bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface Coating Rescues Proteins from Magnetite Nanoparticle Induced Damage
Authors: Joshi Nidhi , Mukhopadhyay Anindita , Basak Sujit , De Goutam , Chattopadhyay Krishnananda
Published: March 2013

The presence of magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) in physiological systems induces toxicity through its effects on mitochondrial function and reactive oxygen species (ROS) imbalance. Magnetic NP induced cytotoxicity has been elaborately evaluated for impending threats, however, a detailed investigation is lacking. It is shown that the interaction of Fe3O4 NPs with cytochrome c can lead to different events based on the NPs to protein ratio, the solution conditions, and the type of surface protection. At low NPs concentration, rapid binding and subsequent electron transfer are the preferred events while at higher concentration slow oxidative modification of the protein is initiated. The slow event of protein modification yields conformational disorientation, loss of stability, and formation of amyloid‐like structures with cytochrome c. The possibility that the NP induced oxidative stress and age can work in concert to compromise different aspects of cellular quality control processes is discussed. Suitable surface modifications of the NPs inhibit their direct binding to the protein molecules and minimize NP induced toxicity.
Night‐to‐night consistency of at‐home nocturnal pulse oximetry testing for obstructive sleep apnea in children
Authors: Pavone Martino , Cutrera Renato , Verrillo Elisabetta , Salerno Teresa , Soldini Serena , Brouillette Robert T.
Published: March 2013

Rationale

At‐home nocturnal pulse oximetry has a high positive predictive value (PPV) for polysomnographically‐diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) but no studies have been published testing the night‐to‐night consistency of at‐home nocturnal pulse oximetry for the evaluation of suspected OSA in children. We therefore determined the night‐to‐night consistency of nocturnal pulse oximetry as a diagnostic test for OSA in children.

Methods

We prospectively studied 148 children (96 male) aged 4.9 ± 2.4 (1.2–11.8) years, referred for suspected OSA. To evaluate night‐to‐night consistency, we compared an oximetry analysis method, the McGill Oximetry Score (MOS), from two consecutive at‐home nocturnal pulse oximetry recordings.

Results

Pulse oximetry metrics were similar on the two nights. The MOS on the two nights showed excellent night‐to‐night consistency when analyzed as positive for OSA versus inconclusive, 143/148 (Spearman's correlation coefficient = 0.90). A more detailed analysis using four categories (MOS 1, 2, 3, and 4) of OSA severity showed very good night‐to‐night agreement, 133/148 (Spearman's correlation coefficient = 0.91). Variability was increased in children younger than 4 years of age compared to older children.

Conclusions

Night‐to‐night consistency of nocturnal pulse oximetry as a diagnostic test for OSA showed excellent agreement. Night‐to‐night consistency of pulse oximetry, as analyzed by the MOS, for diagnosis and severity evaluation further validates this abbreviated testing method for pediatric OSA. Polysomnography (PSG) is required to rule in or rule out OSA in children if a single night oximetry testing is inconclusive. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:754–760. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High pressure infrared and X‐ray Raman studies of aluminum nitride
Authors: Pravica Michael , Bhattacharya Neelanjan , Liu Yu , Robinson John , Au Wing‐Sing , Mizoguchi Teruyasu , Liu Zhenxian , Xiao Yuming
Published: March 2013

We performed the first reported static high pressure studies of the wide bandgap material aluminum nitride (AlN) using mid‐infrared (IR) and X‐ray Raman spectroscopy (XRS) up to 35 and 33 GPa, respectively, in a diamond anvil cell (DAC) at ambient temperature. For the first (IR) experiment, we employed a synchrotron IR source. Below the wurtzite (WZ) → rock salt (RS) phase transition, the IR spectra shift monotonically toward higher energy with pressure. Above this phase transition, the spectral multiplet stabilizes and then shifts toward lower energies suggesting a weakening of the bonding with pressure. To better examine the bonding changes we utilized the 16 ID‐D undulator beamline at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) for the second experiment. The spectrometer collected photons with ∼410 eV energy loss (nitrogen edge) with respect to incident beam energy near 10 keV. The sample commenced in the WZ phase and upon pressurization above ∼15 GPa, the sample converted into the high pressure RS form as evidenced by visual darkening of the sample and a marked change in the XRS pattern suggesting fundamental changes in intramolecular bonding. Upon pressure release, the sample remained in the high pressure RS phase and partially reverted to the low pressure WZ phase [confirmed with X‐ray diffraction (XRD)]. Theoretical calculations qualitatively agree with experimental observations.
Propensity score weighting with multilevel data
Authors: Li Fan , Zaslavsky Alan M. , Landrum Mary Beth
Published: March 2013

Propensity score methods are being increasingly used as a less parametric alternative to traditional regression to balance observed differences across groups in both descriptive and causal comparisons. Data collected in many disciplines often have analytically relevant multilevel or clustered structure. The propensity score, however, was developed and has been used primarily with unstructured data. We present and compare several propensity‐score‐weighted estimators for clustered data, including marginal, cluster‐weighted, and doubly robust estimators. Using both analytical derivations and Monte Carlo simulations, we illustrate bias arising when the usual assumptions of propensity score analysis do not hold for multilevel data. We show that exploiting the multilevel structure, either parametrically or nonparametrically, in at least one stage of the propensity score analysis can greatly reduce these biases. We applied these methods to a study of racial disparities in breast cancer screening among beneficiaries of Medicare health plans. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carbon Nanotube Photoelectronic and Photovoltaic Devices and their Applications in Infrared Detection
Authors: Yang Leijing , Wang Sheng , Zeng Qingsheng , Zhang Zhiyong , Peng Lian‐Mao
Published: March 2013

Semiconducting carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are direct bandgap materials with outstanding electronic and optoelectronic properties and have been investigated for various electronic and optoelectronic device applications, such as light‐emitting diodes, photodetectors and photovoltaic cells. Here, a brief review of the various types of CNT diodes is presented, with a focus on one particular type of CNT diodes fabricated via a doping‐free process. Their application for constructing high‐performance optoelectronic and photovoltaic devices is also discussed, as well as the newly discovered photovoltage multiplication effect in CNTs and its application in improving the efficiency of CNT‐based infrared detector.
The 57th World Conference of the International Society for the Systems Sciences: Curating the Conditions for a Thrivable Planet: Systemic Leverage Points for Emerging a Global Eco‐Civilization. Hai Phong City, Viet Nam, 14–19 July 2013
Authors: Zhu Zhichang
Published: March 2013

We warmly invite you to join us in a unique experience that will contribute significantly to making systems thinking more mainstream around the world. The 57th Annual ISSS World Conference will provide you with an opportunity to showcase advances in systemic sustainability initiatives from around the world with hands‐on experience in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve and at Hai Phong City, the first city in the world to be managed using an integral systems approach. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nicotinamide Overcomes Pluripotency Deficits and Reprogramming Barriers
Authors: Son Myung Jin , Son Mi-Young , Seol Binna , Kim Min-Jeong , Yoo Chae Hwa , Han Myung-Kwan , Cho Yee Sook
Published: March 2013

Crosstalk between intracellular signaling pathways has been extensively studied to understand the pluripotency of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), including human embryonic stem cells and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs); however, the contribution of NAD+-dependent pathways remains largely unknown. Here, we show that NAD+ depletion by FK866 (a potent inhibitor of NAD+ biosynthesis) was fatal in hPSCs, particularly when deriving pluripotent cells from somatic cells and maintaining pluripotency. NAD and its precursors (nicotinamide [NAM] and nicotinic acid) fully replenished the NAD+ depletion by FK866 in hPSCs. However, only NAM effectively enhanced the reprogramming efficiency and kinetics of hiPSC generation and was also significantly advantageous for the maintenance of undifferentiated hPSCs. Our molecular and functional studies reveal that NAM lowers the barriers to reprogramming by accelerating cell proliferation and protecting cells from apoptosis and senescence by alleviating oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species accumulation, and subsequent mitochondrial membrane potential collapse. We provide evidence that the positive effects of NAM (occurring at concentrations well above the physiological range) on pluripotency control are molecularly associated with the repression of p53, p21, and p16. Our findings establish that adequate intracellular NAD+ content is crucial for pluripotency; the distinct effects of NAM on pluripotency may be dependent not only on its metabolic advantage as a NAD+ precursor but also on the ability of NAM to enhance resistance to cellular stress.
Re: Childhood cognitive development after fetal growth restriction. E. Llurba, A. A. Baschat, O. M. Turan, J. Harding and L. M. McCowan. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2013; 41: 383–389
Authors: Hernandez‐Andrade E.
Published: March 2013

Linked Comment: Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2013:41:383–389
Synthesis, Characterization, and X‐ray Crystal Structure of Macrocyclic Nickel/Iron/Sulfur Cluster Complexes
Authors: Li Yu‐Long , Xie Bin , Zou Li‐Ke , Lin Xiao , Zhu Sha‐Sha
Published: March 2013

A series of macrocyclic Ni/Fe/S cluster complexes were synthesized and structurally characterized. The macrocyclic type of (diphosphine)Ni‐bridged double butterfly Fe/S complexes [μ‐SCH2CH2OCH2CH2S‐μ][(μ‐S=CS)Fe2(CO)6]2‐[Ni(diphosphine)] (1–3; diphosphine = dppe, dppv, dppb) were prepared by treatment of the dianion [{μ‐SCH2CH2OCH2CH2S‐μ}{(μ‐CO)Fe2(CO)6}2]2–, generated in situ from Fe3(CO)12, Et3N, and HSCH2CH2OCH2CH2SH with excess CS2 followed by treatment of the resulting dianion [{μ‐SCH2CH2OCH2CH2S‐μ}{(μ‐SC=S)Fe2(CO)6}2]2– with (diphosphine)NiCl2. The three complexes 1–3 were characterized by elemental analysis and IR, 1H NMR, and 31P NMR spectroscopy. In addition, the molecular structures of 2 and 3 were established by X‐ray crystallography.
Bromidovanadium(II, III, and IV) Complexes
Authors: Rehder Dieter , Nekola Henning , Behrens Axel , Cramer Stephen P. , Funk Tobias
Published: March 2013

The bromidovanadium complexes cis‐[VIIBr2(bith)] (1) [bith = 1,6‐bis(2‐benzimidazolyl)‐2,5‐dithiahexane], cis‐[VIIBr2(pth)] (2a) [pth = 1,6‐bis(2‐pyridyl)‐2,5‐dithiahexane], cis‐[VIIIBr2(pth)]Br (2b), trans‐[VIIBr2(tmeda)2] (3) (tmeda = tetramethylethylenediamine), fac‐[VIIIBr3(9S3)] (4) (9S3 = 1, 4, 7‐trithiacyclononane), mer‐[VIIIBr3(thf)3] (5) (thf = tetrahydrofurane), and trans‐[VIVOBr2(thf)2H2O] (6) were prepared and characterized by, inter alia, XRD (5, 6), K‐edge XAS (3, 4) or L‐edge XAS (2a, 2b). The complexes are also addressed in the context of the potential of halogenidovanadium compounds in catalytically conducted reactions, including biogenic processes.
Disruption of YPS1 and PEP4 genes reduces proteolytic degradation of secreted HSA/PTH in Pichia pastoris GS115
Authors: Wu Min , Shen Qi , Yang Yong , Zhang Sheng , Qu Wen , Chen Jing , Sun Hongying , Chen Shuqing
Published: March 2013

Human serum albumin (HSA) and human parathyroid hormone (1-34) [PTH (1-34)] fusion protein [HSA/PTH (1-34)] is a promising long-acting form of PTH (1-34) for osteoporosis treatment. Secretory expression of intact HSA/PTH (1-34) in Pichia pastoris GS115 was accompanied by two degradation fragments, with molecular weights around 66 kDa, in addition to the well-known ~45 kDa HSA-truncated fragment, resulting in a low yield of intact protein. In this study, two internal cleavage sites were identified in the PTH (1-34) portion of the fusion protein by Western Blot analysis. To minimize proteolytic cleavages, several protease genes including PEP4 (encoding proteinase A), PRB1 (proteinase B) and seven YPSs genes (yapsin family members) were knocked out respectively by disruption of the individual genes and the selective combinations. Reduced degradation was observed by single disruption of either PEP4 gene or YPS1 gene, and the lowest level of degradation was observed in a pep4△yps1△ double disruptant. After 72 h of induction, more than 80 % of the HSA/PTH (1-34) secreted by the pep4△yps1△ double disruptant remained intact, in comparison to only 30 % with the wild-type strain.
Benign Upper Extremity Tumors: Factors Associated with Operative Treatment
Authors: Sluijmer Heleen C. E. , Becker Stéphanie J. E , Ring David C.
Published: March 2013

Background

Tumors are common in the upper extremity and are mostly benign and inconsequential. The purpose of this study was to determine factors associated with operative treatment for suspected benign tumors of the upper extremity.

Methods

Treated by three different hand surgeons between July 2001 and July 2011, 1,593 tumors were identified using billing records. The measured variables were: sex, age, marital status, pain, neurovascular status, location of the tumor, bilateral involvement, preoperative diagnosis, prior surgeries in general, prior aesthetic surgery, prior tumor surgery in general, prior upper extremity tumors, prior upper extremity tumor surgery, prior surgery for same tumor, current or prior cancer, and number of visits before treatment. Variables associated with operative treatment were assessed in bivariate analysis and backwards elimination logistic regression analysis.

Results

Factors that significantly increased the probability of surgery were a higher number of visits before treatment, giant cell tumors, treated by surgeon A, lipomas, tumors located on the finger, and prior upper extremity tumors. Factors that significantly decreased the probability of surgery were treated by surgeon B and retinacular/tendon sheath ganglion cysts. Prior or current cancer was not significantly associated with operative treatment.

Conclusions

Tumor location, preoperative diagnosis, prior upper extremity tumor, and surgeon affect the likelihood of surgery for an upper extremity tumor. Level of evidence: Prognostic II
Active targeting of HER2-positive breast cancer cells by Herceptin-functionalized organically modified silica nanoparticles
Authors: Shirshahi Vahid , Shamsipour Fereshteh , Zarnani Amir Hassan , Verdi Javad , Saber Reza
Published: March 2013

Normal micelle microemulsion method was utilized for fabrication of organically modified silica (ORMOSIL) nanoparticles. The void and dye-doped nanoparticles were synthesized in nonpolar core of two different surfactants including Aerosol OT and Tween 80. The nanoparticles were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential analysis. Our results revealed that the type of surfactant molecules has a dramatic impact on the size and size distribution range, surface charge, and surface functionalization of the nanoparticles. The particles fabricated using Tween 80 had very smaller size with narrow size distribution and very lower amount of zeta potential. For specific delivery of functionalized nanoparticles to breast cancer cell line SKBR3, overexpressing human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), both dye-doped nanoparticles fabricated with Aerosol OT or Tween 80, was conjugated to Herceptin. In vitro studies using fluorescent microscopy demonstrated that the surfactant used for preparation of the nanoparticles can affect the uptake of the particles by cells. The dye-doped functionalized ORMOSIL nanoparticles prepared with Aerosol OT showed better efficiency in the process of active targeting of HER2 receptor. Herceptin-functionalized ORMOSIL nanoparticles can be used for differentiation of HER2-positive from HER2-negative breast cancer cells or specific delivery of therapeutic and diagnostic agents and also other nanoparticles such as magnetic nanoparticles and quantum dots to breast cancer cells.
On the analysis of the collaboration network of the Brazilian symposium on computer networks and distributed systems
Authors: Maia Guilherme , Vaz de Melo Pedro O. S. , Guidoni Daniel L. , Souza Fernanda S.H. , Silva Thiago H. , Almeida Jussara M. , Loureiro Antonio A. F.
Published: March 2013

The Brazilian symposium on computer networks and distributed systems (SBRC) reached its 30th edition as the paramount scientific event in the area of computer networks and distributed systems in Brazil. Faced with this opportune moment in the event’s history, we here study the collaboration network established among authors who have jointly published in the symposium. Towards that end, we collected bibliographic data from all 30 editions, and built the co-authorship network of the event. We then analyzed the network structural features and evolution throughout its history. Our results reveal the main kind of co-author relationship among authors, show the most prominent communities within SBRC, the regions of Brazil that attracts the most authors, the researchers with central roles in the network as well as the importance of inter-state collaborations. Finally, we align our results with historical facts that may have had a key impact on the symposium success.
Energy dissipation in atomic-scale friction
Authors: Hu Yuan-zhong , Ma Tian-bao , Wang Hui
Published: March 2013

The mechanisms of energy dissipation are discussed in this paper by reviewing the models and research in atomic-scale friction. The study is undertaken to answer a fundamental question in the study of friction: How is frictional work dissipated, particularly in cases where material damage and wear are not involved. The initiation of energy dissipation, the role of structural commensurability, and the estimation of the interfacial shear strength have been examined in detail by introducing the Tomlinson model, the Frenkel-Kontorova model, and the cobblestone model, respectively. The discussion is extended to energy dissipation progress described in terms of phononic and electronic damping. The contributions from other mechanisms of dissipation such as viscoelastic relaxation and material wear are also included. As an example, we analyzed a specific process of dissipation in multilayer graphene, on the basis of results of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, which reveal a reversible part of energy that circulates between the system and the external driver. This leads us to emphasize that it is crucial in future studies to clearly define the coefficient of dissipation.
Identification of a histone acetyltransferase as a novel regulator of Drosophila intestinal stem cells
Authors: Ma Yansen , Chen Zhi , Jin Yaping , Liu Wei
Published: March 2013

One of the major challenges in stem cell research is to decipher the controlling mechanisms/genes of stem cell homeostasis. Through an RNAi mediated genetic screen of living animals, we identified an evolutionarily conserved histone acetyltransferase Atac2 as a novel regulator of Drosophila intestinal stem cells (ISCs). Expression of Atac2‐RNAi or a dominant negative allele of Atac2 generated more ISCs, while excessive Atac2 or a histone deacetylase inhibitor promoted ISC differentiation without affecting ISC survival or lineage specification. These findings extend our knowledge of epigenetic mechanisms in stem cell regulation.
Transcription factor TnrA inhibits the biosynthetic activity of glutamine synthetase in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Fedorova Ksenia , Kayumov Airat , Woyda Kathrin , Ilinskaja Olga , Forchhammer Karl
Published: March 2013

The Bacillus subtilis glutamine synthetase (GS) plays a dual role in cell metabolism by functioning as catalyst and regulator. GS catalyses the ATP‐dependent synthesis of glutamine from glutamate and ammonium. Under nitrogen‐rich conditions, GS becomes feedback‐inhibited by high intracellular glutamine levels and then binds transcription factors GlnR and TnrA, which control the genes of nitrogen assimilation. While GS‐bound TnrA is no longer able to interact with DNA, GlnR–DNA binding is shown to be stimulated by GS complex formation. In this paper we show a new physiological feature of the interaction between glutamine synthetase and TnrA. The transcription factor TnrA inhibits the biosynthetic activity of glutamine synthetase in vivo and in vitro, while the GlnR protein does not affect the activity of the enzyme.
Thermal magnetic susceptibility data on natural iron sulfides of northeastern Russia
Authors: Minyuk P.S. , Tyukova E.E. , Subbotnikova T.V. , Kazansky A.Yu. , Fedotov A.P.
Published: March 2013

Dependences of magnetic susceptibility (MS) on the temperature of natural iron sulfide samples (pyrite, marcasite, greigite, chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite, pyrrhotite) from the deposits of northeastern Russia were studied. The thermal MS curves for pyrite and marcasite are the same: On heating, MS increases at 420–450 °C, and unstable magnetite (maghemite) and monoclinic pyrrhotite with a well-defined Hopkinson peak are produced. In oxygen-free media with carbon or nitrogen, magnetite formation is weak, whereas pyrrhotite generation is more significant. The heating curves for chalcopyrite are similar to those for pyrite. They show an increase in MS at the same temperatures (420–450 °C). However, stable magnetite is produced, whereas monoclinic pyrrhotite is absent. In contrast to that in pyrite, marcasite, and chalcopyrite, magnetite formation in arsenopyrite begins at > 500 °C. Arsenopyrite cooling is accompanied by the formation of magnetite (S-rich arsenopyrite) or maghemite (As-rich arsenopyrite) with a dramatic increase in MS. Arsenopyrite with an increased S content is characterized by insignificant pyrrhotite formation. Greigite is marked by a decrease in MS on the heating curves at 360–420 °C with the formation of unstable cation-deficient magnetite.

Monoclinic pyrrhotite is characterized by a decrease in MS at ~320 °C, and hexagonal pyrrhotite, by a transition to a ferrimagnetic state at 210–260 °C. The addition of organic matter to monoclinic pyrrhotite stimulates the formation of hexagonal pyrrhotite, which transforms back into monoclinic pyrrhotite on repeated heating. The oxidation products of sulfides (greigite, chalcopyrite) show an increase in MS at 240–250 °C owing to lepidocrocite.
Are Positive Beliefs about Post-Event Processing Related to Social Anxiety?
Authors: Fisak Brian , Hammond Amanda N.
Published: March 2013

Although positive metacognitive beliefs have been found to be associated with symptoms of depression and generalised anxiety disorder, surprisingly few studies have focused on the degree to which positive metacognitive beliefs are associated to social phobia symptoms. In response to this limitation, the primary goal of the current study was the development and validation of the Positive Beliefs about Post-Event Processing Questionnaire (PB-PEPQ). It was anticipated that the PB-PEPQ would exhibit adequate psychometric properties. Based on a non-referred sample of 300 undergraduate students, the PB-PEPQ was found to be positively associated with measures of post-event processing and social anxiety symptoms. Further, support was found for the incremental validity of the PB-PEPQ, as the measure predicted variance in social phobia symptoms after controlling for other metacognitive variables, including positive beliefs about worry and positive beliefs about rumination. Overall, the findings may have implications for cognitive models of social phobia. Further, the current findings have possible treatment implications, as individuals with social phobia may benefit from interventions focused on the identification and modification of positive metacognitive beliefs.
Experience, Body, and Authority
Authors: Cooey Paula M.
Published: March 2013

Understanding the role played by emotion in relation to culture and nature is relevant to theories of religion and to issues of theological method. The extent to which one grants emotion independence from cognition may well determine whether one views religious experience as an avenue available to free one from culture or simply as the product of culture. In theories of religion the role played by emotion may determine both the integrity granted the subject's account of her or his experience and the appropriate methods for interpreting the general significance of the account. In regard to theological methodology, the role played by emotion will likely indicate whether experience is viewed as a relative consequence of construction and critique or the authoritative starting point for construction and critique.
The Radheshyam Ramayan and the Sanskritizationof Khari Boli Hindi
Authors: LOTHSPEICH PAMELA
Published: March 2013

This paper charts the linguistic shifts in a popular iteration of the story of Lord Ram, commonly known as the ‘Radheshyam Ramayan’ (composed in the first quarter of the twentieth century), across four versions of the text published in the devanāgarī script, between 1939 and 1969. It argues that the author, Radheshyam Kathavachak, likely revised his text over the course of many years, in large part to bring its language closer to śuddh (pure) Hindi on the Hindi-Urdu spectrum—a labour that was in the service of the Hindi language movement, if not also Hindu nationalism. Whilst the language in the 1939 printing is a mixed register of Hindi-Urdu, by 1959, the language has undergone a process of ‘Sanskritization’. That is, much of the vocabulary of Persian and Arabic origin, and also much vocabulary associated with the Braj tradition, have been replaced with words from Sanskrit. The progressive editing of text also shows a deep concern for the standardization and occasionally, elevation of literary Hindi, and simultaneously, the correction of defects in meter and style. The example of Kathavachak's ‘many Radheshyam Ramayans’ offers insight into the timing and pace of the Sanskritization of Hindi letters, suggesting that for some, the process may have been more protracted and anguished than is often thought.
Adaptive Road Candidates Search Algorithm for Map Matching by Clustering Road Segments
Authors: Ren Ming , Karimi Hassan A.
Published: March 2013

Map matching is an important algorithm for any location-based service, especially in navigation and tracking systems and services. Identifying the relevant road segments accurately and efficiently, given positioning data, is the first and most important step in any map matching algorithm. This paper proposes a new approach to searching for road candidates by clustering and then searching road segments through a constructed hierarchical clustering tree, rather than using indexing techniques to query segments within a fixed search window. A binary tree is created based on the hierarchical clustering tree and adaptive searches are conducted to identify candidate road segments given GPS positions. The approach was validated using road maps with different scales and various scenarios in which moving vehicles were located. Both theoretical analysis and experimental results confirm that the proposed approach can efficiently find candidate road segments for map matching.
Patterns of direct and indirect contact between cattle and badgers naturally infected with tuberculosis
Authors: DREWE J. A. , O'CONNOR H. M. , WEBER N. , McDONALD R. A. , DELAHAY R. J.
Published: March 2013

Tuberculosis (TB) due to infection with Mycobacterium bovis is transmitted between cattle and badgers (Meles meles) in the UK and Ireland but it is unclear where or when transmission occurs. We investigated direct and indirect interactions between badgers and cattle using automated proximity loggers on animals and at badger latrines located on pasture, in an area of south-west England with a high-density badger population. Direct contacts (interactions within 1·4 m) between badgers and cattle at pasture were very rare (four out of >500 000 recorded animal-to-animal contacts) despite ample opportunity for interactions to occur. Indirect interactions (visits to badger latrines by badgers and cattle) were two orders of magnitude more frequent than direct contacts: 400 visits by badgers and 1700 visits by cattle were recorded. This suggests that indirect contacts might be more important than direct contacts in terms of disease transmission at pasture. The TB infection status of individual badgers (ascribed with 93% accuracy using three diagnostic tests) did not affect the frequency or duration of their visits to latrines located on pasture grazed by cattle. Nevertheless, there was wide variation in contact behaviour between individuals, which highlights the importance of understanding heterogeneity in contact patterns when developing strategies to control disease spread in wildlife and livestock.
Solving the snake cube puzzle in Haskell
Authors: JONES MARK P.
Published: March 2013

We describe a concise and elegant functional program, written in Haskell, that computes solutions for a classic puzzle known as the “snake cube.” The program reflects some of the fundamental characteristics of the functional style, identifying key abstractions, and defining a small collection of operators for manipulating and working with the associated values. Well-suited for an introductory course on functional programming, this example highlights the use of visualization tools to explain and demonstrate the choices of data structures and algorithms that are used in the development.
Visualization, decentralization and metropolitan improvement: ‘light-and-air’ and London County Council photographs, 1899–1908
Authors: ROONEY DAVID
Published: March 2013

In the 1890s, the London County Council began a project to photograph old buildings in the capital. The common interpretation is that this was preservationist activity to record architectural treasures being ‘lost’. However, after 1899, many images appear not to fit neatly into a story of selective preservation. By examining metropolitan improvement schemes and the politics of housing, this article examines alternative contexts in which the images were made. It suggests the photographs acted in political dialogues about geographies of light and air, time and space, and the right place of working Londoners, as well as more mundane concerns over spending.
Effect of Spinal Immobilization on Heart Rate, Blood Pressure and Respiratory Rate
Authors: Bruijns Stevan R. , Guly Henry R. , Wallis Lee A.
Published: March 2013

Introduction

Vital signs remain important clinical indicators in the management of trauma. Tissue injury and ischemia cause tachycardia and hypertension, which are mediated via the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). Spinal immobilization is known to cause discomfort, and it is not known how this might influence the SNS and contribute to abnormal vital signs.

Hypothesis

This study aimed to establish whether the pain and discomfort associated with spinal immobilization and the maneuvers commonly used in injured patients (eg, log roll) affect the Heart rate (HR), Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) and Respiratory rate (RR). The null hypothesis was that there are no effects.

Methods

A prospective, unblinded, repeated-measure study of 53 healthy subjects was used to test the null hypothesis. Heart rate, BP and RR were measured at rest (five minutes), after spinal immobilization (10 minutes), following log roll, with partial immobilization (10 minutes) and again at rest (five minutes). A visual analog scale (VAS) for both pain and discomfort were also collected at each stage. Results were statistically compared.

Results

Pain VAS increased significantly during spinal immobilization (3.8 mm, P < .01). Discomfort VAS increased significantly during spinal immobilization, after log roll and during partial immobilization (17.7 mm, 5.8 mm and 8.9 mm, respectively; P < .001). Vital signs however, showed no clinically relevant changes.

Discussion

Spinal immobilization does not cause a change in vital signs despite a significant increase in pain and discomfort. Since no relationship appears to exist between immobilization and abnormal vital signs, abnormal vital signs in a clinical situation should not be considered to be the result of immobilization. Likewise, pain and discomfort in immobilized patients should not be disregarded due to lack of changes in vital signs.

BruijnsS, GulyH, WallisL. Effect of spinal immobilization on heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2013;28(2):1-5.
Pre-pregnancy obesity and maternal nutritional biomarker status during pregnancy: a factor analysis
Authors: Tomedi Laura E , Chang Chung-Chou H , Newby PK , Evans Rhobert W , Luther James F , Wisner Katherine L , Bodnar Lisa M
Published: March 2013

Objective

Pre-pregnancy obesity has been associated with adverse birth outcomes. Poor essential fatty acid (EFA) and micronutrient status during pregnancy may contribute to these associations. We assessed the associations between pre-pregnancy BMI and nutritional patterns of maternal micronutrient and EFA status during mid-pregnancy.

Design

A cross-sectional analysis from a prospective cohort study. Women provided non-fasting blood samples at ≤20 weeks’ gestation that were assayed for red cell EFA; plasma folate, homocysteine and ascorbic acid; and serum retinol, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, α-tocopherol, soluble transferrin receptors and carotenoids. These nutritional biomarkers were employed in a factor analysis and three patterns were derived: EFA, Micronutrients and Carotenoids.

Setting

The Antidepressant Use During Pregnancy Study, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.

Subjects

Pregnant women (n 129).

Results

After adjustment for parity, race/ethnicity and age, obese pregnant women were 3·0 (95 % CI 1·1, 7·7) times more likely to be in the lowest tertile of the EFA pattern and 4·5 (95 % CI 1·7, 12·3) times more likely to be in the lowest tertile of the Carotenoid pattern compared with their lean counterparts. We found no association between pre-pregnancy obesity and the Micronutrient pattern after confounder adjustment.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that obese pregnant women have diminished EFA and carotenoid concentrations.
New model of Mars surface irradiation for the climate simulation chamber ‘Artificial Mars’
Authors: Tarasashvili M.V. , Sabashvili Sh.A. , Tsereteli S.L. , Aleksidze N.G.
Published: March 2013

A new model of the Mars surface irradiation has been developed for the imitation of radiation–temperature parameters within Mars Climate Simulation Chamber (MCSC). In order to determine the values of annual and diurnal variations of the irradiance on the Martian surface, the Solar illumination E has been expressed by the distance r between the Sun and Mars and the Sun's altitude z in the Martian sky, along with its midday zenith distance zmin. The arrangements of spring and autumn equinoxes as well as summer and winter solstice points in the Martian sky are discussed regarding the perihelion of Mars. Annual orbital points and variability of Solar zmin for different planetary latitudes have been calculated for the 15 selected values of Mars's true anomaly, along with the illumination E for 12 hourly moments of Martian daytime on the Martian equator. These original calculations and the data which have been obtained are used for the construction of technical tools imitating variations of the surface irradiation and temperature within MCSC, programming of the supporting computer and the electric scheme, which provide proper remote control and set the environmental parameters that are analogues to the 24 hours 39 minutes circadian cycle on planet Mars. Spectral distribution as monochromatic irradiance, humidity control, atmospheric composition and other environmental parameters of planet Mars are also imitated and remotely controlled within MCSC, however, are not discussed in this particular article.
The effect of medical malpractice liability on rate of referrals received by specialist physicians
Authors: Xu Xiao , Spurr Stephen J. , Nan Bin , Fendrick A. Mark
Published: March 2013

Using nationally representative data from the United States, this paper analyzed the effect of a state's medical malpractice environment on referral visits received by specialist physicians. The analytic sample included 12,839 ambulatory visits to specialist care doctors in office-based settings in the United States during 2003–2007. Whether the patient was referred for the visit was examined for its association with the state's malpractice environment, assessed by the frequency and severity of paid medical malpractice claims, medical malpractice insurance premiums and an indicator for whether the state had a cap on non-economic damages. After accounting for potential confounders such as economic or professional incentives within practices, the analysis showed that statutory caps on non-economic damages of $250,000 were significantly associated with lower likelihood of a specialist receiving referrals, suggesting a potential impact of a state's medical malpractice environment on physicians’ referral behavior.
Aortic Wall Thickness and Amniotic Fluid Albuminuria in Growth-Restricted Twin Fetuses
Authors: Zanardo Vincenzo , Visentin Silvia , Bertin Martina , Zaninotto Martina , Trevisanuto Daniele , Cavallin Francesco , Cosmi Erich
Published: March 2013

Background and objective:Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) may be associated with significantly higher aortic intima–media thickening (aIMT) values. It is unknown if fetal aIMT is associated with glomerulosclerosis and amniotic albuminuria in utero.Design, setting, participants, and measurements: Fetal abdominal aIMT and amniotic albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) were measured in 126 individual twin fetuses, recruited by the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Clinics of the University of Padua (Italy) Medical Center. The IUGR twin fetuses were classified into two groups: Group A were those fetuses whose estimated fetal weight (EFW) was <10th percentile with pulsatility index >2SDand Group B were those fetuses whose EFW was <10th percentile and had no velocimetry abnormalities.Results: The median fetal aIMT was significantly different in the three groups (Group A = 0.9 mm; Group B = 0.7 mm; and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) = 0.5 mm;p< .0001). It was significantly higher in Group A than in the AGA group (p< .0001) and than in the Group B fetuses (p= .003), respectively. In addition, ACR was different in the three groups (Group A = 183,500 mg/g; Group B = 6,4720 mg/g; and AGA = 8,2750 mg/g;p= .0002). It was significantly higher in Group A than in the AGA group (p= .03) and than in Group B (p= .02), respectively.Conclusions:Growth-restricted twin fetuses with velocimetry abnormalities present are associated with aIMT and higher ACR levels in amniotic fluid, which could be possible markers in utero of preclinical atherosclerosis, and early glomerulosclerosis.
Quantifying the importance of pMHC valency, total pMHC dose and frequency on nanoparticle therapeutic efficacy
Authors: Sugarman Jordan , Tsai Sue , Santamaria Pere , Khadra Anmar
Published: March 2013

Nanoparticles (NPs) coated with β‐cell‐specific peptide major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) class I molecules can effectively restore normoglycemia in spontaneously diabetic nonobese diabetic mice. They do so by expanding pools of cognate memory autoreactive regulatory CD8+ T cells that arise from naive low‐avidity T‐cell precursors to therapeutic levels. Here we develop our previously constructed mathematical model to explore the effects of compound design parameters (NP dose and pMHC valency) on therapeutic efficacy with the underlying hypothesis that the functional correlates of the therapeutic response (expansion of autoregulatory T cells and deletion of autoantigen‐loaded antigen‐presenting cells by these T cells) are biphasic. We show, using bifurcation analysis, that the model exhibits a ‘resonance’‐like behavior for a given range of NP dose in which bistability between the healthy state (possessing zero level of effector T‐cell population) and autoimmune state (possessing elevated level of the same population) disappears. A heterogeneous population of model mice subjected to several treatment protocols under these new conditions is conducted to quantify both the average percentage of autoregulatory T cells in responsive and nonresponsive model mice, and the average valency‐dependent minimal optimal dose needed for effective therapy. Our results reveal that a moderate increase (⩾1.6‐fold) in the NP‐dependent expansion rate of autoregulatory T‐cell population leads to a significant increase in the efficacy and the area corresponding to the effective treatment regimen, provided that NP dose ⩾8 μg. We expect the model developed here to generalize to other autoimmune diseases and serve as a computational tool to understand and optimize pMHC–NP‐based therapies.
Structure of a dimeric crenarchaeal Cas6 enzyme with an atypical active site for CRISPR RNA processing
Authors: Reeks Judith , Sokolowski Richard D. , Graham Shirley , Liu Huanting , Naismith James H. , White Malcolm F.
Published: March 2013

The competition between viruses and hosts is played out in all branches of life. Many prokaryotes have an adaptive immune system termed ‘CRISPR’ (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) which is based on the capture of short pieces of viral DNA. The captured DNA is integrated into the genomic DNA of the organism flanked by direct repeats, transcribed and processed to generate crRNA (CRISPR RNA) that is loaded into a variety of effector complexes. These complexes carry out sequence-specific detection and destruction of invading mobile genetic elements. In the present paper, we report the structure and activity of a Cas6 (CRISPR-associated 6) enzyme (Sso1437) from Sulfolobus solfataricus responsible for the generation of unit-length crRNA species. The crystal structure reveals an unusual dimeric organization that is important for the enzyme's activity. In addition, the active site lacks the canonical catalytic histidine residue that has been viewed as an essential feature of the Cas6 family. Although several residues contribute towards catalysis, none is absolutely essential. Coupled with the very low catalytic rate constants of the Cas6 family and the plasticity of the active site, this suggests that the crRNA recognition and chaperone-like activities of the Cas6 family should be considered as equal to or even more important than their role as traditional enzymes.
Segmented superluminescent diode with linear power–current characteristics and adjustable radiation pattern
Authors: Causa Federica
Published: March 2013

This study presents the modelling and experimental characterisation of 980 nm segmented‐contact superluminescent diodes designed to produce linear power–current characteristics for applications requiring high output powers and readily reproducible operational characteristics, with adjustable beam width, radiation pattern and spectral width. The maximum measured output power was 160 mW at 4 A pulsed driving current, resulting in 2% wall‐plug efficiency per pulse, with ripple‐free broad‐band output. Coupling into multi‐ and single‐mode optical fibres was achieved with efficiencies of, respectively, 60 and 17%.
Traitement précoce des malocclusions de classe III : les
faits
Authors: Amat Philippe
Published: March 2013

L’objectif de cet article est d’exposer les faits probants publiés pour répondre aux
questions suivantes : 1) Le traitement précoce des malocclusions de classe III est-il
efficace ? 2) Quel dispositif thérapeutique est le plus efficace ? 3) Les résultats sont-ils
stables ? Les convictions de Jean Delaire et de l’auteur quant à l’utilité d’une prise en
charge habituellement précoce de ces dysmorphies seront exposées dans un second
article [4].
Mechanically tunable terahertz metamaterials
Authors: Li Jining , Shah Charan M. , Withayachumnankul Withawat , Ung Benjamin S.-Y. , Mitchell Arnan , Sriram Sharath , Bhaskaran Madhu , Chang Shengjiang , Abbott Derek
Published: March 2013

Electromagnetic device design and flexible electronics fabrication are combined to demonstrate mechanically tunable metamaterials operating at terahertz frequencies. Each metamaterial comprises a planar array of resonators on a highly elastic polydimethylsiloxane substrate. The resonance of the metamaterials is controllable through substrate deformation. Applying a stretching force to the substrate changes the inter-cell capacitance and hence the resonance frequency of the resonators. In the experiment, greater than 8% of the tuning range is achieved with good repeatability over several stretching-relaxing cycles. This study promises applications in remote strain sensing and other controllable metamaterial-based devices.
Electron transport through nano-MOSFET in presence of electron-electron interaction
Authors: Simchi Hamidreza , Heidarisaani Mehdi , Esmaeilzadeh Mahdi
Published: March 2013

We investigate the effect of electron-electron interaction on voltage distribution, charge distribution and current-voltage curve of two dimensional nano-MOSFETs with dimension equal to 1 × 1 nm2, 3 × 3 nm2, and 6 × 6 nm2 by using non-equilibrium Green function method. It is shown that the turn on voltage increases by decreasing the size of sample because of size quantization. Also we show that for a critical drain-source voltage a negative resistance is seen at current-voltage curve of 1 × 1 nm2 sample because of electron-electron interaction, and in consequence it can tolerate lower gate voltage in real practical applications.
Investigation of cross-hatch in In0.3Ga0.7As pseudo-substrates
Authors: Saha Sudip , Cassidy Daniel T. , Thompson D. A.
Published: March 2013

Metamorphic buffer layers offer a wide variety of lattice constants for substrate on which devices can be grown. However, almost in all cases, the surface of the pseudo-substrate contains striations which are known as “cross-hatch.” Although, it is accepted that this surface undulation is related with the underlying gridlike misfit dislocations (MDs), the exact correlation is still to be determined. In this article, degree of polarization of photoluminescence maps and atomic force microscopy were used to analyze the correlation between surface undulation and the underlying strain field of the pseudo-substrate. From the correlation, it can be said that the surface undulation is not formed after MD nucleation, but MDs form in some of the troughs of the undulation.
Magnetic properties and phase transitions of gadolinium-infused carbon nanotubes
Authors: Quetz Abdiel , Dubenko Igor , Samanta Tapas , Vinson Herbert , Talapatra Saikat , Ali Naushad , Stadler Shane
Published: March 2013

Carbon nanotube (CNT)/metal-cluster-based composites are envisioned as new materials that possess unique electronic properties which may be utilized in a variety of future applications. Superparamagnetic behavior was reported for CNTs with Gd ions introduced into the CNT openings by internal loading with an aqueous GdCl3 chemical process. In the current work, the magnetic properties of the CNT/Gd composites were obtained by the joining and annealing of Gd metal and CNTs at 850 °C for 48 h. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis shows the presence of Gd intermingled with the CNT walls with maximum and average Gd concentrations of about 20% and 4% (by weight), respectively. The Gd clusters have a non-uniform distribution and are mostly concentrated at the ends of the CNTs. A ferromagnetic-type transition at TC ∼ 320 K, accompanied by jump like change in magnetization and temperature hysteresis typical for the temperature induced first order phase transitions has been observed by magnetization measurements. It was found that Gd infused into the CNTs by the annealing results in a first order paramagnetic-ferromagnetic transition at TC = 320 K.