bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modes of infection and oncogenesis by the Epstein–Barr virus
Authors: Murata Takayuki , Sato Yoshitaka , Kimura Hiroshi
Published: February 2014

The EBV is a human γ‐herpesvirus associated with various neoplasms. It is responsible for causing cancers of B, T, and NK cells as well as cells of epithelial origin. Such diversity in target cells and the complicated steps of oncogenesis are perplexing when we speculate about the mechanisms of action of EBV‐positive cancers. Here, we first note three common features that contribute to the development and maintenance of EBV‐positive cancers: effects of EBV oncogenes, immunosuppression and evasion/exploitation of the immune system, and genetic and epigenetic predisposition/alteration of the host genome. Then, we demonstrate the mechanisms of oncogenesis and the means by which each EBV‐positive cancer develops, with particular focus on the mode of EBV infection. The EBV has two alternative life cycles: lytic and latent. The latter is categorized into four programs (latency types 0–III) in which latent viral genes are expressed differentially depending on the tissue of origin and state of cells. The production of viral latent genes tends to decrease with an increase in time, and, in an approximate manner, the expression levels of viral genes are inversely correlated with the degree of abnormalities in the host genome. Occasional execution of the viral lytic cycle also contributes to oncogenesis. Understanding this life cycle of the EBV and its relevance in oncogenesis may provide valuable clues to the development of effective therapies for the associated cancers. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
H ∞  observer design for uncertain nonlinear discrete‐time systems with time‐delay: LMI optimization approach
Authors: Sayyaddelshad Saleh , Gustafsson Thomas
Published: March 2014

We present a robust H ∞  observer for a class of nonlinear discrete‐time systems. The class under study includes an unknown time‐varying delay limited by upper and lower bounds, as well as time‐varying parametric uncertainties. We design a nonlinear H ∞  observer, by using the upper and lower bounds of the delay, that guarantees asymptotic stability of the estimation error dynamics and is also robust against time‐varying parametric uncertainties. The described problem is converted to a standard optimization problem, which can be solved in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Then, we expand the problem to a multi‐objective optimization problem in which the maximum admissible Lipschitz constant and the minimum disturbance attenuation level are the problem objectives. Finally, the proposed observer is illustrated with two examples. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ATP‐Stabilized Amorphous Calcium Carbonate Nanospheres and Their Application in Protein Adsorption
Authors: Qi Chao , Zhu Ying‐Jie , Lu Bing‐Qiang , Zhao Xin‐Yu , Zhao Jing , Chen Feng , Wu Jin
Published: February 2014

Calcium carbonate is a common substance found in rocks worldwide, and is the main biomineral formed in shells of marine organisms and snails, pearls and eggshells. Amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) is the least stable polymorph of calcium carbonate, which is so unstable under normal conditions that it is difficult to be prepared in vitro because it rapidly crystallizes to form one of the more stable polymorphs in aqueous solution. Herein, we report the successful synthesis of highly stable ACC nanospheres in vitro using adenosine 5′‐triphosphate disodium salt (ATP) as a stabilizer. The effect of ATP on the stability of ACC nanospheres is investigated. Our experiments show that ATP plays an unique role in the stabilization of ACC nanospheres in aqueous solution. Moreover, the as‐prepared ACC nanospheres are highly stable in phosphate buffered saline for a relatively long period of time (12 days) even under relatively high concentrations of calcium and phosphate ions. The cytotoxicity tests show that the as‐prepared highly stable ACC nanospheres have excellent biocompatibility. The highly stable ACC nanospheres have high protein adsorption capacity, implying that they are promising for applications in biomedical fields such as drug delivery and protein adsorption.
Ultraspecific and Highly Sensitive Nucleic Acid Detection by Integrating a DNA Catalytic Network with a Label‐Free Microcavity
Authors: Wu Yuqiang , Zhang David Yu , Yin Peng , Vollmer Frank
Published: March 2014

Nucleic acid detection with label‐free biosensors circumvents costly fluorophore functionalization steps associated with conventional assays by utilizing transducers of impressive ultimate detection limits. Despite this technological prowess, molecular recognition at a surface limits the biosensors' sensitivity, specificity, and reusability. It is therefore imperative to integrate novel molecular approaches with existing label‐free transducers to overcome those limitations. Here, we demonstrate this concept by integrating a DNA strand displacement circuit with a micron‐scale whispering gallery mode (WGM) microsphere biosensor. The integrated biosensor exhibits at least 25‐fold improved nucleic acid sensitivity, and sets a new record for label‐free microcavity biosensors by detecting 80 pM (32 fmol) of a 22nt oligomer; this improvement results from the catalytic behavior of the circuit. Furthermore, the integrated sensor exhibits extremely high specificity; single nucleotide variants yield 40‐ to 100‐fold lower signal. Finally, the same physical sensor was demonstrated to alternatingly detect 2 different nucleic acid sequences through 5 cycles of detection, showcasing both its reusability and its versatility.
Understanding Interactions of Functionalized Nanoparticles with Proteins: A Case Study on Lactate Dehydrogenase
Authors: Stueker Oliver , Ortega Van A. , Goss Greg G. , Stepanova Maria
Published: March 2014

Nanomaterials in biological solutions are known to interact with proteins and have been documented to affect protein function, such as enzyme activity. Understanding the interactions of nanoparticles with biological components at the molecular level will allow for rational designs of nanomaterials for use in medical technologies. Here we present the first detailed molecular mechanics model of functionalized gold nanoparticle (NP) interacting with an enzyme (l‐lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzyme). Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the response of LDH to the NP binding demonstrate that although atomic motions (dynamics) of the main chain exhibit only a minor response to the binding, the dynamics of side chains are significantly constrained in all four active sites that predict alteration in kinetic properties of the enzyme. It is also demonstrated that the 5 nm gold NPs cause a decrease in the maximal velocity of the enzyme reaction (Vmax) and a trend towards a reduced affinity (increased Km) for the β‐NAD binding site, while pyruvate enzyme kinetics (Km and Vmax) are not significantly altered in the presence of the gold NPs. These results demonstrate that modeling of NP:protein interactions can be used to understand alterations in protein function.
Human Skin-Derived Precursor Cells Are Poorly Immunogenic and Modulate the Allogeneic Immune Response
Authors: De Kock Joery , Meuleman Philip , Raicevic Gordana , Rodrigues Robim M. , Branson Steven , Meganathan Kesavan , De Boe Veerle , Sachinidis Agapios , Leroux-Roels Geert , Vanhaecke Tamara , Lagneaux Laurence , Rogiers Vera , Najar Mehdi
Published: March 2014

Human skin-derived precursors (hSKPs) are multipotent somatic stem cells that persist within the dermis throughout adulthood and harbor potential clinical applicability. In this study, we investigated their immunogenicity and immunosuppressive features, both in vitro and in vivo. As such, this study provides a solid basis for developing their future clinical applications. We found that hSKPs express HLA-ABC molecules, but not HLA-DR, rendering them poorly immunogenic. Using a coculture set-up, we could further demonstrate that hSKPs inhibit the proliferation of allogeneic activated T cells and alter their cytokine secretion profile, in a dose-dependent manner. Cotransplantation of hSKP and human peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) into severe combined immune-deficient mice also showed a significant impairment of the graft-versus-host response 1 week post-transplantation and a drastic increase in survival time of 60%. From a mechanistic point of view, we found that hSKPs require cell contact as well as secretion of soluble inhibitory factors in order to modulate the immune response. The expression/secretion levels of these factors further increases upon inflammation or in the presence of activated T cells. As such, we believe that these features could be beneficial in a later allogeneic clinical setting, because rejection of engrafted allogeneic hSKP might be delayed or even avoided due to their own promotion of a tolerogenic microenvironment. Stem Cells  2014;32:2215–2228
Successful Application of Ex Vivo Expanded Human Autologous Oral Mucosal Epithelium for the Treatment of Total Bilateral Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency
Authors: Kolli Sai , Ahmad Sajjad , Mudhar Hardeep Singh , Meeny Adam , Lako Majlinda , Figueiredo Francisco C.
Published: March 2014

Ocular surface reconstruction with ex vivo expanded limbal stem cells (LSCs) is a widely used clinical treatment for patients with limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). This is not applicable to patients with bilateral LSCD where there are no remaining LSCs. Cultivated oral mucosa epithelium (OME) has been used as an alternative source of autologous epithelial stem cells for ocular reconstruction in few clinical trials. However, successful generation of stratified OME epithelium has only been achieved in the presence of animal feeder cells and/or animal-derived products in the culture media, likely to contribute to increased risk of pathogen transmission and graft rejection. In this study, we report generation of multilayered OME epithelium that shares many of the characteristics of corneal epithelium using a fully compliant good manufacturing practice, feeder- and animal product-free method. Proof of concept was achieved by transplantation of autologous ex vivo expanded OME in two patients with histologically confirmed bilateral total LSCD that resulted in successful reversal of LSCD in the treated eye up to 24 months. Stem Cells  2014;32:2135–2146
Hhex and Cer1 Mediate the Sox17 Pathway for Cardiac Mesoderm Formation in Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Liu Yu , Kaneda Ruri , Leja Thomas W. , Subkhankulova Tatiana , Tolmachov Oleg , Minchiotti Gabriella , Schwartz Robert J. , Barahona Mauricio , Schneider Michael D.
Published: March 2014

Cardiac muscle differentiation in vivo is guided by sequential growth factor signals, including endoderm-derived diffusible factors, impinging on cardiogenic genes in the developing mesoderm. Previously, by RNA interference in AB2.2 mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs), we identified the endodermal transcription factor Sox17 as essential for Mesp1 induction in primitive mesoderm and subsequent cardiac muscle differentiation. However, downstream effectors of Sox17 remained to be proven functionally. In this study, we used genome-wide profiling of Sox17-dependent genes in AB2.2 cells, RNA interference, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and luciferase reporter genes to dissect this pathway. Sox17 was required not only for Hhex (a second endodermal transcription factor) but also for Cer1, a growth factor inhibitor from endoderm that, like Hhex, controls mesoderm patterning in Xenopus toward a cardiac fate. Suppressing Hhex or Cer1 blocked cardiac myogenesis, although at a later stage than induction of Mesp1/2. Hhex was required but not sufficient for Cer1 expression. Over-expression of Sox17 induced endogenous Cer1 and sequence-specific transcription of a Cer1 reporter gene. Forced expression of Cer1 was sufficient to rescue cardiac differentiation in Hhex-deficient cells. Thus, Hhex and Cer1 are indispensable components of the Sox17 pathway for cardiopoiesis in mESCs, acting at a stage downstream from Mesp1/2. Stem Cells  2014;32:1515–1526
Admittance matrices of power converters for distributed generators
Authors: Lian Kuo Lung , Huang Tai Di
Published: March 2014

To integrate distributed generators (DGs) with the power grid, interfacing power converters such as voltage source converters (VSCs) are required. However, due to the switching natures, these converters generate harmonics, which may have detrimental effects on the system. To find out how these harmonics may interact with the grid, it is essential to find the admittance matrices of the converters. In this paper, the state‐of‐the‐art methods of modeling converters are thoroughly reviewed. Moreover, a new proposed method is also introduced, which can significantly increase the simulation efficiency. Finally, two numerical examples are presented. The results obtained by the proposed method are in great agreement with those of the state‐of‐the‐art methods and brute‐force time‐domain simulation such as PSCAD/EMTDC, demonstrating the validity of the proposed method. © 2014 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
An improved fast decoupled power flow model considering static power–frequency characteristic of power systems with large‐scale wind power
Authors: Duan Yao , Zhang Buhan
Published: March 2014

Large‐scale wind power (LSWP) integration may cause significant impact on power system frequency, so it is necessary to take frequency regulation issues into account in power system steady‐state operation analysis. An improved fast decoupled power flow model considering static power–frequency characteristic of power systems with LSWP is proposed in this paper. In this scheme, the active power of generators and loads are presented with their static power–frequency characteristics. The slack bus degenerates to the nodal voltage phase angle reference bus of the system, and all the generators with frequency regulation capability participate in unbalanced power regulation. The power flow calculation results can reveal the impact to the system frequency of operation mode change and load variation, and present the output adjustment of the generators. The proposed model can be solved conveniently by the block solving technology based on the fast decoupled power flow algorithm. The scheme presented in this paper has been tested on the IEEE standard 30‐bus test system by simulating basic operation and primary and secondary frequency regulation of the generators, which demonstrated the validity by the method. © 2014 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Rule pool updating through Sarsa‐learning to improve adaptability in changing environments
Authors: Wang Lutao , Mabu Shingo , Hirasawa Kotaro
Published: March 2014

Genetic network programming (GNP) is a new evolutionary algorithm using the directed graph as its chromosome. A GNP‐based rule accumulation (GNP‐RA) method was proposed previously for multiagent control. However, in changing environments where new situations appear frequently, the old rules in the rule pool become incompetent for guiding the agent's actions, and therefore updating them becomes necessary. This paper proposes a more robust rule‐based model which can adapt to the environment changes. In order to realize this, Sarsa‐learning is used as a tool to update the rules to cope with the unexperienced situations in new environments. Furthermore, Sarsa‐learning helps to generate better rules by selecting really important judgments and actions during training. In addition, the ε‐greedy policy of Sarsa enables GNP‐RA to explore the solutions space sufficiently, generating more rules. Simulations on the tile world problem show that the proposed method outperforms the previous ones, namely GP and reinforcement learning. © 2014 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Predictive value of cardiovascular parameters in twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Gapp‐Born E. , Sananes N. , Weingertner A. S. , Guerra F. , Kohler M. , Fritz G. , Viville B. , Gaudineau A. , Langer B. , Sauleau E. , Nisand I. , Favre R.
Published: March 2014

Objective

To evaluate the prognostic value of the Children's Hospital Of Philadelphia (CHOP) cardiovascular score and the modified myocardial performance index (MPI), in determining the risk of recipient fetal loss in twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).

Methods

This cohort study was based on data collected prospectively from 105 pregnancies complicated by TTTS (Quintero stages I–IV) and treated with laser photocoagulation between May 2008 and February 2013. Fetuses underwent detailed anatomical and Doppler ultrasonography with cardiac assessment as part of routine care. CHOP score and right MPI were calculated and cut‐offs selected using receiver–operating characteristics curve analysis. These were compared according to loss of recipient fetus, using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The correlation between CHOP score, MPI and Quintero stage was determined and we investigated differences in MPI before and after laser coagulation in a cohort of 90 recipient fetuses.

Results

Rates of recipient fetal loss were significantly higher when the CHOP score was ≥ 3 (39.5% vs 12.9%, P = 0.002) and when MPI z‐score was > 1.645 (34.5% vs 10.6%, P = 0.004). After adjustment for Quintero stage, the risk of recipient fetal loss remained significantly higher when the CHOP score was ≥ 3 (odds ratio, 3.09; 95% CI, 1.035–9.21). There was a positive correlation between CHOP score, MPI and Quintero stage. MPI was significantly lower after compared with before laser coagulation.

Conclusion

CHOP score and MPI are predictors of recipient fetal loss in TTTS and may be used to supplement Quintero's classification. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Validation of boundary layer parameterization schemes in the weather research and forecasting model under the aspect of offshore wind energy applications— Part I: Average wind speed and wind shear
Authors: Krogsæter O. , Reuder J.
Published: March 2014

Five different planetary boundary layer (PBL) schemes in the weather research and forecasting model have been tested with respect to their capability to model boundary layer parameters relevant for offshore wind deployments. For the year 2005 model simulations based on the Yonsei University, asymmetric convection model version 2, quasi‐normal scale elimination, Mellor–Yamada–Janjic and Mellor–Yamada–Nakanishi–Niino PBL schemes with weather research and forecasting have been performed for the North Sea and validated against measurements of the Forschungsplattformen in Nord‐ und Ostsee Nr.1 platform. The investigations have been focused on the key parameters 100 m mean wind speed and wind shear expressed by the power law exponent α. All PBL‐schemes are doing well in reproducing averages and average annual statistics of the 100 m wind speed. However, two of the schemes (Yonsei University and Mellor–Yamada–Nakanishi–Niino) overestimate the wind speed above 15 m s−1 systematically. The results for the power law wind profile show a large variability between the models and the observations for different atmospheric stability conditions and also differ a lot from the industry standards. Overall, the Mellor–Yamada–Janjic scheme performs slightly better than the others and is suggested as first choice for marine atmospheric boundary layer simulations without apriori information of atmospheric stability in the region of interest. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Traditional Roles in a Non‐Traditional Setting: Genetic Counseling in Precision Oncology
Authors: Everett Jessica N. , Gustafson Shanna L. , Raymond Victoria M.
Published: February 2014

Next generation sequencing technology is increasingly utilized in oncology with the goal of targeting therapeutics to improve response and reduce side effects. Interpretation of tumor mutations requires sequencing of paired germline DNA, raising questions about incidental germline findings. We describe our experiences as part of a research team implementing a protocol for whole genome sequencing (WGS) of tumors and paired germline DNA known as the Michigan Oncology Sequencing project (MI‐ONCOSEQ) that includes options for receiving incidental germline findings. Genetic counselors (GCs) discuss options for return of results with patients during the informed consent process and document family histories. GCs also review germline findings and actively participate in the multi‐disciplinary Precision Medicine Tumor Board (PMTB), providing clinical context for interpretation of germline results and making recommendations about disclosure of germline findings. GCs have encountered ethical and counseling challenges with participants, described here. Although GCs have not been traditionally involved in molecular testing of tumors, our experiences with MI‐ONCOSEQ demonstrate that GCs have important applicable skills to contribute to multi‐disciplinary care teams implementing precision oncology. Broader use of WGS in oncology treatment decision making and American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) recommendations for active interrogation of germline tissue in tumor‐normal dyads suggests that GCs will have future opportunities in this area outside of research settings.
Surgical Rehabilitation of a Tetraplegic Hand: Comparison of Various Methods of Reconstructing an Absent Pinch and Hook
Authors: Mohindra Mukul , Sangwan Sukhbir Singh , Kundu Zile Singh , Gogna Paritosh , Tiwari Anurag , Thora Ankit
Published: March 2014

Background

Since complete functional restoration after spinal cord injury may not always be possible, the major focus in such cases has to be on rehabilitation. We performed surgery in such patients to reconstruct important absent hand functions viz. pinch and hook using various methods described in literature and compared their outcome.

Methods

A total of 29 procedures were performed in ten patients (18 upper limbs) with tetraparesis consequent to cervical spine injury distal to C6 level who had at least grade 3 power of elbow extension but had not documented any significant improvement in hand function, at least 6 months post injury. Key pinch was reconstructed in 14 upper limbs using brachioradialis (BR) to flexor pollicis longus (FPL) transfer in 11 and pronator teres (PT) to FPL transfer in three limbs. Hook was reconstructed in 15 upper limbs: PT to flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) ( n=7), BR to FDP ( n=2), and FDP tenodesis ( n=6). The gains achieved were measured at intervals of 4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively and at a final possible follow-up of every patient, the average follow-up being 32 months. The functional outcome was assessed by the modified Lamb and Chan score.

Results

For key pinch reconstruction, both BR and PT turned to be equally efficacious donors, while for hook reconstruction, PT and BR transfer to FDP turned out to be superior to FDP tenodesis. The functional outcome as assessed by the modified Lamb and Chan score revealed good to fair outcome in 70 % of patients while poor in 30 %. Complications resulted from stretching of transfer, rupture of tenodesis, and maltensioning.

Conclusion

Surgery can routinely be offered to suitable tetraplegics with deficient hand function in whom no useful recovery of any function is expected with at least 6 months elapsed post injury. Single-staged bilateral procedures enable maximal possible rehabilitation in minimal possible duration.
Next Generation Sequencing in der diagnostischen Praxis
Authors: Bettecken T. , Pfeufer A. , Sudbrak R. , Siddiqui R. , Franke A. , Wienker T.F. , Krawczak M.
Published: March 2014

Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) erlaubt die Untersuchung des kompletten Exoms oder Genoms eines Patienten mit vertretbarem zeitlichem und finanziellem Aufwand. Dieser diagnostische Quantensprung hat neben rechtlichen, ethischen und ökonomischen Aspekten auch vielfältige Auswirkungen auf die Patientenversorgung. Die weitgehende Einführung des NGS in die Routinediagnostik steht momentan jedoch noch vor vielen Hürden. Insbesondere ist zu erwarten, dass mittels NGS eine Vielzahl seltener Varianten bei einem Patienten entdeckt wird, die nach derzeitigem Wissensstand klinisch nicht hinreichend klar interpretierbar sind. Als einen ersten Schritt zur Lösung dieses Problems wird das Konzept einer Datenbank vorgestellt, die systematisch genotypische und phänotypische Informationen aus dem Versorgungskontext in Deutschland integrieren soll. Die so entstehende Ressource wäre nicht nur von großem wissenschaftlichem Interesse. Sie böte vordringlich den klinisch tätigen Humangenetikern die notwendige Evidenzbasis für eine zuverlässige Bewertung ihrer patientenbezogenen Sequenzierungsdaten.
Response analysis of ultrasonic sensing system based on fiber Bragg gratings of different lengths
Authors: Pang Dandan , Sui Qingmei
Published: March 2014

In recent years, fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) have been widely used in ultrasonic detection for practical structural health monitoring in light of its unique advantages over the conventional sensors. Although FBGs have been successfully tested in ultrasonic inspection, the effect of the grating length on the sensitivity of the FBG ultrasonic sensing system is yet to be analyzed. Hence, using the simulation model, the main influencing factor on the sensitivity of the ultrasonic sensing system with different lengths gratings was first investigated. In the following experiment, the ultrasonic responses of the sensing system with six different lengths FBGs were obtained, respectively. The theoretical analysis and the experimental results would be useful for sensitivity improvement of the FBG-based ultrasonic and acoustic emission sensing system.
Clinical Issues‐March 2014
Authors: Wood Amber
Published: February 2014

This Month

Sweeping the OR floor before wet mopping

Key words: sweeping, cleaning, mopping, floors, OR.

Mopping the OR floor between procedures

Key words: cleaning, mopping, floors, OR.

Cleaning hallway floors in semirestricted areas

Key words: cleaning, mopping, hallway, corridor, semirestricted areas, floors.

Peripheral IV skin prep in the ambulatory setting

Key words: intravenous, IV, skin prep, alcohol, chlorhexidine gluconate, CHG.
A Look at Best Practices for Patient Education in Outpatient Spine Surgery
Authors: Reiter Karen
Published: February 2014

Following best practices for patient education helps ensure patients and their family members leave an ambulatory surgery center after a procedure with a functional understanding of all aspects of surgery, ongoing care, and postoperative expectations. Best practices for education of patients undergoing spine surgery in an ambulatory surgery center include a consistent and informed staff, involved patients and family members, patient‐specific education, and continual reinforcement of that education. Patient education needs to include topics such as expectations, the recovery process, and pain control.
P–T–t constraints on the metamorphic evolution of the Transangarian Yenisei Ridge: geodynamic and petrological implications
Authors: Likhanov I.I. , Reverdatto V.V.
Published: February 2014

Two metamorphic complexes of the Yenisei Ridge with contrasting composition are analyzed to unravel their tectonothermal evolution and geodynamic processes during the Riphean geologic history of the area. The structural, mineralogical, petrological, geochemical and geochronological data are used to distinguish two stages of the evolution with different ages, thermodynamic regimes, and metamorphic field gradients. Reaction textures, chemical zoning in minerals, shapes of the P-T paths, and isotope dates provide convincing evidence for a polymetamorphic history of the region. The first stage is marked by the formation of the ~ 970 Ma low-pressure zoned And–Sil rocks (P = 3.9-5.1 kbar, T = 510–640 °C) of the Teya aureole and a high metamorphic field gradient with dT/dH = 25–35 °C/km typical of many orogenic belts. At the second stage, these rocks experienced Late Riphean (853–849 Ma) collisional medium-pressure metamorphism of the kyanite–sillimanite type (P = 5.7–7.2 kbar, T = 660–700 °C) and a low metamorphic field gradient with dT/dH < 12 °C/km. This metamorphic event was almost coeval with the Late Riphean (862 Ma) contact metamorphism in the vicinity of the granitic plutons, which was accompanied by a high metamorphic field gradient with dT/dH > 100 °C/km. At the first stage, the deepest blocks of the Garevka complex in the vicinity of the Yenisei regional shear zone underwent high-pressure amphibolite-facies metamorphism within a narrow range of P = 7.1–8.7 kbar and T = 580–630 °C, suggesting the burial of rocks to mid-crustal depths at a metamorphic field gradient with dT/dH ~ 20–25 °C/km. At the second stage, these rocks experienced the Late Riphean (900–850 Ma) syn-exhumation dynamometamorphism under epidote–amphibolte facies conditions (P = 3.9–4.9 kbar, T = 460–550 °C) and a low gradient with dT/dH < 10 °C/km accompanied by the formation of blastomylonitic complexes in shear zones. All these deformation and metamorphic events identified on the western margin of the Siberian craton are correlated with the final episodes of the Late Grenville orogeny and provide supporting evidence for a close spatial connection between Siberia and Laurentia during early Neoproterozoic time, which is in good agreement with recent paleomagnetic reconstuctions.
The Angarian in the Yenisei Ridge as a standard Neoproterozoic unit
Authors: Khomentovsky V.V.
Published: February 2014

The Late Neoproterozoic sediments of the Yenisei Ridge formed in several isolated basins. These sediments are correlated, and the composite section of this age in the region is described. Two age limits are of extreme importance: pre-Chapa (650 Ma) and pre-Vendian (600 Ma). The former, observed in a much larger area, predominates. The great importance of the pre-Chapa transformation becomes evident owing to its coevality with the Marino-Nantuo global glaciation and the preceding tectonic events. This glaciation was immediately followed by a significant biotic event that gave rise to the Doushantuo-Pertatataka microfossil assemblage and, afterward, Ediacaran fauna. The Chapa Group is proposed as a prototype of the Angarian—a unit of the General Late Precambrian scale, which is of the same rank as the Vendian. According to these data, the main Late Neoproterozoic units are the Baikalian, Angarian, and Vendian.
Lattice Boltzmann approach to simulating a wetting–drying front in shallow flows
Authors: Liu H. , Zhou J. G.
Published: March 2014

The paper reports a new lattice Boltzmann approach to simulating wetting–drying processes in shallow-water flows. The scheme is developed based on the Chapman–Enskog analysis and the Taylor expansion, which is consistent with the theory of the lattice Boltzmann method. All the forces, such as bed slope and bed friction, are taken into account naturally in determining the wet–dry interface, without the use of either the spurious assumption of a thin water film on a dry bed or the non-physical extrapolation of certain variables such as water depth or velocity. This offers a simple and general model for simulating wetting–drying processes in complex flows involving external forces. Its verification is carried out by modelling several one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) flows: (i) 1D sloshing over a parabolic container; (ii) a 1D tidal wave over three adverse bed slopes; (iii) a 1D solitary wave run up on a plane sloping beach; (iv) a tsunami run up on a plane beach; (v) a 2D stationary case with wet–dry boundaries; (vi) a 2D long-wave resonance over a parabolic basin; and (vii) a 2D solitary wave run up on a conical island. The numerical results agree well with analytical solutions, other numerical results and experimental data, demonstrating the effectiveness and accuracy of the new approach.
SMALLHOLDER FARMERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF DROUGHT RISK AND ADOPTION OF MODERN MAIZE IN SOUTHERN MALAWI
Authors: FISHER MONICA , SNAPP SIEGLINDE
Published: March 2014

Modern maize varieties have been bred for drought tolerance and early maturity, to assist farmers in avoiding or escaping the effects of moisture stress in drought-prone areas. This study evaluates the prospects for widespread adoption of these modern maize varieties as a climate change adaptation strategy for smallholder farmers. Data are from a detailed household survey completed in four rural villages in Southern Malawi between May and July 2010. The empirical analysis involves estimation of an ordered logit regression model because the dependent variable is categorical, with one category for nonadoption (has never grown modern maize varieties) and three categories for the duration of growing a modern maize variety among adopters (this year only, 2 to 5 years and 6 years or more). The empirical findings indicate a positive association between a farmer's perception of drought risk and the adoption and continued use of modern maize. Regression results also show that farmers that value the traits of early maturity and drought tolerance are more likely to adopt modern maize varieties. There is evidence of some disadoption among farmers dissatisfied with maize genotype performance, in terms of poor storability and yield under drought conditions. Finally, the study highlights the urgent need for maize breeders interested in sustained use of modern varieties to simultaneously address robust drought tolerance, early maturity and storability. This underscores the importance of cognizance of local farmer preferences in crop breeding efforts.
Long-term yield variability and detection of site-specific climate-smart nutrient management practices for rice–wheat systems: an empirical approach
Authors: SUBASH N. , GANGWAR B. , SINGH S. , KOSHAL A. K. , KUMAR V.
Published: March 2014

Identification of climate-smart nutrient management practices will overcome the ill effects of extreme climate variability on agricultural production under projected climate change scenarios. The rice–wheat cropping system is the major system used in India: using long-term yield data from Integrated Nutrient Management experiments on this system, the present study analysed trends in weather parameters and grain yield under different nutrient management practices. Twelve treatments with different combinations of inorganic (chemical fertilizer) and organic (farmyard manure (FYM), green manure (GM) and crop residue) sources of nutrients were compared with farmers’ conventional practices. A significant increasing trend was noticed for rainfall during the rice season at Kalyani and Navsari, of the order of 137·7 and 154·2 mm/decade, respectively. The highest increase in maximum temperature was seen at Palampur (1·62 °C/decade) followed by Ludhiana (1·14 °C/decade). At all the sites except Ludhiana and Kanpur, the yield of the rice–wheat system showed an increasing trend ranging from 0·08 t/ha/year in Jabalpur to 0·011 t/ha/year in Navsari, under the recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer application. A significant decreasing trend of 0·055 t/ha was found in Ludhiana. For most of the sites, a combination of half the recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer and either FYM or GM to provide the remainder of the N required was sufficient to maintain productivity. The top three climate-resilient integrated nutrient management practices were identified for all the study sites. Thus, the present study highlights the adaptive capacity of different integrated nutrient management practices to rainfall and temperature extremes under rice–wheat cropping system in distinctive agro-ecological zones of India.
Entrapped Entrepreneurship: Labour contractors in the South Indian garment industry
Authors: DE NEVE GEERT
Published: March 2014

As neoliberal restructuring leads to the rise of labour market intermediaries globally, labour contractors are being vilified as unscrupulous recruiters and as wicked figures who exploit and harass. Based on long-term ethnographic research among workers and contractors in the Tamil Nadu garment industry, this article argues for a more careful and grounded analysis of labour contractors’ role and position under neoliberalization. Evidence is presented of contractors’ precarious position at the tail end of global production networks and three conclusions are drawn. First, contractors reveal themselves to be a remarkably unrecognized source of entrepreneurship, flexibility, and skills acquisition, which facilitates manufacturers’ participation in global markets. Second, despite their resourcefulness and resilience, contractors find themselves trapped between management and the workforce, and in an overall situation of vulnerability as a result of the informal nature of their activities and the vagaries of the neoliberal market. For many of them this results in a highly fluid and unstable class experience, in which they struggle to materialize aspirations for upward mobility. Finally, neoliberal conditions tend to undermine rather than enhance contractors’ entrepreneurial success and to weaken rather than intensify their power with regard to both capital and labour.
Allowing for non-adherence to treatment in a randomized controlled trial of two antidepressants (citalopram versus reboxetine): an example from the GENPOD trial
Authors: Wiles N. J. , Fischer K. , Cowen P. , Nutt D. , Peters T. J. , Lewis G. , White I. R.
Published: March 2014

Background

Meta-analyses suggest that reboxetine may be less effective than other antidepressants. Such comparisons may be biased by lower adherence to reboxetine and subsequent handling of missing outcome data. This study illustrates how to adjust for differential non-adherence and hence derive an unbiased estimate of the efficacy of reboxetine compared with citalopram in primary care patients with depression.

Method

A structural mean modelling (SMM) approach was used to generate adherence-adjusted estimates of the efficacy of reboxetine compared with citalopram using GENetic and clinical Predictors Of treatment response in Depression (GENPOD) trial data. Intention-to-treat (ITT) analyses were performed to compare estimates of effectiveness with results from previous meta-analyses.

Results

At 6 weeks, 92% of those randomized to citalopram were still taking their medication, compared with 72% of those randomized to reboxetine. In ITT analysis, there was only weak evidence that those on reboxetine had a slightly worse outcome than those on citalopram [adjusted difference in mean Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores: 1.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) –0.52 to 2.90, p = 0.17]. There was no evidence of a difference in efficacy when differential non-adherence was accounted for using the SMM approach for mean BDI (–0.29, 95% CI –3.04 to 2.46, p = 0.84) or the other mental health outcomes.

Conclusions

There was no evidence of a difference in the efficacy of reboxetine and citalopram when these drugs are taken and tolerated by depressed patients. The SMM approach can be implemented in standard statistical software to adjust for differential non-adherence and generate unbiased estimates of treatment efficacy for comparisons of two (or more) active interventions.
Are illness perceptions related to future healthcare expenditure in patients with somatoform disorders?
Authors: Frostholm L. , Petrie K. J. , Ørnbøl E. , Fink P.
Published: March 2014

Background

Somatoform disorders are costly for society in terms of increased healthcare expenditure. Patients' illness perceptions have been found to play a role in somatoform disorders. However, it is unclear whether illness perceptions predict higher health costs in these patients.

Method

A total of 1785 primary care patients presenting a new health complaint completed a questionnaire on their illness perceptions and emotional distress before the consultation. The physicians completed a questionnaire for each patient on diagnostics after the consultation. In a stratified subsample, physician interviewers established diagnoses of DSM-IV somatization and undifferentiated somatoform disorders (n = 144) using the Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry. Healthcare expenditure was obtained from Danish health registers for a 2-year follow-up period.

Results

Patients had more negative perceptions of their well-defined physical health problems when they had a co-morbid somatoform disorder. A strong illness identity [β = 0.120, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.029–0.212, p = 0.012], perceived negative consequences (β = 0.010, 95% CI 0.001–0.019, p = 0.024), a long timeline perspective (β = 0.013, 95% CI 0.005–0.021, p = 0.001), low personal control (β = − 0.009, 95% CI –0.015 to −0.002, p = 0.011) and negative emotional representations (β = 0.009, 95% CI 0.002–0.017, p = 0.020) predicted healthcare expenditure in somatoform disorders.

Conclusions

The results suggest that illness perceptions play a role in the perpetuation of symptoms in somatoform disorders and predict higher future healthcare expenditure among a subgroup of these patients.
Anthropomorphic robotic arm with integrated elastic joints for TCM remedial massage
Authors: Huang Yuancan , Li Jian , Huang Qiang , Souères Philippe
Published: March 2014

For reproducing the manipulation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) remedial massage and meanwhile guaranteeing safety, a 4-degree-of-freedom anthropomorphic robotic arm with integrated elastic joints is developed, and a passivity-based impedance control is used. Due to the series elasticity, integrated joints may minimize large forces that occur during accidental impacts, and, further, may offer more accurate and stable force control and a capacity for energy storage. Human expert's fingertip force curve in the process of massage therapy is acquired in vivo by a dedicated measurement device. Then three massage techniques, pressing, kneading, and plucking, are implemented by the soft arm, respectively, on torso model in vitro and on human body in vivo. Experimental results show that the developed robotic arm can effectively replicate the TCM remedial massage techniques.
Design and kinematic analysis of redundantly actuated parallel mechanisms for ankle rehabilitation
Authors: Wang Congzhe , Fang Yuefa , Guo Sheng , Zhou Changchun
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we present the design of two serial spherical mechanisms to substitute for a single spherical joint that is usually used to connect the platform with the base in three degrees of freedom parallel mechanisms. According to the principle derived from the conceptual design, through using the two serial spherical mechanisms as the constraint limb, several redundantly actuated parallel mechanisms are proposed for ankle rehabilitation. The proposed parallel mechanisms all can perform the rotational movements of the ankle in three directions while at the same time the mechanism center of rotations can match the ankle axes of rotations compared with other multi-degree-of-freedom devices, due to the structural characteristics of the special constraint limb and platform. Two special parallel mechanisms are selected to analyze their kinematical performances, such as workspace, dexterity, singularity, and stiffness, based on the computed Jacobian. The results show that the proposed scheme of actuator redundancy can guarantee that the redundantly actuated parallel mechanisms have no singularity, better dexterity, and stiffness within the prescribed workspace in comparison with the corresponding non-redundant parallel mechanisms. In addition, the proposed mechanisms possess certain reconfigurable capacity based on control strategies or rehabilitation modes to obtain sound performance for completing ankle rehabilitation exercise.
Fuzzy weighted subtask controller for redundant manipulator
Authors: Yoo Young jun , Jung Dae sung , Jang Yu jin , Won Sang chul
Published: February 2014

We propose a fuzzy weighted subtask controller for a redundant robot manipulator. To expand the feasibility of the inverse kinematic solution, we introduce a weighted pseudo-inverse that changes the null-space of the Jacobian. The weights of elements in the pseudo-inverse are obtained using fuzzy rules that are related to the null-space velocity tracking error. With the pseudo-inverse, we develop a task space controller to track a desired task space trajectory and subtask control input. We propose a weighted subtask controller for multiple subtasks. The results of a simulation and experiment using a seven-degree-of-freedom whole arm manipulator robot show the effectiveness of the proposed controller with multiple subtasks.
X-ray powder diffraction data for loratadine (C22H23ClN202)
Authors: Wu Di , Li Shan Shan , Xu Kai Lin , Zhang Li Li , Wu Xiao Qing , Li Hui
Published: March 2014

X-ray powder diffraction data, unit-cell parameters, and space group for loratadine (C22H23ClN2O2) are reported [a = 28.302(18) Å,b = 4.996(3) Å,c = 29.154(19) Å,β = 109.158(2)°, unit-cell volumeV = 3894.25 Å3,Z = 8, and space groupC2/c]. All measured lines were indexed and are consistent with theC2/cspace group. No detectable impurities were observed.
Assessment of the sensitivity of the gamma-interferon test and the single intradermal comparative cervical test for the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis under field conditions
Authors: PRAUD A. , BOSCHIROLI M. L. , MEYER L. , GARIN-BASTUJI B. , DUFOUR B.
Published: February 2014

In some French départements, the eradication of bovine tuberculosis is incomplete and usual skin tests [single intradermal tuberculin test (SIT) and single intradermal comparative cervical test (SICCT)] have poor specificity due to cross-reactions with non-pathogenic mycobacteria, causing economic losses. In Côte d'Or (Burgundy, France), an experimental serial testing scheme based on the combination of SICCT and gamma-interferon (IFN-γ) tests has been initiated in order to shorten the interval between suspicion and its invalidation in herds with false-positive results to skin tests. Our aim was to assess the scheme's sensitivity and to compare it to the sensitivity of the screening scheme recommended by the European Commission. Our study included 1768 animals from Côte d'Or. The sensitivities of both schemes were estimated using a Bayesian approach. The individual sensitivity of the IFN-γtest [88·1%, 95% credibility interval (CrI) 72·8–97·5] was not significantly different from individual SICCT sensitivity (80·3%, 95% CrI 61·6–98·0) and individual SIT sensitivity (84·2%, 95% CrI 59·0–98·2). The individual specificity of the IFN-γtest was 62·3% (95% CrI 60·2–64·5). No significant difference could be demonstrated between the sensitivities of the serial testing scheme used in Côte d'Or (73·1%, 95% CrI 41·1–100) and the European Union serial testing scheme (70·1%, 95% CrI 31·5–100·0).
Real-time investigation of a Legionella pneumophila outbreak using whole genome sequencing
Authors: GRAHAM R. M. A. , DOYLE C. J. , JENNISON A. V.
Published: February 2014

Legionella pneumophila is the main pathogen responsible for outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease, which can be related to contaminated water supplies such as cooling towers or water pipes. We combined conventional molecular methods and whole genome sequence (WGS) analysis to investigate an outbreak of L. pneumophila in a large Australian hospital. Typing of these isolates using sequence-based typing and virulence gene profiling, was unable to discriminate between outbreak and non-outbreak isolates. WGS analysis was performed on isolates during the outbreak, as well as on unlinked isolates from the Public Health Microbiology reference collection. The more powerful resolution provided by analysis of whole genome sequences allowed outbreak isolates to be distinguished from isolates that were temporally and spatially unassociated with the outbreak, demonstrating that this technology can be used in real-time to investigate L. pneumophila outbreaks.