bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WAGES, EMPLOYMENT, AND STATISTICAL DISCRIMINATION: EVIDENCE FROM THE LABORATORY
Authors: DICKINSON DAVID L. , OAXACA RONALD L.
Published: May 2014

We report results from laboratory experiments designed to examine statistical discrimination. Our design expands upon existing research by generating data both on wage contracts and unemployment rates of directly competing worker groups. We find some evidence for statistical wage discrimination against workers having an identical expected productivity but a higher productivity variance. However, those same subjects are less likely to be unemployed, suggesting that our employer‐subjects view hiring choice and wage contracts as substitutable. A clear implication is that field data discrimination estimates based on wages alone may overestimate the true impact of such discrimination. (JEL C90, J71)
WHICH JOURNAL RANKINGS BEST EXPLAIN ACADEMIC SALARIES? EVIDENCE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
Authors: GIBSON JOHN , ANDERSON DAVID L. , TRESSLER JOHN
Published: May 2014

The ranking of an academic journal is important to authors, universities, journal publishers, and research funders. Rankings are gaining prominence as countries adopt regular research assessment exercises that especially reward publication in high‐impact journals. Yet even within a rankings‐oriented discipline like economics there is no agreement on how aggressively lower‐ranked journals are down‐weighted and in how wide is the universe of journals considered. Moreover, since it is typically less costly for authors to cite superfluous references, whether of their own volition or prompted by editors, than it is to ignore relevant ones, rankings based on citations may be easily manipulated. In contrast, when the merits of publication in one journal or another are debated during hiring, promotion, and salary decisions, the evaluators are choosing over actions with costly consequences. We therefore look to the academic labor market, using data on economists in the University of California system to relate their lifetime publications in 700 different academic journals to salary. We test amongst various sets of journal rankings, and publication discount rates, to see which are most congruent with the returns implied by the academic labor market. (JEL A14, I23, J44)
Scaling analysis of soil water storage with missing measurements using the second‐generation continuous wavelet transform
Authors: Biswas A.
Published: May 2014

Information on the spatial variability of soil water storage (SWS) at different scales is important for understanding various hydrological, ecological and biogeochemical processes in the landscape. However, various obstructions such as roads or water bodies may result in missing measurements and create an irregular spatial series. The wavelet transform can quantify spatial variability at different scales and locations but is restricted to regular measurements. The objective of this study was to analyse the spatial variability of SWS with missing measurements using the second‐generation continuous wavelet transform (SGCWT). Soil water content (converted to SWS by multiplying with depth) was measured with a neutron probe and time‐domain reflectrometry along a transect of 128 points. Because there were missing measurements, I used SGCWT to partition the total variation into different scales and locations. Whilst there were some small‐scale variations (< 20 m) along the transect, the medium scale variations (20–70 m with an average of about 30–45 m) were mainly concentrated within the depressions along the transect. The strongest variations were observed at around 90–110 m scale, representing the variations resulting from alternating knolls and depressions. Similar spatial patterns at different scales were observed during different seasons, indicating temporal stability in the spatial pattern of SWS. Among the controlling factors, the wavelet spectra of relative elevation (RE) and organic carbon (OC) were very similar to that of SWS. The wavelet covariance was also large between SWS and RE and OC at all seasons. As the OC reflects the long‐term history of water availability and might be controlled by topographic setting or elevation, it can be concluded that elevation is an important controlling factor of SWS irrespective of seasons in this type of landscape. The SGCWT provides a new way of analysing the spatial variability of regularly measured soil properties or those with missing measurements.
Redox heterogeneity of subsurface waters in the Mesoproterozoic ocean
Authors: Sperling E. A. , Rooney A. D. , Hays L. , Sergeev V. N. , Vorob'eva N. G. , Sergeeva N. D. , Selby D. , Johnston D. T. , Knoll A. H.
Published: May 2014

A substantial body of evidence suggests that subsurface water masses in mid‐Proterozoic marine basins were commonly anoxic, either euxinic (sulfidic) or ferruginous (free ferrous iron). To further document redox variations during this interval, a multiproxy geochemical and paleobiological investigation was conducted on the approximately 1000‐m‐thick Mesoproterozoic (Lower Riphean) Arlan Member of the Kaltasy Formation, central Russia. Iron speciation geochemistry, supported by organic geochemistry, redox‐sensitive trace element abundances, and pyrite sulfur isotope values, indicates that basinal calcareous shales of the Arlan Member were deposited beneath an oxygenated water column, and consistent with this interpretation, eukaryotic microfossils are abundant in basinal facies. The Rhenium–Osmium (Re–Os) systematics of the Arlan shales yield depositional ages of 1414 ± 40 and 1427 ± 43 Ma for two horizons near the base of the succession, consistent with previously proposed correlations. The presence of free oxygen in a basinal environment adds an important end member to Proterozoic redox heterogeneity, requiring an explanation in light of previous data from time‐equivalent basins. Very low total organic carbon contents in the Arlan Member are perhaps the key—oxic deep waters are more likely (under any level of atmospheric O2) in oligotrophic systems with low export production. Documentation of a full range of redox heterogeneity in subsurface waters and the existence of local redox controls indicate that no single stratigraphic section or basin can adequately capture both the mean redox profile of Proterozoic oceans and its variance at any given point in time.
Heterogeneity of stromal cells in the human splenic white pulp. Fibroblastic reticulum cells, follicular dendritic cells and a third superficial stromal cell type
Authors: Steiniger Birte S. , Wilhelmi Verena , Seiler Anja , Lampp Katrin , Stachniss Vitus
Published: May 2014

At least three phenotypically and morphologically distinguishable types of branched stromal cells are revealed in the human splenic white pulp by subtractive immunohistological double‐staining. CD271 is expressed in fibroblastic reticulum cells of T‐cell zones and in follicular dendritic cells of follicles. In addition, there is a third CD271− and CD271+/− stromal cell population surrounding T‐cell zones and follicles. At the surface of follicles the third population consists of individually variable partially overlapping shells of stromal cells exhibiting CD90 (Thy‐1), MAdCAM‐1, CD105 (endoglin), CD141 (thrombomodulin) and smooth muscle α‐actin (SMA) with expression of CD90 characterizing the broadest shell and SMA the smallest. In addition, CXCL12, CXCL13 and CCL21 are also present in third‐population stromal cells and/or along fibres. Not only CD27+ and switched B lymphocytes, but also scattered IgD++ B lymphocytes and variable numbers of CD4+ T lymphocytes often occur close to the third stromal cell population or one of its subpopulations at the surface of the follicles. In contrast to human lymph nodes, neither podoplanin nor RANKL (CD254) were detected in adult human splenic white pulp stromal cells. The superficial stromal cells of the human splenic white pulp belong to a widespread cell type, which is also found at the surface of red pulp arterioles surrounded by a mixed T‐cell/B‐cell population. Superficial white pulp stromal cells differ from fibroblastic reticulum cells and follicular dendritic cells not only in humans, but apparently also in mice and perhaps in rats. However, the phenotype of white pulp stromal cells is species‐specific and more heterogeneous than described so far.
Gestational Weight Change in Women Attending a Group Antenatal Program Aimed at Addressing Obesity in Pregnancy in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Raymond Jane E. , Foureur Maralyn J. , Davis Deborah L.
Published: May 2014

Introduction

The prevalence of obesity in Australia among women of childbearing age has doubled over the past 2 decades. Obesity is associated with complications for women and their newborns during pregnancy and birth. Limiting gestational weight gain can reduce perinatal complications and postnatal weight retention, but evidence supporting interventions designed to assist obese pregnant women to manage their weight gain in pregnancy is inconclusive. The aim of this article is to describe the gestational weight change of a cohort of obese pregnant women enrolled in a group antenatal program aimed at assisting them to limit their weight gain in pregnancy to levels recommended by the US Institute of Medicine.

Methods

The program was jointly developed by 2 metropolitan maternity services in New South Wales, Australia. This is a descriptive study that presents select data for women enrolled in the program. Body mass index (BMI), prepregnancy weight, last pregnancy weight, and selected clinical outcomes were recorded for 82 obese women enrolled in the program during the evaluation period of 14 months. Data were analyzed using nonparametric tests: the chi‐square and the Mann‐Whitney U tests.

Results

Parity was associated with prepregnancy BMI, with women of higher parity having higher BMIs. Women with higher BMIs had a significantly lower gestational weight gain than women with lower BMIs. Overall, 27% of women enrolled in the program gained the recommended 5 to 9 kg, 27% gained less than this amount, and 46% gained more.

Discussion

Evidence supporting interventions designed to assist obese pregnant women to manage their weight gain in pregnancy is lacking. This innovative, collaborative program shows promise, as early results compare favorably with international comparisons.
The 2011 expedition to the El'gygytgyn impact structure, Northeast Russia: Toward a new geological map for the crater area
Authors: Raschke Ulli , Zaag Patrice Tristan , Schmitt Ralf Thomas , Reimold Wolf Uwe
Published: May 2014

El'gygytgyn is a 3.6 Ma, 18 km diameter, impact crater formed in an approximately 88 Ma old volcanic target in Northeast Siberia. The structure has been the subject of a recent ICDP drilling project. In parallel to those efforts, a Russian‐German expedition was undertaken in summer 2011 to investigate the permafrost soil, lake terraces, and the volcanic rocks of the southern and eastern crater rim. This provided the unique opportunity for mapping and sampling of the volcanic target rocks around a large part of this complex impact structure. Samples from 43 outcrops were collected and analyzed petrographically and geochemically. The results were combined with earlier mapping outcomes to create a new geological map of this impact structure and its immediate environs, at the scale of 1:50,000. Compositions of our rock suites are compared with the lithologies of the 2009 ICDP drill core. The ignimbrite described as lower bedrock in the ICDP drill core shows petrographically and chemically strong similarities to the rhyolitic and rhyodacitic ignimbrites observed on surface. The suevite sequence exposed in the ICDP drill core is a mixture of all observed target rocks at their respective proportions in the area. In contrast to previous studies, the calculated average target composition of El'gygytgyn takes the contribution of the basic target rocks into consideration: mafic and intermediate rocks approximately 7.5%, and felsic rocks approximately 92.5%.
Prucalopride decreases esophageal acid exposure and accelerates gastric emptying in healthy subjects
Authors: Kessing B. F. , Smout A. J. P. M. , Bennink R. J. , Kraaijpoel N. , Oors J. M. , Bredenoord A. J.
Published: May 2014

Background

The 5‐HT4 receptor agonist prucalopride is a prokinetic drug which improves colonic motility. Animal data and in vitro studies suggest that prucalopride also affects gastric and esophageal motor function. We aimed to assess the effect of prucalopride on gastric emptying, esophageal motility, and gastro‐esophageal reflux in man.

Methods

In this double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized, crossover study, we included 21 healthy volunteers who received 4 mg prucalopride or placebo per day for 6 days. We performed high‐resolution manometry (HRM) followed by 120‐min HRM‐pH‐impedance monitoring after a standardized meal, ambulatory 24‐h pH‐impedance monitoring, and gastric emptying for solids.

Key Results

Prucalopride decreased (median [IQR]) total acid exposure time (3.4 [2.5–5.6] vs 1.7 [0.8–3.5] %, p < 0.05). The total number of reflux events was unaffected by prucalopride, however, the number of reflux events extending to the proximal esophagus was reduced by prucalopride (15.5 [9.8–25.5] vs 10.5 [5.3–17.5], p < 0.05). Furthermore, prucalopride improved acid clearance time (77.5 [47.8–108.8] vs 44.0 [30.0–67.8] s, p < 0.05). Prucalopride did not affect the number of transient lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxations or their association with reflux events. Esophageal motility and basal pressure of the LES were not affected by prucalopride. Prucalopride increased gastric emptying (T1/2; 32.7 [27.9–44.6] vs 49.8 [37.7–55.0] min, p < 0.05) and decreased residue after 120 min (8.8 [4.4–14.8] vs 2.7 [1.3–5.4] %, p < 0.05).

Conclusions & Inferences

Prucalopride reduces esophageal acid exposure and accelerates gastric emptying in healthy male volunteers. These findings suggest that the drug could be effective for treatment of patients with reflux disease and functional dyspepsia.
A Systematic Review of Systemic Medications for Pustular Psoriasis in Pediatrics
Authors: Posso‐De Los Rios Claudia J. , Pope Elena , Lara‐Corrales Irene
Published: May 2014

There is lack of information and evidence‐based studies on the treatment of pediatric pustular psoriasis. Previous reports have emphasized the limitations of the existing data and encouraged the exploration of therapy optimization through more structured research. The objective of the current study was to perform a systematic review of systemic interventions for pediatric pustular psoriasis with an emphasis on clinical response and treatment outcomes. A systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed and Embase databases from 1982 to 2012. Of 632 references identified, 14 met our inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. A cohort of eight patients from the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada, was also included. Information was limited to systemic treatments in children. Only English‐ and Spanish‐language articles were included. Information was gathered from 24 patients, 22 of whom (92%) presented with generalized pustular psoriasis and 2 (8%) with acral distribution. The mean age at presentation was 6.3 ± 4.9 years. More than one intervention was required in 12 (50%) cases. The most common therapies used for generalized pustular psoriasis were acitretin, cyclosporine, and methotrexate. We identified that there is lack of information regarding long‐term response to systemic drugs because the data were focused on treatment initiation. Treatment of pustular psoriasis in pediatrics is challenging. Although acitretin, methotrexate, and cyclosporine seem to control generalized pustular psoriasis within 3 months of therapy initiation, information on long‐term follow‐up is lacking. Furthermore, physicians may encounter difficulties after discontinuing or tapering medications.
Pediatric Mycosis Fungoides in Singapore: A Series of 46 Children
Authors: Heng Yee Kiat , Koh Mark Jean Aan , Giam Yoke Chin , Tang Mark Boon Yang , Chong Wei Sheng , Tan Suat Hoon
Published: May 2014

Few studies have evaluated Asian children with mycosis fungoides (MF). We report a series of patients from a tertiary dermatologic institution in Singapore. A retrospective review was performed of patients younger than 16 years old diagnosed with MF between 2000 and 2008 at the National Skin Centre, Singapore. Forty‐six patients were identified. At initial presentation, a provisional diagnosis of MF was made in 19 patients (41.3%), pityriasis lichenoides chronica (PLC) in 11 (23.9%) and postinflammatory hypopigmentation due to eczema or other causes in 11 (23.9%). After skin biopsy, the hypopigmented variant of MF was diagnosed in 42 patients (91.3%). There was one case each of PLC‐like MF, pigmented purpuric dermatosis‐like MF, classic MF, and solitary MF. Pityriasis lichenoides coexisted in three cases (6.5%). All except one patient presented with the early patch‐plaque stage of disease (stage IA/B). The disease did not progress in any of our patients after a mean follow‐up of 71.0 ± 52.5 months. Twenty‐seven patients (58.7%) had complete disease clearance after a mean duration of 27.1 ± 28.1 months; 15 (49.7%) of 32 patients who received narrowband ultraviolet B treatment had complete clearance within an average of 8.9 ± 5.3 months, but 7 patients relapsed within 14.9 ± 14.8 months. One patient with solitary MF failed multiple treatment modalities before eventually achieving disease clearance with photodynamic therapy. Hypopigmented MF is the most common MF variant in Asian children. The diagnostic difficulty is in differentiating this from PLC, which may coexist with MF. Long‐term prognosis is generally favorable.
Russian populations of Puccinia triticina in distant regions are not differentiated for virulence and molecular genotype
Authors: Kolmer J. A. , Kabdulova M. G. , Mustafina M. A. , Zhemchuzhina N. S. , Dubovoy V.
Published: May 2014

The objective of this study was to determine whether genetically distinct groups of Puccinia triticina are present in four regions of the Russian Federation. Collections of P. triticina were obtained from the Central, North Caucasus, Volga and West Siberia regions from 2006 to 2010. Ninety‐nine single uredinial isolates were tested for virulence phenotype with 20 Thatcher near‐isogenic lines of wheat. Forty‐one virulence phenotypes were found in the four regions, with eight in common between the widely separated Central and West Siberia regions. A total of 72 isolates were tested for molecular genotype with 23 simple sequence repeat (SSR) primer pairs, and 66 isolates were used for further analysis after clone correction for virulence and molecular genotype. Analysis of variation showed no overall differentiation of SSR genotypes or virulence phenotypes based on region of origin. Linkage disequilibria for SSR genotypes were high across the entire population. The regional populations had higher than expected levels of allelic heterozygosity that indicated clonal reproduction. Based on cluster analysis of SSR genotypes there were two groups of P. triticina isolates that were widely distributed across Russia. The two SSR groups also differed significantly for virulence. Puccinia triticina may be dispersed from a common source of inoculum in the European or Caucasus regions of Russia. The Russian P. triticina populations were highly differentiated for SSR genotype from populations in Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan and more similar to populations from southern Kazakhstan and northern Kazakhstan.
Geography and Gender: Variation in the Gender Earnings Ratio Across U.S. States*
Authors: Hoffman Saul D.
Published: May 2014

Objectives

The gender earnings ratio for year‐round full‐time (YRFT) workers varies substantially across U.S. states, with a range of 24 percentage points. I examine the sources of this variation to assess to what extent it reflects compositional differences by gender that vary across state and/or nonneutral effects of state of residence on gender earnings.

Methods

Using CPS data, I estimate earnings models for men and women that incorporate state fixed effects in addition to standard human capital and demographic variables. I use those estimates to compute unadjusted and regression‐adjusted estimates of the impact of state residence on the gender earnings ratio.

Results

I find that nonneutral gender‐specific state effects on earnings exist even after controlling for other determinants of earnings and that state of residence appears, therefore, to have a genuine effect on the gender earnings ratio. I also find that states with particularly low overall gender earnings ratios have consistently low ratios even within quite detailed education and occupation categories.

Conclusions

Variation in the gender earnings ratio for YRFT workers across states is not simply a result of compositional differences. It is unclear, however, what policy instruments or other factors account for these differences.
Heat Transfer From a Wedge to Fluids at Any Prandtl Number Using the Asymptotic Model
Authors: Awad M. M.
Published: May 2014

Heat transfer from a wedge to fluids at any Prandtl number can be predicted using the asymptotic model. In the asymptotic model, the dependent parameter Nux/Rex1/2 has two asymptotes. The first asymptote is Nux/Rex1/2Pr→0 that corresponds to very small value of the independent parameter Pr. The second asymptote is Nux/Rex1/2Pr→∞, that corresponds to very large value of the independent parameter Pr. The proposed model uses a concave downward asymptotic correlation method to develop a robust compact model. The solution has two general cases. The first case is β ≠ −0.198838. The second case is the special case of separated wedge flow (β = −0.198838) where the surface shear stress is zero, but the heat transfer rate is not zero. The reason for this division is Nux/Rex1/2 ∼ Pr1/3 for Pr ⪢ 1 in the first case while Nux/Rex1/2 ∼ Pr1/4 for Pr ⪢ 1 in the second case. In the first case, there are only two common examples of the wedge flow in practice. The first common example is the flow over a flat plate at zero incidence with constant external velocity, known as Blasius flow and corresponds to β = 0. The second common example is the two-dimensional stagnation flow, known as Hiemenez flow and corresponds to β = 1 (wedge half-angle 90 deg). Using the methods discussed by Churchill and Usagi (1972, “General Expression for the Correlation of Rates of Transfer and Other Phenomena,” AIChE J., 18(6), pp. 1121–1128), the fitting parameter in the proposed model for both isothermal wedges and uniform-flux wedges can be determined.
Target small firms for antibiotic innovation
Authors: Hwang Thomas J. , Carpenter Daniel , Kesselheim Aaron S.
Published: May 2014

Once in clinical trials, antibiotics are more likely to survive than drugs in other classes
Impact of Antimicrobial Stewardship Intervention on Coagulase-Negative Staphylococcus Blood Cultures in Conjunction with Rapid Diagnostic Testing
Authors: Nagel Jerod L. , Huang Angela M. , Kunapuli Anjly , Gandhi Tejal N. , Washer Laraine L. , Lassiter Jessica , Patel Twisha , Newton Duane W.
Published: May 2014

Rapid diagnostic testing with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight (MALDI-TOF) decreases the time to organism identification by 24 to 36 h compared to the amount of time required by conventional methods. However, there are limited data evaluating the impact of MALDI-TOF with real-time antimicrobial stewardship team (AST) review and intervention on antimicrobial prescribing and outcomes for patients with bacteremia and blood cultures contaminated with coagulase-negative
Staphylococcus
(CoNS). A quasiexperimental study was conducted to analyze the impact of rapid diagnostic testing with MALDI-TOF plus AST review and intervention for adult hospitalized patients with blood cultures positive for CoNS. Antibiotic prescribing patterns and clinical outcomes were compared before and after implementation of MALDI-TOF with AST intervention for patients with CoNS bacteremia and CoNS contamination. A total of 324 patients with a positive CoNS blood culture were included; 246 were deemed to have contaminated cultures (117 in the preintervention group and 129 in AST the intervention group), and 78 patients had bacteremia (46 in the preintervention group and 32 in the AST intervention group). No differences in demographics were seen between the groups, and similar rates of contamination occurred between the preintervention and AST intervention groups (64.3% versus 72.6%,
P
= 0.173). Patients with bacteremia were initiated on optimal therapy sooner in the AST intervention group (58.7 versus 34.4 h,
P
= 0.030), which was associated with a similarly decreased mortality (21.7% versus 3.1%,
P
= 0.023). Patients with CoNS-contaminated cultures had similar rates of mortality, lengths of hospitalization, recurrent bloodstream infections, and 30-day hospital readmissions, but the AST intervention group had a decreased duration of unnecessary antibiotic therapy (1.31 versus 3.89 days,
P
= 0.032) and a decreased number of vancomycin trough assays performed (0.88 versus 1.95,
P
< 0.001). In patients with CoNS bacteremia, rapid pathogen identification integrated with real-time stewardship interventions improved timely organism identification and initiation of antibiotic therapy. Patients in the AST group with blood cultures contaminated with CoNS had decreased inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing and decreased unnecessary serum vancomycin trough assays.
A Rapid and High-Throughput Screening Approach for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Based on the Combination of Two Different Real-Time PCR Assays
Authors: Nijhuis Roel H. T. , van Maarseveen Noortje M. , van Hannen Erik J. , van Zwet Anton A. , Mascini Ellen M.
Published: May 2014

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) is an important pathogen that has been responsible for major nosocomial epidemics worldwide. For infection control programs, rapid and adequate detection of MRSA is of great importance. We developed a rapid and high-throughput molecular screening approach that consists of an overnight selective broth enrichment, followed by
mecA
,
mecC
, and
S. aureus
-specific (SA442 gene) real-time PCR assays, with subsequent confirmation using a staphylococcal cassette chromosome
mec
element (SCC
mec
)-
orfX
-based real-time PCR assay (GeneOhm MRSA assay) and culture. Here, the results of the screening approach over a 2-year period are presented. During this period, a total of 13,387 samples were analyzed for the presence of MRSA, 2.6% of which were reported as MRSA positive. No MRSA isolates carrying the
mecC
gene were detected during this study. Based on the results of the real-time PCR assays only, 95.2% of the samples could be reported as negative within 24 h. Furthermore, the performance of these real-time PCR assays was evaluated using a set of 104 assorted MRSA isolates, which demonstrated high sensitivity for both the combination of
mecA
and
mecC
with SA442 and the BD GeneOhm MRSA assay (98.1% and 97.1%, respectively). This molecular screening approach proved to be an accurate method for obtaining reliable negative results within 24 h after arrival at the laboratory and contributes to improvement of infection control programs, especially in areas with a low MRSA prevalence.
Defective Viral Genomes: Critical Danger Signals of Viral Infections
Authors: López Carolina B.
Published: May 2014

Viruses efficiently block the host antiviral response in order to replicate and spread before host intervention. The mechanism initiating antiviral immunity during stealth viral replication is unknown, but recent data demonstrate that defective viral genomes generated at peak virus replication are critical for this process
in vivo
. This article summarizes the supporting evidence and highlights gaps in our understanding of the mechanisms and impact of immunostimulatory defective viral genomes generated during natural infections.
Dependence of Coronavirus RNA Replication on an NH
2
-Terminal Partial Nonstructural Protein 1 in
cis
Authors: Su Yu-Pin , Fan Yi-Hsin , Brian David A.
Published: May 2014

Genomes of positive (+)-strand RNA viruses use
cis
-acting signals to direct both translation and replication. Here we examine two 5′-proximal
cis
-replication signals of different character in a defective interfering (DI) RNA of the bovine coronavirus (BCoV) that map within a 322-nucleotide (nt) sequence (136 nt from the genomic 5′ untranslated region and 186 nt from the nonstructural protein 1 [nsp1]-coding region) not found in the otherwise-identical nonreplicating subgenomic mRNA7 (sgmRNA7). The natural DI RNA is structurally a fusion of the two ends of the BCoV genome that results in a single open reading frame between a partial nsp1-coding region and the entire N gene. (i) In the first examination, mutation analyses of a recently discovered long-range RNA-RNA base-paired structure between the 5′ untranslated region and the partial nsp1-coding region showed that it, possibly in concert with adjacent stem-loops, is a
cis
-acting replication signal in the (+) strand. We postulate that the higher-order structure promotes (+)-strand synthesis. (ii) In the second examination, analyses of multiple frame shifts, truncations, and point mutations within the partial nsp1-coding region showed that synthesis of a PEFP core amino acid sequence within a group A lineage betacoronavirus-conserved NH
2
-proximal WAPEFPWM domain is required in
cis
for DI RNA replication. We postulate that the nascent protein, as part of an RNA-associated translating complex, acts to direct the DI RNA to a critical site, enabling RNA replication. We suggest that these results have implications for viral genome replication and explain, in part, why coronavirus sgmRNAs fail to replicate.

IMPORTANCE
cis
-Acting RNA and protein structures that regulate (+)-strand RNA virus genome synthesis are potential sites for blocking virus replication. Here we describe two: a previously suspected 5′-proximal long-range higher-order RNA structure and a novel nascent NH
2
-terminal protein component of nsp1 that are common among betacoronaviruses of group A lineage.
Streptococcusviridians bacteraemia and colonic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Mulita Avenir , Ajayi Tokunbo
Published: May 2014

Even thoughStreptococcusbacteraemia is an infrequent presentation of colonic malignancies, there is a well-established link betweenStreptococcus bovisbacteraemia and colonic malignancies. Most of the physicians are well aware of this correlation and further workup is pursued in most of the cases. However, many physicians may not be aware that other species ofStreptococcusviridians, other thanS. bovis, can be associated with colonic malignancies. In this case report, we present a case ofStreptococcusviridians (anginosus) bacteraemia as a complication of an undiagnosed sigmoid adenocarcinoma. While further evidence is needed to warrant a gastrointestinal (GI) workup in a patient with other species ofStreptococcusviridians bacteraemia, we would like to increase the awareness in the physicians’ community regardingStreptococcusviridians, other thanS. bovisbacteraemia. This would be especially relevant for patients who have no GI screening, asStreptococcusviridians bacteraemia can be an early sign of colonic neoplasm.
Evaluating a website to teach children safety with dogs
Authors: Schwebel David C , McClure Leslie A , Severson Joan
Published: May 2014

Background

Paediatric dog bites are a significant public health problem worldwide. Existing prevention programmes focused on altering children's risky behaviour with pet dogs tend to be atheoretical and only moderately effective.

Objective

Test efficacy of a website to train young children in relevant cognitive skills to be safe with pet dogs in their home.

Setting

Birmingham, Alabama, USA.

Methods

A randomised trial will be conducted with an expected sample of two groups of 34 children (total N=68) ages 4–6 years. One group will engage in the newly designed website at home for 2 weeks and the other group will engage in a control website on transportation safety for an equivalent amount of time. All participants will complete a battery of laboratory-based tests to assess safety with dogs and cognitive functioning at baseline and postintervention.

Outcome measures

Primary analyses will be conducted through linear mixed models testing change over time. Children's cognitive functioning, knowledge about safety with dogs, and behaviour with dogs in simulation and in vivo will serve as the primary outcomes.

Clinical trial registration

This study is exempt from registry at the US government website,http://www.clinicaltrials.gov, based on being a behavioural trial in the early phases of testing.
Structural and optical properties of thermally evaporated Ga–In–Se thin films
Authors: Işik Mehmet , Güllü Hasan Hüseyin
Published: May 2014

In this paper, structural and optical properties of Ga – In – Se (GIS) thin films deposited by thermal evaporation technique have been investigated. The effect of annealing was also studied for samples annealed at temperatures between 300°C and 500°C. X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray analysis and scanning electron microscopy have been used for structural characterization. It was reported that increase of annealing temperature results with better crystallization and chemical composition of the films were almost same. Optical properties of the films were studied by transmission measurements in the wavelength range of 320–1100 nm. The direct bandgap transitions with energies in the range of 1.52 eV and 1.65 eV were revealed for the investigated GIS films. Photon energy dependence of absorption coefficient showed that there exist three distinct transition regions for films annealed at 400°C and 500°C. The quasicubic model was applied for these transitions to calculate crystal-field splitting and spin-orbit splitting energy values.
Direct writing of three-dimensional woodpile BaTiO3 structures
Authors: Li Jijiao , Li Bo , Wu Hongya , Zhou Ji
Published: May 2014

Barium titanate ( BaTiO 3) woodpile structures with designed, three-dimensional (3D) geometry have been fabricated by direct-writing assembly techniques. Concentrated BaTiO 3 inks with suitable rheological properties were prepared to enable the fabrication of the complex 3D structures. It was demonstrated that BaTiO 3 inks with a total solids volume fraction of 0.41 are shear thinning and have a high storage modulus 1 × 105 Pa with a yield stress of 300 Pa. Additionally, the woodpile lattice structures exhibited an excellent self-supporting feature.
Effective stress history and the potential for seismicity associated with hydraulic fracturing of shale reservoirs
Authors: Harper T. R.
Published: May 2014

The influence of effective stress history on reservoir stability and the response to hydraulic fracturing are simulated for two hypothetical shale reservoirs. It is numerically demonstrated that the effective stress history influences the present-day stability of faults and natural fractures. Any assumption of a homogeneous stress state is shown to be unrealistic in the majority of fractured shale reservoirs. The simulations demonstrate that, depending upon the effective stress history, shear displacements can be induced by stress changes associated with stimulation without a change of fluid pressure in the destabilized fractures. Elastoplastic shale and other fractured reservoirs are shown to have a memory of past geomechanical states. These numerical findings demonstrate the value of interpreting reservoir effective stress history when planning fluid injection. A previous case history is summarized to illustrate the overwhelming dependence of stress history analyses on a wide spectrum of earth science disciplines. It also illustrates the application of stress history analyses to activities other than hydraulic fracturing. The current inexperience of effective stress history description means that new approaches must be identified to optimize the necessary multidisciplinary investigations.

Supplementary material:

Details of the simulations are available at
www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18743
.
Strychnine-sensitive glycine receptors on pyramidal neurons in layers II/III of the mouse prefrontal cortex are tonically activated
Authors: Salling Michael C. , Harrison Neil L.
Published: May 2014

Processing of signals within the cerebral cortex requires integration of synaptic inputs and a coordination between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission. In addition to the classic form of synaptic inhibition, another important mechanism that can regulate neuronal excitability is tonic inhibition via sustained activation of receptors by ambient levels of inhibitory neurotransmitter, usually GABA. The purpose of this study was to determine whether this occurs in layer II/III pyramidal neurons (PNs) in the prelimbic region of the mouse medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). We found that these neurons respond to exogenous GABA and to the α4δ-containing GABAA receptor (GABAAR)-selective agonist gaboxadol, consistent with the presence of extrasynaptic GABAAR populations. Spontaneous and miniature synaptic currents were blocked by the GABAAR antagonist gabazine and had fast decay kinetics, consistent with typical synaptic GABAARs. Very few layer II/III neurons showed a baseline current shift in response to gabazine, but almost all showed a current shift (15–25 pA) in response to picrotoxin. In addition to being a noncompetitive antagonist at GABAARs, picrotoxin also blocks homomeric glycine receptors (GlyRs). Application of the GlyR antagonist strychnine caused a modest but consistent shift (∼15 pA) in membrane current, without affecting spontaneous synaptic events, consistent with the tonic activation of GlyRs. Further investigation showed that these neurons respond in a concentration-dependent manner to glycine and taurine. Inhibition of glycine transporter 1 (GlyT1) with sarcosine resulted in an inward current and an increase of the strychnine-sensitive current. Our data demonstrate the existence of functional GlyRs in layer II/III of the mPFC and a role for these receptors in tonic inhibition that can have an important influence on mPFC excitability and signal processing.
Threshold Accepting Heuristic for Fair Flow Optimization in Wireless Mesh Networks
Authors: Hurkała Jarosław , Śliwiński Tomasz
Published: May 2014

Developing effective, fairness-preserving optimization algorithms is of considerable importance in systems which serve many users. In this paper we show the results of the threshold accepting procedure applied to extremely difficult problem of fair resource allocation in wireless mesh networks (WMN). The fairness is modeled by allowing preferences with regard to distribution of Internet traffic between network participants. As aggregation operator we utilize weighted ordered weighted averaging (WOWA). In the underlaying optimization problem, the physical medium properties cause strong interference among simultaneously operating node devices, leading to nonlinearities in the mixed-integer pricing subproblem. That is where the threshold accepting procedure is applied. We show that, the threshold accepting heuristic performs much better than the widely utilized simulated annealing algorithm.
A Unique Case of Cardiac Arrest following K2 Abuse
Authors: Ibrahim Saif , Al-Saffar Farah , Wannenburg Thomas
Published: May 2014

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) accounts for up to 450,000 deaths every year in the United States (Zipes et al. (2006)). Most cases of sudden cardiac death occur in subjects with no prior history of heart disease (Myerburg et al. (1998)). The incidence of sudden death in a general population has been shown to increase contemporaneously with substance abuse (Phillips et al. (1999)). The causative association of sudden death with cocaine, methadone, and volatile agents is well established (Adgey et al. (1995) and Isner et al. (1986)). We describe a case of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest temporally related to abuse of the synthetic cannabinoid street drug known as K2. To our knowledge, there are no previously documented cases of sudden cardiac death associated with synthetic cannabinoids although they have been linked to myocardial infarction in teenagers despite normal coronary angiography (Mir et al. (2011)).
A New Measure of Decompression Sickness in the Rat
Authors: Buzzacott Peter , Mazur Aleksandra , Wang Qiong , Lambrechts Kate , Theron Michael , Mansourati Jacques , Guerrero François
Published: May 2014

In this study we assessed the reliability of a tilting-board grip score as a measure of decompression sickness in rats. In experiments using a hyperbaric compression/decompression protocol, rats were observed for signs of decompression sickness and their grip strength measured on a tilting particle board hinged to a metal frame. Angles at which rats lost grip were converted to gravitational vectors. Decreased mean grip scores following decompression were fitted to a logistic regression model with strain, age, and weight. Decrease in grip score was significantly associated with observed decompression sickness (P=0.0036). The log odds ratio for decompression sickness = 1.40 (decrease in grip score). In rats with no decrease in mean grip score there was a 50% probability of decompression sickness (pDCS). This increased steadily with decreases in mean grip score. A decrease of 0.3 had a 60% pDCS, a decrease of 0.6 had a 70% pDCS, and a decrease of 2.1 had a 95% pDCS. The tilting board grip score is a reliable measure of the probability of decompression sickness.
A Component-Based Modeling and Validation Method for PLC Systems
Authors: Wang Rui , Guan Yong , Zhou Min , Zhang Jie , Song Xiaoyu
Published: May 2014

Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are complex embedded systems that are widely used in industry. This paper presents a component-based modeling and validation method for PLC systems using the behavior-interaction-priority (BIP) framework. We designed a general system architecture and a component library for a type of device control system. The control software and hardware of the environment were all modeled as BIP components. System requirements were formalized as monitors. Simulation was carried out to validate the system model. A realistic example from industry of the gates control system was employed to illustrate our strategies. We found a couple of design errors during the simulation, which helped us to improve the dependability of the original systems. The results of experiment demonstrated the effectiveness of our approach.
Influence of Sanitizers on the Lipopolysaccharide Toxicity ofEscherichia coliStrains Cultivated in the Presence ofZygosaccharomyces bailii
Authors: Mogotsi Lerato , De Smidt Olga , Venter Pierre , Groenewald Willem
Published: May 2014

The influence of sublethal concentrations of two sanitizers, liquid iodophor and liquid hypochlorite (LH), on the growth rates and toxicity of food-borne pathogenicEscherichia colistrains grown in the presence of spoilage yeastZygosaccharomyces bailiiwas assessed. When grown in combination withZ. bailiibothE. coliO113 andE. coliO26 exhibited slower growth rates, except whenE. coliO113 was grown in combination withZ. bailiiat 0.2% LH. The growth rate ofZ. bailiiwas not impacted by the addition of the sanitizers or by communal growth withE. colistrains. LAL and IL-6 results indicated a decrease in toxicity of pureE. colicultures with comparable profiles for control and sanitizer exposed samples, although the LAL assay proved to be more sensitive. Interestingly, pure cultures ofZ. bailiishowed increased toxicity measured by LAL and decreased toxicity measured by IL-6. LAL analysis showed a decrease in toxicity of bothE. colistrains grown in combination withZ. bailii, while IL-6 analysis of the mixed cultures showed an increase in toxicity. The use of LAL for toxicity determination in a mixed culture overlooks the contribution made by spoilage yeast, thus demonstrating the importance of using the appropriate method for toxicity testing in mixed microbe environments.
Support Vector Regression-Based Adaptive Divided Difference Filter for Nonlinear State Estimation Problems
Authors: Wang Hongjian , Xu Jinlong , Zhang Aihua , Li Cun , Yao Hongfei
Published: May 2014

We present a support vector regression-based adaptive divided difference filter (SVRADDF) algorithm for improving the low state estimation accuracy of nonlinear systems, which are typically affected by large initial estimation errors and imprecise prior knowledge of process and measurement noises. The derivative-free SVRADDF algorithm is significantly simpler to compute than other methods and is implemented using only functional evaluations. The SVRADDF algorithm involves the use of the theoretical and actual covariance of the innovation sequence. Support vector regression (SVR) is employed to generate the adaptive factor to tune the noise covariance at each sampling instant when the measurement update step executes, which improves the algorithm’s robustness. The performance of the proposed algorithm is evaluated by estimating states for (i) an underwater nonmaneuvering target bearing-only tracking system and (ii) maneuvering target bearing-only tracking in an air-traffic control system. The simulation results show that the proposed SVRADDF algorithm exhibits better performance when compared with a traditional DDF algorithm.
Traditional Formula, Modern Application: Chinese Medicine Formula Sini Tang Improves Early Ventricular Remodeling and Cardiac Function after Myocardial Infarction in Rats
Authors: Liu Jiangang , Peter Karoline , Shi Dazhuo , Zhang Lei , Dong Guoju , Zhang Dawu , Breiteneder Heimo , Jakowitsch Johannes , Ma Yan
Published: May 2014

Sini Tang (SNT) is a traditional Chinese herbal formula consisting of four different herbs: the root of Aconitum carmichaelii, the bark of Cinnamomum cassia, the rhizome of Zingiber officinale, and the root of Glycyrrhiza uralensis. This study aims to evaluate the improvement of early ventricular remodeling and cardiac function in myocardial infarction (MI) rats by SNT. A MI model was established by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Following treatment for 4 weeks, ultrasonic echocardiography was performed. Myocardial histopathological changes were observed using haematoxylin and eosin staining. Collagens (type I and type III), transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1), and Toll‐like receptors (TLR‐2 and TLR‐4) were measured in plasma, serum, and myocardial tissue. SNT treatment decreased the infarct size, the left ventricular cavity area/heart cavity area ratio, and the left ventricle dimension at end systole and increased the left ventricular ejection fraction. SNT reduced the levels of TLR‐2 and TLR‐4 in myocardial tissue significantly and decreased the collagens content in serum and in myocardial tissue. SNT could partially reduce the level of TGF‐β1 in serum and in myocardial tissue. Our data suggest that the Chinese medicine formula SNT has the potential to improve early ventricular remodeling and cardiac function after MI.