bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Model of Dog Mast Cell Tumor Treated by Electrochemotherapy
Authors: Suzuki Daniela O.H. , Anselmo Jânio , de Oliveira Krishna D. , Freytag Jennifer O. , Rangel Marcelo M.M. , Marques Jefferson L.B. , Ramos Airton
Published: July 2014

Electrochemotherapy is a combination of high electric field and anticancer drugs. The treatment basis is electroporation or electropermeabilization of the cell membrane. Electroporation is a threshold phenomenon and, for efficient treatment, an adequate local distribution of electric field within the treated tissue is important. When this local electric field is not enough, there is a regrown tumor cell; however, if it is stronger than necessary, permanent damage to the tissue occurs. In the treatment of dogs, electrochemotherapy is not yet an established treatment for mast cell tumor in veterinary medicine, although there are studies showing evidence of its effectiveness. In this study, we examined electrochemotherapy of dog mast cell tumor with numerical simulation of local electric field distribution. The experimental result was used to validate the numerical models. The effect of tumor position and tissue thickness (tumor in different parts of dog body) was investigated using plate electrodes. Our results demonstrated that the electrochemotherapy is efficient and flexible, and even when the tumor extends into the subcutis, the treatment with plate electrode eliminated the tumor cells. This result suggests that electrochemotherapy is a suitable method to treat mast cell tumors in dog.
Early predictors of severe acetaminophen‐induced hepatotoxicity in a paediatric population referred to a tertiary paediatric department
Authors: Hedeland Rikke Lindgaard , Andersen Jesper , Askbo Natasha , Iskandar Amne , Jørgensen Marianne Hørby
Published: July 2014

Aim

The data on severe acetaminophen‐induced hepatotoxicity in children are very limited. This study explored the dose–response relationship between ingested acetaminophen and hepatotoxicity, the early biochemical and clinical predictors of hepatotoxicity, the impact of early N‐acetylcysteine treatment on hepatotoxicity and the incidence of nephrotoxicity.

Methods

We carried out a retrospective case study on 25 children aged 11–16 years with severe acetaminophen poisoning.

Results

Initial biochemical parameters predicted hepatotoxicity, defined as the maximum levels of the international normalised ratio (INR) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Significant relationships were found between: (1) the maximal INR and, for example, the initial bilirubin (p = 0.0003) and initial phosphate (p = 0.003), (2) the maximal ALT and, for example, the initial INR (p = 0.0003) and initial creatinine (p = 0.002), (3) the number of prehospital vomiting episodes and, for example, the maximal INR (p = 0.013) and maximum ALT (p = 0.0005) and (4) the time of N‐acetylcysteine initiation and, for example, maximum ALT (p = 0.001) and maximum gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) (p = 0.007). The incidence of nephrotoxicity was 12%. There was no significant relationship between the amount of ingested acetaminophen and the degree of hepatotoxicity.

Conclusion

Paediatric patients at increased risk of severe hepatotoxicity were identified by early biochemical parameters, prehospital vomiting episodes and latency time before N‐acetylcysteine initiation.
Specific Interaction between Mycobacterium tuberculosis Lipoprotein‐derived Peptides and Target Cells Inhibits Mycobacterial Entry In Vitro
Authors: Ocampo Marisol , Curtidor Hernando , Vanegas Magnolia , Patarroyo Manuel A. , Patarroyo Manuel E.
Published: July 2014

Tuberculosis (TB) continues being one of the diseases having the greatest mortality rates around the world, 8.7 million cases having been reported in 2011. An efficient vaccine against TB having a great impact on public health is an urgent need. Usually, selecting antigens for vaccines has been based on proteins having immunogenic properties for patients suffering TB and having had promising results in mice and non‐human primates. Our approach has been based on a functional approach involving the pathogen–host interaction in the search for antigens to be included in designing an efficient, minimal, subunit‐based anti‐TB vaccine. This means that Mycobacterium tuberculosis has mainly been involved in studies and that lipoproteins represent an important kind of protein on the cell envelope which can also contribute towards this pathogen's virulence. This study has assessed the expression of four lipoproteins from M. tuberculosis H37Rv, that is, Rv1411c (LprG), Rv1911c (LppC), Rv2270 (LppN) and Rv3763 (LpqH), and the possible biological activity of peptides derived from these. Five peptides were found for these proteins which had high specific binding to both alveolar A549 epithelial cells and U937 monocyte‐derived macrophages which were able to significantly inhibit mycobacterial entry to these cells in vitro.
Two‐year‐old children but not domestic dogs understand communicative intentions without language, gestures, or gaze
Authors: Moore Richard , Mueller Bettina , Kaminski Juliane , Tomasello Michael
Published: July 2014

Infants can see someone pointing to one of two buckets and infer that the toy they are seeking is hidden inside. Great apes do not succeed in this task, but, surprisingly, domestic dogs do. However, whether children and dogs understand these communicative acts in the same way is not yet known. To test this possibility, an experimenter did not point, look, or extend any part of her body towards either bucket, but instead lifted and shook one via a centrally pulled rope. She did this either intentionally or accidentally, and did or did not address her act to the subject using ostensive cues. Young 2‐year‐old children but not dogs understood the experimenter's act in intentional conditions. While ostensive pulling of the rope made no difference to children's success, it actually hindered dogs' performance. We conclude that while human children may be capable of inferring communicative intent from a wide variety actions, so long as these actions are performed intentionally, dogs are likely to be less flexible in this respect. Their understanding of communicative intention may be more dependent upon bodily markers of communicative intent, including gaze, orientation, extended limbs, and vocalizations. This may be because humans have come under selective pressure to develop skills for communicating with absent interlocutors – where bodily co‐presence is not possible.
Precautionary Effort: Another Trait for Prudence
Authors: Wang Jianli , Li Jingyuan
Published: July 2014

This article shows that, in the temporal model of Eeckhoudt, Huang, and Tzeng (), prudence alone is sufficient to obtain a precautionary effort. Moreover, our conclusions relax the assumption of the convexity of loss probability. We further analyze the effect of the introduction or deterioration of background risks on precautionary effort in different settings.
Role of Bladder Neck and Urethral Sphincter Dysfunction in Men with Persistent Bothersome Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms after α‐1 Blocker Treatment
Authors: KE Qian‐Sheng , JIANG Yuan‐Hong , KUO Hann‐Chorng
Published: July 2014

Objective

To analyze the video‐urodynamic results of voiding dysfunction in men of all ages with bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) after α‐1 adrenoceptor blocker therapy.

Methods

A total of 930 consecutive men over 45 years of age with LUTS who were failure treated with α‐1 blocker therapy for at least one month were retrospectively studied. Patients underwent video‐urodynamic studies to evaluate the cause of lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD). Clinical symptoms, prostatic measurements, and video‐urodynamic findings were compared among different LUTD groups.

Results

After video‐urodynamic studies, 653 (70.2%) men were diagnosed with voiding dysfunction and 277 (29.8%) were with bladder dysfunction. Among patients with voiding dysfunction, bladder neck dysfunction (BND) occurred in 242 (37.1%), benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) in 298 (45.6%), and poor relaxation of the external sphincter (PRES) in 113 (17.3%). The symptom score did not differ significantly among the three subgroups. The mean age, total prostate volume (TPV), transition zone index, and prostate‐specific antigen were also significantly higher in BPO patients compared with the other two subgroups, but no difference was noted between BND and PRES patients. BPO patients had significantly higher voiding pressure, higher Abrams‐Griffiths number, lower Qmax, and a higher rate of detrusor overactivity than did patients in the other two subgroups.

Conclusion

Bladder neck dysfunction and PRES play important roles in male LUTS. In men younger than 70 years with small TPV and persistent LUTS after α‐1 blocker therapy, video‐urodynamic studies should be performed to make an accurate diagnosis before invasive surgery is planned.
Pathological phenotypes and in vivo DNA cleavage by unrestrained activity of a phosphorothioate‐based restriction system in Salmonella
Authors: Cao Bo , Cheng Qiuxiang , Gu Chen , Yao Fen , DeMott Michael S. , Zheng Xiaoqing , Deng Zixin , Dedon Peter C. , You Delin
Published: July 2014

Prokaryotes protect their genomes from foreign DNA with a diversity of defence mechanisms, including a widespread restriction–modification (R–M) system involving phosphorothioate (PT) modification of the DNA backbone. Unlike classical R–M systems, highly partial PT modification of consensus motifs in bacterial genomes suggests an unusual mechanism of PT‐dependent restriction. In Salmonella enterica, PT modification is mediated by four genes dptB–E, while restriction involves additional three genes dptF–H. Here, we performed a series of studies to characterize the PT‐dependent restriction, and found that it presented several features distinct with traditional R–M systems. The presence of restriction genes in a PT‐deficient mutant was not lethal, but instead resulted in several pathological phenotypes. Subsequent transcriptional profiling revealed the expression of > 600 genes was affected by restriction enzymes in cells lacking PT, including induction of bacteriophage, SOS response and DNA repair‐related genes. These transcriptional responses are consistent with the observation that restriction enzymes caused extensive DNA cleavage in the absence of PT modifications in vivo. However, overexpression of restriction genes was lethal to the host in spite of the presence PT modifications. These results point to an unusual mechanism of PT‐dependent DNA cleavage by restriction enzymes in the face of partial PT modification.
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in two pediatric lung transplant patients on prolonged voriconazole treatment
Authors: Wong Jackson Y. , Kuzel Paul , Mullen John , Lien Dale , Mahmood Muhammad , Conrad Carol , Fiorillo Loretta
Published: July 2014

Oral voriconazole is commonly used for treatment and prophylaxis of invasive fungal disease post‐LTx. Development of cutaneous SCC has been described in adult LTx recipients, although it is extremely rare in children. We describe two Caucasian children who developed cutaneous SCC beyond three yr post‐LTx. Both developed severe photosensitivity, actinic keratosis and required curative surgical excision of the cutaneous SCC lesions. Neither patient developed metastatic lesions nor had allograft dysfunction as a result of the SCC or the change in medical treatments. The effect of voriconazole on the development of malignant skin lesions is discussed and a recommendation on dermatologic surveillance, preventive measures against phototoxicity and early treatment of SCC are provided.
Swedish pupils' suggested coping strategies if cyberbullied: Differences related to age and gender
Authors: Frisén Ann , Berne Sofia , Marin Lina
Published: July 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the coping strategies that Swedish 10 and 12 year‐olds (N = 694) suggested they would use if they were cyberbullied, with a special focus on whether there are differences in these strategies related to age and gender. The most commonly suggested coping strategy was telling someone, especially parents and teachers (70.5%). Surprisingly few of the pupils reported that they would tell a friend (2.6%). Differences in suggested coping strategies were found related to age and gender. Findings are discussed in relation to the Swedish sociocultural context as well as in relation to the implications for prevention strategies against cyberbullying.
Spillovers of Equal Treatment in Wage Offers
Authors: Kawamura Kohei , Sákovics József
Published: July 2014

We analyse a labour‐matching model with wage posting, where – reflecting institutional constraints – firms cannot differentiate their wage offers within certain subsets of workers. Inter alia, we find that the presence of impersonal wage offers leads to wage compression, which propagates to the wages for high productivity workers who receive personalized offers.
Effects of freezing on tissue factor activity in a thromboelastography assay
Authors: Scruggs Jennifer L. , Flatland Bente , Reed Ann
Published: July 2014

Background

Human recombinant tissue factor (TF) can be used to activate viscoelastic coagulation assays. Although the package insert indicates that TF should not be frozen, published scientific data are not available. Ability to store frozen aliquots of TF would increase laboratory efficiency and decrease costs associated with performing TF‐activated assays.

Objective

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of freezing and storage time on TF's ability to activate commercially available quality control material in thromboelastography (TEG).

Methods

TF was diluted and frozen at −20°C and −70°C for 72 hours, one week, 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months, and used for TEG after thawing. TF activation of control material was also assessed after TF storage at room temperature for 0, 24, and 48 hours. Time to fibrin formation (R), rate of clot formation (K and angle α), and clot strength (MA) were measured, and ANOVA used to identify differences.

Results

There were no significant differences in mean α and MA regardless of storage time or temperature. Means for R were not significantly increased at any time point after storage at room temperature or −70°C, but significant increases in mean R were observed after storage at −20°C starting after one week and continuing up to 6 months.

Conclusion

TF can be stored at room temperature for at least 48 hours, stored at −20°C for 72 hours, and stored at −70°C for up to 6 months without significant loss of activity for TEG.
A global optimality result using Geraghty type contraction
Authors: Choudhury Binayak S. , Maity Pranati , Konar P.
Published: July 2014

In this paper we prove two proximity point results for finding the distance between two sets. Unlike the best approximation theorems they provide with globally optimal values. Here our approach is to reduce the problem to that of finding optimal approximate solutions of some fixed point equations. We use Geraghty type contractive inequalities in our theorem. Two illustrative examples are given.
Adaptive Hybrid Function Projective Synchronization of General Chaotic Complex Systems With Different Orders
Authors: Liu Ping
Published: July 2014

A lot of progress has been made in the research of hybrid function projective synchronization (HFPS) for chaotic real nonlinear systems, while the HFPS of two different chaotic complex nonlinear systems with nonidentical dimensions is seldom reported in the literatures. So this paper discusses the HFPS of general chaotic complex system described by a unified mathematical expression with different dimensions and fully unknown parameters. Based on the Lyapunov stability theory, the adaptive controller is designed to synchronize two general uncertain chaotic complex systems with different orders in the sense of HFPS and the parameter update laws for estimating unknown parameters of chaotic complex systems are also given. Moreover, the control coefficients can be automatically adapted to updated laws. Finally, the HFPS between hyperchaotic complex Lorenz system and complex Chen system and that between chaotic complex Lorenz system and hyperchaotic complex Lü are taken as two examples to demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed HFPS scheme.
Synchronization of Unknown Uncertain Chaotic Systems Via Adaptive Control Method
Authors: Aghababa Mohammad Pourmahmood , Hashtarkhani Bijan
Published: July 2014

In this paper, an adaptive control scheme is offered to synchronize two different uncertain chaotic systems. It is assumed that the whole dynamics of both master and slave chaotic systems and their bounds are unknown and different. The error system stabilization is achieved in two cases: with input nonlinearities and without input nonlinearities. We design an adaptive control scheme based on the state boundedness property of the chaotic systems. The proposed method does not need any information about nonlinear/linear terms of the chaotic systems. It only uses an adaptive feedback control strategy. The stability of the proposed controllers is proved by using the Lyapunov stability theory. Finally, the designed adaptive controllers are applied to synchronize two different pairs of the chaotic systems (Lorenz–Chen and electromechanical device–electrostatic transducer).
A Monochrome Light-Emitting Diode Moiré Deflectometry Technique for Two-Dimensional Temperature Measurement
Authors: Lee Jing-Nang , Chen Chien-Chih
Published: July 2014

This article develops low cost moiré deflectometry for two-dimensional temperature measurement in free boundary environment. Experimental setup uses a red monochrome light-emitting diode (LED) lamp with wavelength range of 625–635 nm as light source. In process, the light first runs through the convex lens and then propagates to the parabolic mirror with diameter of 406 mm and f/4.5 for generating the parallel light. The parallel light further propagates to test object and through two gratings both with pitch of 254 lpi which are printed by laser printer. Behind the two gratings, a CCD camera is applied to capture the image, the distorted fringes. Based on the moiré deflectometry theory, the two-dimensional temperature distribution in free boundary environment can be determined in terms of the captured fringe shift analysis. This work has successfully measured the two-dimensional temperature distribution in free boundary environment with heat source models of 40–95 °C vertical wall, 60 W light bulb, and burning candle flame. The measured temperature deviations between moiré deflectometry and thermocouple thermometer are all less than 5%.
Data Processing for Medial Axis Computation Using B-Spline Smoothing
Authors: Piegl Les A. , Kulkarni Parikshit , Rajab Khairan
Published: July 2014

There has been much attention on sophisticated algorithm design to compute geometric arrangements with both time and space efficiency. The issue of robustness and reliability has also been the subject of some interest, although mostly at the level of theory rather than practice and commercial grade implementation. What seems to have received very little attention is the need to prepare the data for successful processing. It is almost universally assumed that the data are valid and well presented and the only real challenge is to come up with a clever way of computing the results with progressively smaller time and space bounds. The aim of this paper is to narrow this gap by focusing entirely on input data anomalies, how to prepare the data for error free computation and how to post process the results for dowstream computing. The medial axis computation, using VRONI (Held, 2001, “VRONI: An Engineering Approach to the Reliable and Efficient Computation of Voronoi Diagram of Points and Line Segments,” Comput. Geom.—Theory Appl., 18, pp. 95–123), is singled out as an example and it is shown that based on how the data are prepared, the results can be vastly different. We argue in this paper that the success of geometric computing depends equally on algorithm design as well as on data processing. VRONI (and most geometric algorithms) does not understand the concept of noise, gaps, or aliasing. It only sees a polygon and generates the medial axis accordingly. It is the job of the applications engineer to prepare the data so that the output is acceptable.
Sport, Spectacle and Spectatorship
Authors: Schirato Tony
Published: July 2014

Sport, Spectacle and Spectatorship
Melancholy Criticism: Primary Identification, the Film and the Critic
Authors: Groves Tim
Published: July 2014

Melancholy Criticism: Primary Identification, the Film and the Critic
Understanding Whangara: ‘Whale Rider’ as Simulacrum
Authors: Hokowhitu Brendan
Published: July 2014

Understanding Whangara: ‘Whale Rider’ as Simulacrum
The interpretative resources of Aotearoa New Zealand journalists reporting on Māori
Authors: Matheson Donald
Published: July 2014

The interpretative resources of Aotearoa New Zealand journalists reporting on Māori
Where’s Morningside? Locating bro’Town in the ethnic genealogy of New Zealand/Aotearoa
Authors: Bannister Matthew
Published: July 2014

Where’s Morningside? Locating bro’Town in the ethnic genealogy of New Zealand/Aotearoa
Media Representation of Catastrophe, Holocaust Imagery, and the Politics of Seeing
Authors: Buettner Angi
Published: July 2014

Media Representation of Catastrophe, Holocaust Imagery, and the Politics of Seeing
Tai Chi Intervention Improves Dynamic Postural Control During Gait Initiation in Older Adults: A Pilot Study
Authors: Vallabhajosula Srikant , Roberts Beverly L. , Hass Chris J.
Published: July 2014

Tai Chi intervention has been shown to be beneficial for balance improvement. The current study examined the effectiveness of Tai Chi to improve the dynamic postural control among older adults with mobility disability. Six sedentary older adults with mobility disability participated in a 16-week Tai Chi intervention consisting of one hour sessions three times a week. Dynamic postural control was assessed pre- and post intervention as participants initiated gait in four stepping conditions: forward; 45° medially, with the stepping leg crossing over the other leg; 45° and 90° laterally. The center of pressure (CoP) displacement, velocity, and its maximum separation distance from the center of mass in the anteroposterior, mediolateral, and resultant directions were analyzed. Results showed that in the postural phase, Tai Chi increased the CoP mediolateral excursions in the medial (13%) and forward (28%) conditions, and resultant CoP center of mass distance in the medial (9%) and forward (19%) conditions. In the locomotion phase, the CoP mediolateral displacement and velocity significantly increased after the Tai Chi intervention (both by > 100% in the two lateral conditions). These results suggest that through alteration in CoP movement characteristics, Tai Chi intervention might improve the dynamic postural control during gait initiation among older adults.
The Role of Running Mileage on Coordination Patterns in Running
Authors: Boyer Katherine A. , Silvernail Julia Freedman , Hamill Joseph
Published: July 2014

Injury rates among runners are high, with the knee injured most frequently. The interaction of running experience and running mechanics is not well understood but may be important for understanding relative injury risk in low vs higher mileage runners. The study aim was to apply a principal component analysis (PCA) to test the hypothesis that differences exist in kinematic waveforms and coordination between higher and low mileage groups. Gait data were collected for 50 subjects running at 3.5 m/s assigned to either a low (< 15 miles/wk) or higher (> 20 miles/wk, 1 year experience) mileage group. A PCA was performed on a matrix of trial vectors of all force, joint kinematic, and center of pressure data. The projection of the subjects’ trial vectors onto the linear combination of PC7, PC10, PC13, and PC19 was significantly different between the higher and lower mileage groups (d = 0.63, P = .012). This resultant PC represented variation in transverse plane pelvic rotation, hip internal rotation, and hip and knee abduction and adduction angles. These results suggest the coordination of lower extremity segment kinematics is different for lower and higher mileage runners. The adopted patterns of coordinated motion may explain the lower incidence of overuse knee injuries for higher mileage runners.
Variability in the Application of Force During the Vertical Jump in Children and Adults
Authors: Floria Pablo , Gómez-Landero Luis A. , Harrison Andrew J.
Published: July 2014

The purpose of this study was to determine if children exhibit greater variability in center of mass movement and kinetics compared with adults in vertical jumping. Countermovement jumps with arms (CMJA) and without arms (CMJ) performed by 20 female children and 20 female adults were examined using force platform. The data were analyzed using continuous methods to determine differences in variability between groups and between types of jump. Jumping variability was measured by using the average coefficient of variation of the force-, velocity-, displacement-, and rate of force development-time curves across the jump. The analysis indicated that children and adults had similar levels of variability in the CMJ but different levels in the CMJA. In the CMJA, the children had a greater coefficient of variation than adults in force- (20 ± 7% and 12 ± 6%), velocity- (41 ± 14% and 22 ± 9%), displacement- (8 ± 16% and 23 ± 11%) and rate of force development-time (103 ± 46% and 75 ± 42%) curves, as well as in force-velocity relationship (6 ± 2% and 4 ± 2%). The results of analysis suggest that the variability depends on both the level of maturation of the participants as well as the task complexity.
Defining the Mechanical Properties of a Spring-hinged Ankle Foot Orthosis to Assess its Potential Use in Children With Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Kerkum Yvette L. , Brehm Merel-Anne , Buizer Annemieke I. , van den Noort Josien C. , Becher Jules G. , Harlaar Jaap
Published: July 2014

A rigid ventral shelf ankle foot orthosis (AFO) may improve gait in children with spastic cerebral palsy (SCP) whose gait is characterized by excessive knee flexion in stance. However, these AFOs can also impede ankle range of motion (ROM) and thereby inhibit push-off power. A more spring-like AFO can enhance push-off and may potentially reduce walking energy cost. The recent development of an adjustable spring-hinged AFO now allows adjustment of AFO stiffness, enabling tuning toward optimal gait performance. This study aims to quantify the mechanical properties of this spring-hinged AFO for each of its springs and settings. Using an AFO stiffness tester, two AFO hinges and their accompanying springs were measured. The springs showed a stiffness range of 0.01−1.82 N·m·deg−1. The moment-threshold increased with increasing stiffness (1.13–12.1 N·m), while ROM decreased (4.91–16.5°). Energy was returned by all springs (11.5–116.3 J). These results suggest that the two stiffest available springs should improve joint kinematics and enhance push-off in children with SCP walking with excessive knee flexion.
Ultrafast low-energy electron diffraction in transmission resolves polymer/graphene superstructure dynamics
Authors: Gulde Max , Schweda Simon , Storeck Gero , Maiti Manisankar , Yu Hak Ki , Wodtke Alec M. , Schäfer Sascha , Ropers Claus
Published: July 2014

Probing interfaces with electrons

When molecules move on surfaces, they behave differently from when inside a solid. But surface layers give off limited signals, so to probe these systems, scientists need to act fast. Gulde
et al.
developed an ultrafast low-energy electron diffraction technique and used it to study how a polymer moved and melted on a graphene substrate (see the Perspective by Nibbering). After hitting the sample with a laser pulse, energy transferred across the graphene-polymer interface, the polymer film became less orderly, and an amorphous phase appeared.

Science
, this issue p.
200
; see also p.
137
Ionospheric control of magnetotail reconnection
Authors: Lotko William , Smith Ryan H. , Zhang Binzheng , Ouellette Jeremy E. , Brambles Oliver J. , Lyon John G.
Published: July 2014

How the ionosphere gains influence

In Earth's upper atmosphere, the reconnection of magnetic field lines converts latent magnetic energy into the thermal and kinetic energy of plasma flows. But reconnection appears to produce faster flows before midnight compared with after. To find out why, Lotko
et al.
simulated this energy exchange. Challenging common assumptions about our space weather environment, they conclude that the ionosphere plays an active role when coupled to the magnetosphere in driving the behavior of the magnetotail.

Science
, this issue p.
184
Persistence by proliferation?
Authors: Margolis David , Bushman Frederic
Published: July 2014

Latently HIV-infected cells driven to proliferate may raise a further challenge for eradication strategies.

[Also see Research Article by

Maldarelli
et al.

]
Hepatitis C can be cured globally, but at what cost?
Authors: Hill Andrew , Cooke Graham
Published: July 2014

New drugs to cure hepatitis C should be made available at low costs in developing countries
Classification Algorithm for Subspecies Identification within the Mycobacterium abscessus Species, Based on Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Fangous Marie-Sarah , Mougari Faiza , Gouriou Stéphanie , Calvez Elodie , Raskine Laurent , Cambau Emmanuelle , Payan Christopher , Héry-Arnaud Geneviève
Published: July 2014

Mycobacterium abscessus
, as a species, has been increasingly implicated in respiratory infections, notably in cystic fibrosis patients. The species comprises 3 subspecies, which can be difficult to identify. Since they differ in antibiotic susceptibility and clinical relevance, developing a routine diagnostic tool discriminating
Mycobacterium abscessus
at the subspecies level is a real challenge. Forty-three
Mycobacterium abscessus
species isolates, previously identified by multilocus sequence typing, were analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). A subspecies identification algorithm, based on five discriminating peaks, was drawn up and validated by blind identification of a further 49 strains, 94% of which (
n
= 46) were correctly identified. Two
M. abscessus
subsp.
massiliense
strains were misidentified as
M. abscessus
subsp.
abscessus
, and for 1 other strain identification failed. Inter- and intralaboratory reproducibility tests were conclusive. This study presents, for the first time, a classification algorithm for MALDI-TOF MS identification of the 3
M. abscessus
subspecies. MALDI-TOF MS proved effective in discriminating within the
M. abscessus
species and might be easily integrated into the workflow of microbiology labs.
Detecting Clostridium difficile Spores from Inanimate Surfaces of the Hospital Environment: Which Method Is Best?
Authors: Claro Tânia , Daniels Stephen , Humphreys Hilary
Published: July 2014

The recovery of
Clostridium difficile
spores from hospital surfaces was assessed using rayon swabs, flocked swabs, and contact plates. The contact plate method was less laborious, achieved higher recovery percentages, and detected spores at lower inocula than swabs. Rayon swabs were the least efficient method. However, further studies are required in health care settings.
Expansion of Genotypic Diversity and Establishment of 2009 H1N1 Pandemic-Origin Internal Genes in Pigs in China
Authors: Liang Huyi , Lam Tommy Tsan-Yuk , Fan Xiaohui , Chen Xinchun , Zeng Yu , Zhou Ji , Duan Lian , Tse Maying , Chan Chung-Hei , Li Lifeng , Leung Tak-Ying , Yip Chun-Hung , Cheung Chung-Lam , Zhou Boping , Smith David K. , Poon Leo Lit-Man , Peiris Malik , Guan Yi , Zhu Huachen
Published: July 2014

Two-way transmission of influenza viruses between humans and swine has been frequently observed, and the occurrence of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza virus (pdm/09) demonstrated that swine-origin viruses could facilitate the genesis of a pandemic strain. Although multiple introductions to and reassortment in swine of the pdm/09 virus have been repeatedly reported in both Eurasia and the Americas, its long-term impact on the development of swine influenza viruses (SIVs) has not been systematically explored. Our comprehensive evolutionary studies of the complete genomes of 387 SIVs obtained from 2009 to 2012 by influenza virus surveillance in China revealed 17 reassortant genotypes with pdm/09-origin genes. Even though the entire 2009 pandemic virus and its surface genes cannot persist, its internal genes have become established and are now the predominant lineages in pigs in the region. The main persistent pdm/09-origin reassortant forms had at least five pdm/09-origin internal genes, and their surface genes were primarily of European avian-like (EA) or human H3N2-like SIV origin. These findings represent a marked change in the evolutionary patterns and ecosystem of SIVs in China. It is possible that the pdm/09-origin internal genes are in the process of replacing EA or triple-reassortant-like internal genes. These alterations in the SIV gene pool need to be continually monitored to assess changes in the potential for SIV transmission to humans.

IMPORTANCE
Shortly after the emergence of the 2009 pandemic H1N1 (pdm/09) influenza virus, it was transmitted from humans to pigs and this continues to occur around the world. Many reassortants between pdm/09-origin viruses and enzootic swine influenza viruses (SIVs) have been detected. However, the long-term impact of pdm/09-origin viruses on the SIV gene pool, which could lead to the generation of influenza viruses with the potential to infect humans, has not been systematically examined. From extensive surveillance of SIVs over a 38-month period in southern China, it was found that although neither complete pdm/09 viruses nor their surface genes could persist in pigs, their internal genes did persist. Over the survey period, these internal genes became predominant, potentially replacing those of the enzootic SIV lineages. The altered diversity of the SIV gene pool needs to be closely monitored for changes in the potential for SIV transmission to humans.
Autism Spectrum Social Stories In Schools Trial (ASSSIST): study protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial analysing clinical and cost-effectiveness of Social Stories in mainstream schools
Authors: Wright Barry , Marshall David , Collingridge Moore Danielle , Ainsworth Hannah , Hackney Lisa , Adamson Joy , Ali Shehzad , Allgar Victoria , Cook Liz , Dyson Lisa , Littlewood Elizabeth , Hargate Rebecca , McLaren Anne , McMillan Dean , Trépel Dominic , Whitehead Jo , Williams Chris
Published: July 2014

Introduction

Current evidence suggests that Social Stories can be effective in tackling problem behaviours exhibited by children with autism spectrum disorder. Exploring the meaning of behaviour from a child's perspective allows stories to provide social information that is tailored to their needs. Case reports in children with autism have suggested that these stories can lead to a number of benefits including improvements in social interactions and choice making in educational settings.

Methods and analysis

The feasibility of clinical and cost-effectiveness of a Social Stories toolkit will be assessed using a randomised control framework. Participants (n=50) will be randomised to either the Social Stories intervention or a comparator group where they will be read standard stories for an equivalent amount of time. Statistics will be calculated for recruitment rates, follow-up rates and attrition. Economic analysis will determine appropriate measures of generic health and resource use categories for cost-effectiveness analysis. Qualitative analysis will ascertain information on perceptions about the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention.

Ethics and dissemination

National Health Service Ethics Approval (NHS; ref 11/YH/0340) for the trial protocol has been obtained along with NHS Research and Development permission from Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. All adverse events will be closely monitored, documented and reported to the study Data Monitoring Ethics Committee. At least one article in a peer reviewed journal will be published and research findings presented at relevant conferences.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN96286707.
Circulating tumour cells and the epithelial mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer
Authors: Lim S H-S , Becker T M , Chua W , Ng W L , de Souza P , Spring K J
Published: July 2014

Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) hold great potential as liquid biopsies to prognosticate disease and guide treatment in colorectal cancer. However, their emerging role in determining the molecular phenotype of tumour metastasis carries even more promising clinical use in the provision of comprehensive biomarker detection for targeted therapies and determination of drug resistance. The isolation of CTCs is technology dependent, and in the case of epithelial cell adhesion molecule-based platforms, the ability to detect cells that have undergone the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is ineffective. CTCs displaying a mesenchymal phenotype are believed to have an increased metastatic potential. The rarity of CTCs provides another challenge in the enumeration of these cells. The future will likely involve the analysis of individual CTCs at any stage of the EMT in order to provide real-time phenotypic and molecular snapshots capable of tracking the dynamic evolution of tumour progression over time.
Shear stiffness modeling of cemented clay
Authors: Yang Luling , Woods Richard D.
Published: July 2014

The shear modulus and damping of cemented clay are investigated using ultrasound transducers, bender elements, and a resonant column device. The model SimSoil-CC, based on the Pestana and Salvati (published in 2006) model SimSoil, is proposed to represent the maximum shear modulus and stress–strain behavior (under cyclic loading conditions) at small strains for the cemented clay. The model can also be used for uncemented clay when the cementation parameter is set to zero. Model parameters are determined for three types of clay (kaolinite, bentonite, and the equal mix of kaolinite and bentonite) and two types of cementation agents (type III Portland cement and gypsum). The model SimSoil-CC is validated using the laboratory test data of this study and data from other studies in literature. The SimSoil-CC model can be very useful for performing earthquake site response analysis for naturally cemented clay sites or sites that have been improved by cementation. In addition, a relationship between the cementation parameter acc(CC)2(acc, cement material constant; CC, dry cement content) and the unconfined compression strength is proposed. The relationship simplified modeling for naturally cemented clay soil or cemented clay whose cement contents and cementation type are otherwise difficult to determine. This research advances the understanding of cemented clay by providing a database of test results and creation of a model that can be used to predict the response of cemented clay soils to dynamic loads.
A Modified Non-Monotone BFGS Method for Non-Convex Unconstrained Optimization
Authors: Liu Liying , Yao Shengwei , Wei Zengxin
Published: July 2014

In this paper, a modified non-monotone BFGS (MNBFGS) method for non-convex unconstrained optimization is proposed. Under some mild conditions, the global convergence of the given method is established, when the objective function is non-convex. Preliminary numerical comparisons, which show the proposed method is competitive, are also reported.
Systematics on the low-lying spectra in N = 78 ~ 80 isotones
Authors: Cheng Y. Y. , Zhang S. Q. , Li X. Q. , Hua H. , Xu C. , Li Z. H. , Zhao P. W. , Meng J. , Sun J. J. , Bai Z. J. , Xu F. R. , Ye Y. L. , Jiang D. X. , Wang E. H. , He C. , Han R. , Wu X. G. , Li G. S. , He C. Y. , Zheng Y. , Li C. B. , Hu S. P. , Yao S. H. , Yu B. B. , Cao X. P. , Wang J. L.
Published: July 2014

Combining the new spectroscopy results of 144 Tb and previous spectroscopy studies of neighboring nuclei, a systematic investigation on the low-lying spectra in N = 78 ~ 80 isotones is performed. Good systematics have been found for the coupling patterns which couple the odd nucleon(s), such as πh11/2, [Formula: see text], to the 2+, 4+, 6+ and 3- core excitations. It is found that the relative excitation energies of the states formed by coupling h11/2 proton(s) to the 2+, 4+ core excitations are pushed up, in contrast with those formed by coupling h11/2 neutron hole(s) to the 2+, 4+ core excitations, which are pulled down. According to the systematics, the interpretation that the 17/2+ states observed in 141 Sm and 143 Gd are the fully aligned member of coupling the odd h11/2 neutron hole to the octupole 3- core excitation, is explored to the isotones 145 Dy , 142 Eu , and 144 Tb .
Electron Transport in CdSe Nanoribbons Measured by Terahertz Spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Ji , Qiao Hui , Li Xiangyang
Published: July 2014

In this work, we present a study on the dielectric response and electron transport of CdSe nanoribbons via terahertz (THz) time-domain spectroscopy (TDS). The observed spectrum can be described well using a Drude–Smith model combined with a Lorentz oscillator. The origins of the obtained physical parameters are studied in detail. We found that the broad surface depletion region in nanostructures could highly affect the electron transport. In addition, the transverse optical phonon mode is directly revealed in the spectrum. This phonon vibration could significantly influence the free carrier scattering. This result provides direct evidence for the contribution of electron-phonon interaction to the electronic properties of CdSe nanoribbons.
Comparative analysis of false discovery rate methods in constructing metabolic association networks
Authors: Koo Imhoi , Yao Sen , Zhang Xiang , Kim Seongho
Published: July 2014

Gaussian graphical model (GGM)-based method, a key approach to reverse engineering biological networks, uses partial correlation to measure conditional dependence between two variables by controlling the contribution from other variables. After estimating partial correlation coefficients, one of the most critical processes in network construction is to control the false discovery rate (FDR) to assess the significant associations among variables. Various FDR methods have been proposed mainly for biomarker discovery, but it still remains unclear which FDR method performs better for network construction. Furthermore, there is no study to see the effect of the network structure on network construction. We selected the six FDR methods, the linear step-up procedure (BH95), the adaptive linear step-up procedure (BH00), Efron's local FDR (LFDR), Benjamini–Yekutieli's step-up procedure (BY01), Storey's q-value procedure (Storey01), and Storey–Taylor–Siegmund's adaptive step-up procedure (STS04), to evaluate their performances on network construction. We further considered two network structures, random and scale-free networks, to investigate their influence on network construction. Both simulated data and real experimental data suggest that STS04 provides the highest true positive rate (TPR) or F1 score, while BY01 has the highest positive predictive value (PPV) in network construction. In addition, no significant effect of the network structure is found on FDR methods.
Cyclotomic approximation lattices
Authors: Leonardis Antonino
Published: July 2014

In this paper, we will consider the Approximation Lattices for a p-adic number, as defined in a work of de Weger, and construct a generalization called the Cyclotomic Approximation Lattices. In the latter case, we consider approximation by a pair of cyclotomic integers instead of rational ones. This can be useful for studying p-adic continued fractions with cyclotomic integral part. The first section will introduce this work and provide motivations. The second one will give some background theorems on number rings. In the third section, we will recall the work of de Weger with a new proof for Theorem 3.6, the analogue of classical Lagrange's theorem for continued fractions. In the fourth one, we will then see the cyclotomic variant and its analogous properties.
Wireless Sensor Network for Satellite Applications: A Survey and Case Study
Authors: Xie Shuanglong , Lee Guo Xiong , Low Kay-Soon , Gunawan Erry
Published: July 2014

Wireless sensor network (WSN) has been used in a wide range of applications in recent years. However, its use in space applications has yet to receive the same level of attention. In this paper, a survey on WSN for two major spacecraft applications namely the intra-satellite communication and inter-satellite communication is presented. The challenges and trade-offs will be discussed and a case study of using WSN for inter-satellite communication will be presented.
The mitosis-regulating and protein-protein interaction activities of Astrin are controlled by Aurora-A-induced phosphorylation
Authors: Chiu Shao-Chih , Chen Jo-Mei Maureen , Wei Tong-You Wade , Cheng Tai-Shan , Wang Ya-Hui Candice , Ku Chia-Feng , Lian Chiao-Hsuan , Liu Chun-Chih Jared , Kuo Yi-Chun , Yu Chang-Tze Ricky
Published: July 2014

Cells display dramatic morphological changes in mitosis, where numerous factors form regulatory networks to orchestrate the complicated process, resulting in extreme fidelity of the segregation of duplicated chromosomes into two daughter cells. Astrin regulates several aspects of mitosis, such as maintaining the cohesion of sister chromatids by inactivating Separase and stabilizing spindle, aligning and segregating chromosomes, and silencing spindle assembly checkpoint by interacting with Src kinase-associated phosphoprotein (SKAP) and cytoplasmic linker-associated protein-1α (CLASP-1α). To understand how Astrin is regulated in mitosis, we report here that Astrin acts as a mitotic phosphoprotein, and Aurora-A phosphorylates Astrin at Ser115. The phosphorylation-deficient mutant Astrin S115A abnormally activates spindle assembly checkpoint and delays mitosis progression, decreases spindle stability, and induces chromosome misalignment. Mechanistic analyses reveal that Astrin phosphorylation mimicking mutant S115D, instead of S115A, binds and induces ubiquitination and degradation of securin, which sequentially activates Separase, an enzyme required for the separation of sister chromatids. Moreover, S115A fails to bind mitosis regulators, including SKAP and CLASP-1α, which results in the mitotic defects observed in Astrin S115A-transfected cells. In conclusion, Aurora-A phosphorylates Astrin and guides the binding of Astrin to its cellular partners, which ensures proper progression of mitosis.