% CI 1.07‐3.05) predicted a greater risk of leg pain recurrence. For participants with complete initial resolution of pain, recurrence risks at 1 and 3 years were 16% and 41% for leg pain and 24% and 59% for LBP, respectively.

Conclusions

Recurrence of pain is common after unstructured, usual nonsurgical care for LDH. These risk estimates depend on the specific definitions applied, and the predictors identified require replication in future studies.
Dictionary of the Hausa Language
Authors: Robinson Charles Henry
Published: November 2015

Hausa is an African language originating in Niger and northern Nigeria and spoken widely in West and Central Africa as a lingua franca. Charles Henry Robinson (1861–1925) was the first student of the short-lived Hausa Association, formed in 1891 to promote the study of the Hausa Language and people. The Association sponsored Robinson to stay in northern Nigeria from 1894 to 1895 to gain more experience in the language. On his return Robinson published an anthology of Hausa texts in 1896 and a Hausa grammar in 1897 as well as this two-volume dictionary in 1899. His efforts contributed greatly to Western knowledge of the language despite criticisms of his relatively short experience of Hausa-speaking communities. Volume 1 is a Hausa–English dictionary. The version reissued here is the 1925 fourth edition, for which the Hausa–English dictionary was re-written and expanded.
The Topography of Rome and its Vicinity
Authors: Gell William
Published: November 2015

The antiquary Sir William Gell (1777–1836) was most famous for his two books on the archaeological discoveries at Pompeii (also reissued in this series) but his interest in the topography of classical sites resulted in several other publications, including this two-volume work, first published in 1834. The work was intended to accompany a map (available to download at http://www.cambridge.org/9781108042109) of the territory of ancient Rome, for which the field research and surveying activities were carried out in 1822. It provides alphabetical entries (from Abbatone to Zagarolo) on all the sites in Rome and its environs, with their modern names and populations, and their significance in ancient history and literature. Volume 2 also contains essays on the history and languages of ancient Italy, and supplements to various entries, where new discoveries had been made during the course of the work's preparation.
Military Operations at Cabul, which Ended in the Retreat and Destruction of the British Army, January 1842
Authors: Eyre Vincent
Published: November 2015

Vincent Eyre (1811–81) was an English officer in the East India Company from 1827 and took part in the First Anglo-Afghan War (1839–42), which ended in disaster for the British. He would later become a major-general and a Knight Commander of the Star of India, but in this work Eyre lucidly describes his experiences as a lieutenant in the war, during which he was severely wounded. In addition to providing a wealth of military detail, he also includes an account of how he was captured with his family by Akbar Khan in January 1842 and held hostage for nearly nine months. Eyre kept a diary throughout, and the manuscript was smuggled to a friend in India prior to publication in England in 1843. This updated third edition offers insights into both military and personal misfortune.
The Cambridge Introduction to British Poetry, 1945–2010
Authors: Falci Eric
Published: November 2015

The Cambridge Introduction to British Poetry, 1945–2010 provides a broad overview of an important body of poetry from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland from the postwar period through to the twenty-first century. It offers a comprehensive view of the historical context surrounding the poetry and provides in-depth readings of many of the period's central poets. British poetry after 1945 has been given much less attention than both earlier British and American poetry, as well as postwar American poetry. There are very few single-author studies that present the entirety of the period's poetry. This book is unique for the comprehensive richness with which it presents the historical and literary-historical scene, as well as for its close-up focus on a wide range of major poets and poems.
Violence and the Civilising Process in Cambodia
Authors: Broadhurst Roderic , Bouhours Thierry , Bouhours Brigitte
Published: November 2015

In 1939, the German sociologist Norbert Elias published his groundbreaking work The Civilizing Process, which has come to be regarded as one of the most influential works of sociology today. In this insightful new study tracing the history of violence in Cambodia, the authors evaluate the extent to which Elias's theories can be applied in a non-western context. Drawing from historical and contemporary archival sources, constabulary statistics, victim surveys and newspaper reports, Broadhurst, Bouhours and Bouhours chart trends and forms of violence throughout Cambodia from the mid-nineteenth century through to the present day. Analysing periods of colonisation, anti-colonial wars, interdependence, civil war, the revolutionary terror of the 1970s and post-conflict development, the authors assess whether violence has decreased and whether such a decline can be attributed to Elias's civilising process, identifying a series of universal factors that have historically reduced violence.
The Price of Oil
Authors: Aguilera Roberto F. , Radetzki Marian
Published: November 2015

Drawing on their extensive knowledge of the oil industry, Roberto F. Aguilera and Marian Radetzki provide an in-depth examination of the price of the world's most important commodity. They argue that although oil has experienced an extraordinary price increase over the past few decades, we have now reached a turning point where scarcity, uncertain supply and high prices will be replaced by abundance, undisturbed availability and suppressed price levels. They look at the potential of new global oil revolutions to bring the upward price push to an end and examine the implications of this turnaround for the world economy, as well as for politics, diplomacy, military interventions and the efforts to stabilize climate. This book will appeal to a wide readership of both academics and professionals working in the energy industry, as well as to general readers interested in the ongoing debate about oil prices.
A Biostatistics Toolbox for Data Analysis
Authors: Selvin Steve
Published: November 2015

This sophisticated package of statistical methods is for advanced master's (MPH) and PhD students in public health and epidemiology who are involved in the analysis of data. It makes the link from statistical theory to data analysis, focusing on the methods and data types most common in public health and related fields. Like most toolboxes, the statistical tools in this book are organized into sections with similar objectives. Unlike most toolboxes, however, these tools are accompanied by complete instructions, explanations, detailed examples, and advice on relevant issues and potential pitfalls - conveying skills, intuition, and experience. The only prerequisite is a first-year statistics course and familiarity with a computing package such as R, Stata, SPSS, or SAS. Though the book is not tied to a particular computing language, its figures and analyses were all created using R. Relevant R code, data sets, and links to public data sets are available from www.cambridge.org/9781107113084.
Cost-Benefit Analysis for Project Appraisal
Authors: Johansson Per-Olov , Kriström Bengt
Published: November 2015

Written by two leading experts, this is a compact guide to the key tools and methods necessary to carry out cost-benefit analysis (CBA). The authors use modern economic tools to obtain general equilibrium cost-benefit rules that can be used to evaluate small projects, as well as large and even mega projects. Intertemporal issues like discounting, the shadow price of capital, and the treatment of risk are covered, and a state-of-the-art summary of available methods for the valuation of unpriced commodities is also included. In addition, the book provides detailed expositions of the marginal cost of public goods (MCPF), the marginal excess burden of taxes (MEB), and second-best evaluation rules, and shows how these concepts are interrelated. The importance of undertaking due diligence in evaluations is highlighted. This is an excellent toolkit for graduate students learning about the principles of CBA, and is a useful guide for government officials and policymakers.
A plethora of generalised solitary gravity–capillary water waves
Authors: Clamond Didier , Dutykh Denys , Durán Angel
Published: November 2015

The present study describes, first, an efficient algorithm for computing solutions in terms of capillary–gravity solitary waves of the irrotational Euler equations with a free surface and, second, provides numerical evidences of the existence of an infinite number of generalised solitary waves (solitary waves with undamped oscillatory wings). Using conformal mapping, the unknown fluid domain, which is to be determined, is mapped into a uniform strip of the complex plane. In the transformed domain, a Babenko-like equation is then derived and solved numerically.
Low-income fathers’ speech to toddlers during book reading versus toy play
Authors: SALO VIRGINIA C. , ROWE MEREDITH L. , LEECH KATHRYN A. , CABRERA NATASHA J.
Published: November 2015

Fathers’ child-directed speech across two contexts was examined. Father–child dyads from sixty-nine low-income families were videotaped interacting during book reading and toy play when children were 2;0. Fathers used more diverse vocabulary and asked more questions during book reading while their mean length of utterance was longer during toy play. Variation in these specific characteristics of fathers’ speech that differed across contexts was also positively associated with child vocabulary skill measured on the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventory. Results are discussed in terms of how different contexts elicit specific qualities of child-directed speech that may promote language use and development.
Bayesian evidence synthesis to estimate HIV prevalence in men who have sex with men in Poland at the end of 2009
Authors: ROSINSKA M. , GWIAZDA P. , DE ANGELIS D. , PRESANIS A. M.
Published: November 2015

HIV spread in men who have sex with men (MSM) is an increasing problem in Poland. Despite the existence of a surveillance system, there is no direct evidence to allow estimation of HIV prevalence and the proportion undiagnosed in MSM. We extracted data on HIV and the MSM population in Poland, including case-based surveillance data, diagnostic testing prevalence data and behavioural data relating to self-reported prior diagnosis, stratified by age (⩽35, >35 years) and region (Mazowieckie including the capital city of Warsaw; other regions). They were integrated into one model based on a Bayesian evidence synthesis approach. The posterior distributions for HIV prevalence and the undiagnosed fraction were estimated by Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods. To improve the model fit we repeated the analysis, introducing bias parameters to account for potential lack of representativeness in data. By placing additional constraints on bias parameters we obtained precisely identified estimates. This family of models indicates a high undiagnosed fraction [68·3%, 95% credibility interval (CrI) 53·9–76·1] and overall low prevalence (2·3%, 95% CrI 1·4–4·1) of HIV in MSM. Additional data are necessary in order to produce more robust epidemiological estimates. More effort is urgently needed to ensure timely diagnosis of HIV in Poland.
Length of stay an important mediator of hospital-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: WONG J. G. , CHEN M. I. , WIN M. K. , NG P. Y. , CHOW A.
Published: November 2015

Hospital-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (HA-MRSA) is becoming increasingly established in Asian hospitals. The primary aim of this study was to decompose the risk factors for HA-MRSA based on conceptual clinical pathways. The secondary aim was to show the amount of effect attributable to antibiotic exposure and total length of stay before outcome (LBO) so that institutions can manage at-risk patients accordingly. A case-control study consisting of 1200 inpatients was conducted in a large tertiary hospital in Singapore between January and December 2006. Results from the generalized structural equation model (GSEM) show that LBO [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 14·9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 8·7–25·5], prior hospitalization (aOR 6·2, 95% CI 3·3–11·5), and cumulative antibiotic exposure (aOR 3·5, 95% CI 2·3–5·3), directly affected HA-MRSA acquisition. LBO accounted for the majority of the effects due to age (100%), immunosuppression (67%), and surgery (96%), and to a lesser extent for male gender (22%). Our model enabled us to account and quantify effects of intermediaries. LBO was found to be an important mediator of age, immunosuppression and surgery on MRSA infection. Traditional regression approaches will not only give different conclusions but also underestimate the effects. Hospitals should minimize the hospital stay when possible to reduce the risk of MRSA.
Characterization of high anthocyanin-producing tetraploid potato cultivars selected for breeding using morphological traits and microsatellite markers
Authors: Tierno Roberto , Ruiz de Galarreta Jose Ignacio
Published: November 2015

Purple- and red-fleshed potato cultivars constitute a great source of phenolic compounds, which may promote human health. Since the characterization of potato germplasm is a key step during the breeding process, the classification of high anthocyanin-producing tetraploid genotypes may facilitate the incorporation of phenolic-related traits in a potato breeding programme. A set of 18 high anthocyanin-producing underutilized tetraploid cultivars, which have been previously classified in terms of phytochemical content, have been characterized by both microsatellite markers (simple sequence repeat, SSR) and morphological descriptors. A wide genetic variability was found using 11 highly discriminatory SSR markers. The collection also displayed a large amount of variation for most morphological traits. The neighbour-joining trees defined by SSR markers and morphological descriptors revealed genetic and phenotypic relatedness of the potato genotypes. Despite the complexity of tetrasomic inheritance, high anthocyanin-producing tetraploid cultivars should be considered for potato breeding since they are adapted to long-day conditions and do not present undesirable characteristics that are found in native accessions or landraces.
A multi-trait characterization of the ‘Friariello’ landrace: a Mediterranean resource for sweet pepper breeding
Authors: Parisi Mario , Di Dato Francesco , Ricci Sara , Mennella Giuseppe , Cardi Teodoro , Tripodi Pasquale
Published: November 2015

Landraces are an important resource for crop breeding, due to their resilience and content of quality traits. However, genetic and phenotypic variability needs to be carefully characterized for proper direct and indirect use. In the present study, a multidisciplinary approach was carried out to assess the Italian sweet pepper landrace ‘Friariello’. A total of 18 traditional accessions were compared with five hybrids and two ecotypes with similar fruit typology. Genetic and morpho-agronomic characterization allowed us to distinguish five different group types of ‘Friariello’. Accessions showing two/three lobes at the blossom end of the fruit were found to be the most productive, whereas the genotypes showing one/two lobes at the blossom end were the most homogeneous. A total of 167 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were identified in the collection analysed. Moreover, of the 37 targeted VOCs, 29 showed significant differences in content among the pepper genotypes studied. Of such VOCs related to main flavours described for pepper in the literature, ten were found to be the major determinants of variability among the derived ‘Friariello’ groups. A slightly negative, albeit not significant, correlation was observed between ascorbic acid (AsA) content and agronomic traits, suggesting a better quality for less productive accessions, but also the possibility to improve yield without significantly reducing the AsA levels. The approach used allowed us to define how the different typologies can be used for different breeding purposes, integrating the peculiar properties in order to establish a desirable landrace ideotype. Furthermore, valuable sources for improving quality traits in pepper breeding were identified.
A relay strategy for the mercury (II) chemodosimeter with ultra-sensitivity as test strips
Authors: Ruan Zhijun , Li Conggang , Li Jian-Rong , Qin Jingui , Li Zhen
Published: November 2015

A relay strategy has been proposed to design a new Hg2+ chemodosimeter (TPE-S), by coupling Hg2+-promoted deprotection reaction with ketone-enol isomerization, realizing the multistage amplifying effect. Changes in both of color and fluorescence could occur immediately and TPE-S displayed high selectivity for Hg2+, other metal ions (Ag+, Fe3+, Cu2+, Pb2+, Co2+, Cr3+, Al3+, Cd2+, Mg2+, Mn2+, Ba2+, Fe2+, Ca2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, Li+, K+ and Na+) gave nearly no disturbance to the sensing process. When fabricated as test strips similar to pH-indicator papers, immediate color change from colorless to purple could be visually observed by naked-eyes without the aid of any additional equipment, with the detection limit as low as 1 × 10−7 M (Hg2+ in aqueous solution). Due to its easy synthesis, high selectivity and sensitivity, combined with the portable test strips, TPE-S could be developed as a convenient and cost-effective tool for the detection of Hg2+ in on-site inspections.
Life history and dynamics of a platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) population: four decades of mark-recapture surveys
Authors: Bino Gilad , Grant Tom R. , Kingsford Richard T.
Published: November 2015

Knowledge of the life-history and population dynamics of Australia’s iconic and evolutionarily distinct platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) remains poor. We marked-recaptured 812 unique platypuses (total 1,622 captures), over four decades (1973–2014) in the Shoalhaven River, Australia. Strong sex-age differences were observed in life-history, including morphology and longevity. Apparent survival of adult females (Φ = 0.76) were higher than adult males (Φ = 0.57), as in juveniles: females Φ = 0.27, males Φ = 0.13. Females were highly likely to remain in the same pool (adult:P = 0.85, juvenile:P = 0.88), while residency rates were lower for males (adult:P = 0.74, juvenile:P = 0.46). We combined survival, movement and life-histories to develop population viability models and test the impact of a range of life-history parameters. While using estimated apparent survival produced unviable populations (mean population growth rate r = −0.23, extinction within 20 years), considering residency rates to adjust survival estimates, indicated more stable populations (r = 0.004, p = 0.04 of 100-year extinction). Further sensitivity analyses highlighted adult female survival and overall success of dispersal as most affecting viability. Findings provide robust life-history and viability estimates for a difficult study species. These could support developing large-scale population dynamics models required to underpin a much needed national risk assessment for the platypus, already declining in parts of its current distribution.
Preventive effect of oral goshajinkigan on chronic oxaliplatin-induced hypoesthesia in rats
Authors: Kono Toru , Suzuki Yasuyuki , Mizuno Keita , Miyagi Chika , Omiya Yuji , Sekine Hitomi , Mizuhara Yasuharu , Miyano Kanako , Kase Yoshio , Uezono Yasuhito
Published: November 2015

Oxaliplatin, a widely used chemotherapeutic agent, induces peripheral neuropathy that manifests itself as two distinct phases: acute cold hyperesthesia and chronic peripheral hypoesthesia/dysesthesia. The latter is a serious dose-limiting side effect that can often lead to withdrawal of treatment. We have developed a rat model expressing both phases and used the model to investigate the action of goshajinkigan (GJG), a traditional Japanese herbal medicine, which was reported to ameliorate oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy in a placebo-controlled double-blind randomized phase II study. In this study, neuropathy was induced by injection of oxaliplatin twice weekly for 8 wks. The maximum level of cold hyperesthesia was observed at 4 wks with heat hypoesthesia developing later. Microscopy studies revealed atrophy of axons of myelinated sciatic nerve fibers in oxaliplatin-treated rats at 8 wks. Co-administration of GJG ameliorated both abnormal sensations as well as histological damage to the sciatic nerve. A pharmacokinetic study revealed numerous neuroprotective components of GJG that are rapidly absorbed into the blood. GJG and some of its components attenuated the generation of oxaliplatin-induced reactive oxygen species, which is a possible mechanism of oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity. The present study provides a useful animal model for oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity as well as a promising prophylactic agent.
Complex patterns of signalling to convey different social goals of sex in bonobos, Pan paniscus
Authors: Genty Emilie , Neumann Christof , Zuberbühler Klaus
Published: November 2015

Sexual behaviour in bonobos (Pan paniscus) functions beyond mere reproduction to mediate social interactions and relationships. In this study, we assessed the signalling behaviour in relation to four social goals of sex in this species: appeasement after conflict, tension reduction, social bonding and reproduction. Overall, sexual behaviour was strongly decoupled from its ancestral reproductive function with habitual use in the social domain, which was accompanied by a corresponding complexity in communication behaviour. We found that signalling behaviour varied systematically depending on the initiator’s goals and gender. Although all gestures and vocalisations were part of the species-typical communication repertoire, they were often combined and produced flexibly. Generally, gestures and multi-modal combinations were more flexibly used to communicate a goal than vocalisations. There was no clear relation between signalling behaviour and success of sexual initiations, suggesting that communication was primarily used to indicate the signaller’s intention and not to influence a recipient’s willingness to interact sexually. We discuss these findings in light of the larger question of what may have caused, in humans, the evolutionary transition from primate-like communication to language.
A High-content screen identifies compounds promoting the neuronal differentiation and the midbrain dopamine neuron specification of human neural progenitor cells
Authors: Rhim Ji heon , Luo Xiangjian , Xu Xiaoyun , Gao Dongbing , Zhou Tieling , Li Fuhai , Qin Lidong , Wang Ping , Xia Xiaofeng , Wong Stephen T. C.
Published: November 2015

Small molecule compounds promoting the neuronal differentiation of stem/progenitor cells are of pivotal importance to regenerative medicine. We carried out a high-content screen to systematically characterize known bioactive compounds, on their effects on the neuronal differentiation and the midbrain dopamine (mDA) neuron specification of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) derived from the ventral mesencephalon of human fetal brain. Among the promoting compounds three major pharmacological classes were identified including the statins, TGF-βRI inhibitors and GSK-3 inhibitors. The function of each class was also shown to be distinct, either to promote both the neuronal differentiation and mDA neuron specification, or selectively the latter, or promote the former but suppress the latter. We then carried out initial investigation on the possible mechanisms underlying and demonstrated their applications on NPCs derived from human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). Our study revealed the potential of several small molecule compounds for use in the directed differentiation of human NPCs. The screening result also provided insight into the signaling network regulating the differentiation of human NPCs.
Neutralization of Japanese Encephalitis Virus by heme-induced broadly reactive human monoclonal antibody
Authors: Gupta Nimesh , de Wispelaere Mélissanne , Lecerf Maxime , Kalia Manjula , Scheel Tobias , Vrati Sudhanshu , Berek Claudia , Kaveri Srinivas V. , Desprès Philippe , Lacroix-Desmazes Sébastien , Dimitrov Jordan D.
Published: November 2015

Geographical expansion and re-emerging new genotypes of the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) require the development of novel therapeutic approaches. Here, we studied a non-conventional approach for antibody therapy and show that, upon exposure to heme, a fraction of natural human immunoglobulins acquires high-affinity reactivity with the antigenic domain-III of JEV E glycoprotein. These JEV-reactive antibodies exhibited neutralizing activity against recently dominant JEV genotypes. This study opens new therapeutic options for Japanese encephalitis.
Enhanced response inhibition in experienced fencers
Authors: Zhang Dandan , Ding Haiyan , Wang Xiaochun , Qi Changzhu , Luo Yuejia
Published: November 2015

The inhibition of a prepotent response is an essential executive function which enables us to suppress inappropriate actions in a given context. Individuals with fencing expertise exhibit behavioral advantages on tasks with high demands on response inhibition. This study examines the electrophysiological basis for the superior response inhibition in experienced fencers. In the Go/Nogo task where frequent stimuli required a motor response while reaction had to be withheld to rare stimuli, the fencers, compared with the non-fencers, exhibited behavioral as well as electrophysiological advantages when suppressing prepotent responses. The superior response inhibition in the fencers was characterized by enhanced Nogo-N2 and reduced Nogo-P3. Single-trial analysis revealed that the amplitude difference of the Nogo-N2 between two groups was caused by lower single-trial latency variability in the fencers (may be due to low attentional fluctuation and/or stable neural processing speed) while the amplitude difference of the Nogo-P3 resulted from truly weaker neural activity in the fencers (may be because few cognitive sources are needed and few control efforts are made). The two inhibition-related components are distinct neurophysiological indexes that, on the one hand, provide effective guidance to titrate the level of executive function in fencers and on the other hand, facilitate to monitor fencers’ improvement in the training process.
A differential protein solubility approach for the depletion of highly abundant proteins in plasma using ammonium sulfate
Authors: Bollineni Ravi Chand , Guldvik Ingrid J. , Grönberg Henrik , Wiklund Fredrik , Mills Ian G. , Thiede Bernd
Published: November 2015

This work reports a precipitation and differential protein solubility approach using saturated ammonium sulfate solutions as a depletion and fractionation approach for shotgun proteomic analysis of plasma samples.
Direct digital manufacturing of a mini-centrifuge-driven centrifugal microfluidic device and demonstration of a smartphone-based colorimetric enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
Authors: Ukita Yoshiaki , Utsumi Yuichi , Takamura Yuzuru
Published: November 2015

This study reports the first demonstration of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a microfluidic device that was fabricated in a three-dimensional (3D) printer.
Reflection scanometry as a new detection technique in temperature-controlled ionic liquid-based dispersive liquid phase microextraction
Authors: Akhond M. , Absalan G. , Khoshnoodi-Ghasroddashti Y. , Ershadifar H.
Published: November 2015

Coupling temperature-controlled ionic liquid-based dispersive liquid phase microextraction with reflection scanometry as a new detection technique for colored liquid solutions.
Synthesis of ceria based superhydrophobic coating on Ni20Cr substrate via cathodic electrodeposition
Authors: Pedraza F. , Mahadik S. A. , Bouchaud B.
Published: November 2015

In this woks, we present designing strategy for superhydrophobic ceria coating on a Ni20Cr substrate is obtained by combination of electropolishing process, cathodic electrodeposition and subsequent long-term UVH surface relaxation.
Improving the electrochemical properties of LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 at 4.6 V cutoff potential by surface coating with Li2TiO3 for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Jing , Yu Yangyang , Li Bing , Fu Tao , Xie Dongquan , Cai Jijun , Zhao Jinbao
Published: November 2015

The Li2TiO3-coated LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 (LTO@NCM) cathode materials are synthesized via an in situ coprecipitation method to improve the electrochemical performance of NCM.
Molecular dynamics simulations of the enhanced recovery of confined methane with carbon dioxide
Authors: Yuan Quanzi , Zhu Xueyan , Lin Kui , Zhao Ya-Pu
Published: November 2015

For the first time, the enhanced recovery of confined methane (CH4) with carbon dioxide (CO2) is investigated through molecular dynamics simulations.
Circular extinction of plasmonic silver nanocaps and gas sensing
Authors: Li Jun , Kotov Nicholas. A.
Published: November 2015

Chiral plasmonic nanostructures exhibit strong rotatory optical activity and are expected to enrich the field of metaoptical materials. Potential applications of chiroplasmonic nanostructures include circular polarizers, optical polarization detectors, asymmetric catalysts, and sensors. However, chiral plasmonic materials require subwavelength structural control and involve laborious chemical or lithographic procedures for their manufacturing. Moreover, strong rotatory activity of subwavelength structures whose chirality was imparted by microfabrication, has been obtained for the red and infrared parts of the spectrum but faces new challenges for the blue and violet spectral ranges even with plasmonic materials with plasmonic bands in the 200–400 nm window. In this study, we address this problem by preparing chiral subwavelength nanostructures by glancing angle sputtering of metallic silver on ZnO nanopillar arrays. Silver deposition in two different planes is a convenient method for preparation of silver chiroplasmonic nanocaps (Ag CPNCs) with controlled asymmetry. Circular dichroism spectroscopy was used to examine the circular extinction for the left-handed nanocaps (L-CPNCs) with understanding that not only circular dichroism but also many other optical effects contribute to the amplitude of these bands. The pillared silver films exhibit circular extinction in the violet area of the electromagnetic spectrum. Partial oxidation of Ag to AgxO causes the absorption and corresponding circular extinction band obtained using a conventional CD spectrometer at 400–525 nm to increase and shift. This optical material may be used to detect oxygen and extends the spectrum of application of chiroplasmonic materials to gas sensing.
New insights into the complex regulation of the glycolytic pathway in Lactococcus lactis. I. Construction and diagnosis of a comprehensive dynamic model
Authors: Dolatshahi Sepideh , Fonseca Luis L. , Voit Eberhard O.
Published: November 2015

This article and the companion paper use computational systems modeling to decipher the complex coordination of regulatory signals controlling the glycolytic pathway in the dairy bacterium Lactococcus lactis.
An ultrasensitive sandwich-type electrochemical immunosensor based on δ-MnO2 and palladium nanoparticles covered natural halloysite nanotubes for the detection of hepatitis B surface antigen
Authors: Li Yueyuan , Tian Lihui , Liu Li , Liu Lei , Li Jingjing , Wei Qin , Cao Wei
Published: November 2015

An ultrasensitive sandwich-type immunosensor for the detection of HBsAg based on the multifunctional natural halloysite nanotube nanocomposites (Pd/δ-MnO2/HNTs).
Carbonized polyaniline coupled molybdenum disulfide/graphene nanosheets for high performance lithium ion battery anodes
Authors: Han Sheng , Ai Yani , Tang Yanping , Jiang Jianzhong , Wu Dongqing
Published: November 2015

Carbonized polyaniline coupled molybdenum disulfide and graphene show excellent electrochemical performances as an anode material for lithium ion batteries.
Improving alkaline pretreatment method for preparation of whole rice waste biomass feedstock and bioethanol production
Authors: Saratale Ganesh D. , Oh Min-Kyu
Published: November 2015

Sequential NaOH + ASC + SB as an effective pretreatment method for whole rice waste biomass hydrolysis and ethanol production.
Recent trends of nano bioactive compounds from ginseng for its possible preventive role in chronic disease models
Authors: Ganesan Palanivel , Ko Hyun-Myung , Kim In-Su , Choi Dong-Kug
Published: November 2015

Bioactive nano ginseng has roles in various diseases.
A significant change in selective adsorption behaviour for ethanol by flexibility control through the type of central metals in a metal–organic framework
Authors: Sadakiyo Masaaki , Yamada Teppei , Kato Kenichi , Takata Masaki , Kitagawa Hiroshi
Published: November 2015

We conducted a systematic study of the control of selective adsorption behaviour through the type of central metals in a series of analogous MOFs that show closed-open structural transformations.
Dynamics of a disc in a nematic liquid crystal
Authors: Antipova Alena , Denniston Colin
Published: November 2015

We explain the motion of a micron-sized ferromagnetic disc immersed in a nematic liquid crystal under the action of a weak magnetic field using numerical simulations. We show that the disc's behaviour can be controlled by the angular speed of the magnetic field and its magnitude.
Differential regulation by AMP and ADP of AMPK complexes containing different γ subunit isoforms
Authors: Ross Fiona A. , Jensen Thomas E. , Hardie D. Grahame
Published: November 2015

The γ subunits of heterotrimeric AMPK complexes contain the binding sites for the regulatory adenine nucleotides AMP, ADP and ATP. We addressed whether complexes containing different γ isoforms display different responses to adenine nucleotides by generating cells stably expressing FLAG-tagged versions of the γ1, γ2 or γ3 isoform. When assayed at a physiological ATP concentration (5 mM), γ1- and γ2-containing complexes were allosterically activated almost 10-fold by AMP, with EC50 values one to two orders of magnitude lower than the ATP concentration. By contrast, γ3 complexes were barely activated by AMP under these conditions, although we did observe some activation at lower ATP concentrations. Despite this, all three complexes were activated, due to increased Thr172 phosphorylation, when cells were incubated with mitochondrial inhibitors that increase cellular AMP. With γ1 complexes, activation and Thr172 phosphorylation induced by the upstream kinase LKB1 [liver kinase B1; but not calmodulin-dependent kinase kinase (CaMKKβ)] in cell-free assays was markedly promoted by AMP and, to a smaller extent and less potently, by ADP. However, effects of AMP or ADP on activation and phosphorylation of the γ2 and γ3 complexes were small or insignificant. Binding of AMP or ADP protected all three γ subunit complexes against inactivation by Thr172 dephosphorylation; with γ2 complexes, ADP had similar potency to AMP, but with γ1 and γ3 complexes, ADP was less potent than AMP. Thus, AMPK complexes containing different γ subunit isoforms respond differently to changes in AMP, ADP or ATP. These differences may tune the responses of the isoforms to fit their differing physiological roles.
The Impact of the Affordable Care Act on Insurance Coverage of Hearing Healthcare
Authors: Messersmith Jessica J. , Jorgensen Lindsey
Published: November 2015

Implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) impacts the profession of audiology beyond individual audiology practice patterns in the clinic. The legislation and further required implementation of the ACA may dictate coverage of audiologic services and devices now and into the future. Audiologic (re)habilitative services and devices have not historically been covered and are unlikely included in benchmark plans. Under the current language of the ACA, states without mandated coverage of hearing healthcare prior to 2011 will face significant challenges in creating mandates. Arguments for including audiologic services and devices as an Essential Health Benefit (EHB) include quality care, improved patient outcomes, and improved consistency in coverage patterns across the United States. Due to the limited definition of EHB from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and loopholes in plans required to follow ACA guidelines, it is very possible that the inconsistencies across plans and states may increase and that financial repercussions at the state level may hinder passage of state-level mandated coverage of hearing healthcare.
Building Blocks of Gene Expression: DNA to RNA to Protein
Authors: Williamson Robin E.
Published: November 2015

Understanding the genetics of hearing loss can improve the quantity and quality of the information that those who work with individuals with hearing loss can share with their patients and clients. This understanding must start with a basic understanding of genetics in general. The general concepts of genetics can then be applied to the specific genes and proteins that are part of the hearing process, disruption of which can cause hearing loss. This article starts with a description of the central principal or mantra of genetics: “DNA to RNA to Protein.” Double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in the nucleus of a cell is used as a template from which ribonucleic acid (RNA) is transcribed, or expressed. RNA transcribed from DNA instructions moves from inside the cellular nucleus out into the cytoplasm where it can then translated into a protein. Proteins are the main functional components in cells. In general, they are what implement and control cellular processes. Each step in this process from DNA to RNA to protein is carefully regulated, and a small mistake or change in any component or step can make a big difference. This article finishes by describing how small changes can cause hearing loss.
The mechanical design and simulation of a scaled H− Penning ion source
Authors: Rutter T. , Faircloth D. , Turner D. , Lawrie S.
Published: November 2015

The existing ISIS Penning H− source is unable to produce the beam parameters required for the front end test stand and so a new, high duty factor, high brightness scaled source is being developed. This paper details first the development of an electrically biased aperture plate for the existing ISIS source and second, the design, simulation, and development of a prototype scaled source.
Ab initio calculations of many-body interactions for compressed solid argon
Authors: Tian Chunling , Liu Fusheng , Cai Lingcang , Yuan Hongkuan , Chen Hong , Zhong Mingmin
Published: November 2015

An investigation on many-body effects of solid argon at high pressure was conducted based on a many-body expansion of interaction energy. The three- and four-body terms in the expansion were calculated using the coupled-cluster method with single, double, and noniterative triple theory and incremental method, in which the configurations of argon trimers and tetramers were chosen as the same as those in the actual lattice. The four-body interactions in compressed solid argon were estimated for the first time, and the three-body interaction ab initio calculations were extended to a small distance. It shows that the four-body contribution is repulsive at high densities and effectively cancels the three-body lattice energy. The dimer potential plus three-body interaction can well reproduce the measurements of equation of state at pressure approximately lower than ∼60 GPa, when including the four-body effects extends the agreement up to the maximum experimental pressure of 114 GPa.
Magnetostructural, mechanical and electronic properties of manganese tetraboride
Authors: Liang Yongcheng , Wu Zhaobing , Wang Shiming
Published: November 2015

Magnetostructural stabilities, mechanical behaviors and electronic structures of various phases of manganese tetraboride (MnB4) have been investigated systematically by density functional theory (DFT) based first-principles methods. It is found that MnB4 undergoes temperature-induced phase transitions from the nonmagnetic (NM) monoclinic mP20 structure to the ferromagnetic (FM) orthorhombic oP10 structure at 438 K, then to the antiferromagnetic (AFM) orthorhombic oP10 structure at 824 K. We reveal that the NM insulating mP20 phase stabilizes by the Peierls distortion breaking the structural degeneracy, while the FM and AFM metallic oP10 phases stabilize by the Stoner magnetism lifting the spin degeneracy. Furthermore, the calculated mechanical properties show that the NM mP20, FM oP10, and AFM oP10 phases exhibit low compressibility and high hardness, which originate from their three-dimensional covalent boron networks. Therefore, this unique temperature-assisted insulator-metal transition, strong stiffness and high hardness suggest that MnB4 may find promising technological applications as thermoelectric switches and field effect transistors at the extreme conditions.
Emotion recognition ability in English among L1 and LX users of English
Authors: Lorette Pernelle , Dewaele Jean-Marc
Published: November 2015

This article focuses on individual differences in emotion recognition ability among 356 first language (L1) and 564 foreign language (LX) users of English. Recognizing emotions can be particularly challenging in LX contexts. Depending on their linguistic profile, individuals may interpret input very differently, and LX learners and users have been found to perform significantly worse than native control groups (Rintell 1984) in tests of emotion recognition ability. In the present article, we investigate the effect of three independent variables, namely, L1 versus LX status, proficiency in English, and cultural background, on emotion recognition ability. We used an online survey in which participants had to identify the emotion portrayed by a native English-speaking actress in six audiovisual clips. Despite LX users having lower proficiency scores, English L1 users and LX users’ emotion recognition ability scores were broadly similar. A significant positive relationship was found between LX proficiency and emotion recognition ability. A similar but only marginally significant relationship emerged among L1 users. A significant effect of L1 culture was found on emotion recognition ability scores, with Asian LX users scoring significantly lower than European LX users. It thus seems that audiovisual input allows advanced LX users to recognize emotions in LX as well as L1 users. That said, LX proficiency and L1 culture do have an effect on emotion recognition ability.
Unusual sentence structure in wine tasting notes
Authors: López Arroyo Belén , Roberts Roda P.
Published: November 2015

Certain sentence structures occur more frequently than others in specialized texts. The vast majority of sentences in the English of both science and technology seem to be declarative in nature, while imperative sentences, which are the normal method of expressing instructions, occur far more frequently in English for Technology than in English for Science. Despite such differences in sentence structure, all these specialized texts have one element in common: they all use regular or major sentences. What sets wine tasting notes apart from other specialized genres is their use of irregular or minor sentences, along with regular sentences. The purpose of this study is to analyze the use of irregular sentences in English and Spanish tasting notes — their frequency, their positioning, possible reasons for their use — using an English and Spanish comparable corpus. Our starting point was the hypothesis that English wine tasting notes would contain more irregular sentences than the Spanish notes. However, our corpus analysis showed that this was not the case.
A long natural-antisense RNA is accumulated in the conidia of Aspergillus oryzae
Authors: Tsujii Masaru , Okuda Satoshi , Ishi Kazutomo , Madokoro Kana , Takeuchi Michio , Yamagata Youhei
Published: November 2015

Analysis of expressed sequence tag libraries from various culture conditions revealed the existence of conidia-specific transcripts assembled to putative conidiation-specific reductase gene (csrA) in Aspergillus oryzae. However, the all transcripts were transcribed with opposite direction to the gene csrA. The sequence analysis of the transcript revealed that the RNA overlapped mRNA of csrA with 3′-end, and did not code protein longer than 60 amino acid residues. We designated the transcript Conidia Specific Long Natural-antisense RNA (CSLNR). The real-time PCR analysis demonstrated that the CSLNR is conidia-specific transcript, which cannot be transcribed in the absence of brlA, and the amount of CSLNR was much more than that of the transcript from csrA in conidia. Furthermore, the csrA deletion, also lacking coding region of CSLNR in A. oryzae reduced the number of conidia. Overexpression of CsrA demonstrated the inhibition of growth and conidiation, while CSLNR did not affect conidiation.