bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal trends in oropharyngeal cancer treatment and survival: 1998–2009
Authors: Chen Amy Y. , Zhu Jason , Fedewa Stacey
Published: July 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

To describe temporal trends of surgical and nonsurgical treatment for advanced oropharyngeal cancer, and to report contemporary survival estimates and factors associated with survival.

Study Design

Patients diagnosed between 1998 and 2009 with a first primary, invasive, advanced‐stage squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx were selected from the National Cancer Database (N = 67,239). The outcomes of this study were first primary treatment and survival. Treatment was defined as chemotherapy with concurrent radiation (ChemoRT), radiation alone (RT), and surgery.

Methods

Two‐tailed t tests were used to evaluate the statistical significance of treatment type by sociodemographic variables. Multivariate log binomial regression models were used to estimate risk ratio and 95% confidence interval of select treatments (ChemoRT vs. RT and ChemoRT vs. surgery). For survival analysis, all variables were entered into a single model to test for violations in the proportional hazards (PH) assumption. All PH analyses were stratified by stage and age at diagnosis, and insurance status.

Results

The total analytic cohort included 43,983 patients. Sociodemographic variables predicted type of treatment and survival. In addition, chemoradiation was increasingly used during this time period and was associated with improved survival. There was no decrease in mean or median age of patients during this time period to explain the improved survival.

Conclusions

These results confirmed previously reported trends of increasing use of nonsurgical therapy in the treatment of advanced oropharyngeal cancers. In addition, this analysis describes numerous factors that were predictive of overall survival including race, insurance, increasing use of chemoradiation, and socioeconomic status.

Level of Evidence

2b Laryngoscope, 124:131–138, 2014
Improved imaging of Cochlear nerve hypoplasia using a 3‐tesla variable flip‐angle turbo spin‐echo sequence and a 7‐cm surface coil
Authors: Giesemann Anja M. , Raab Peter , Lyutenski Stefan , Dettmer Sabine , Bültmann Eva , Frömke Cornelia , Lenarz Thomas , Lanfermann Heinrich , Goetz Friedrich
Published: July 2013

Objective/Hypothesis

Magnetic resonance imaging of the temporal bone has an important role in decision making with regard to cochlea implantation, especially in children with cochlear nerve deficiency. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the combination of an advanced high‐resolution T2‐weighted sequence with a surface coil in a 3‐Tesla magnetic resonance imaging scanner in cases of suspected cochlear nerve aplasia.

Study Design

Prospective study.

Methods

Seven patients with cochlear nerve hypoplasia or aplasia were prospectively examined using a high‐resolution three‐dimensional variable flip‐angle turbo spin‐echo sequence using a surface coil, and the images were compared with the same sequence in standard resolution using a standard head coil. Three neuroradiologists evaluated the magnetic resonance images independently, rating the visibility of the nerves in diagnosing hypoplasia or aplasia.

Results

Eight ears in seven patients with hypoplasia or aplasia of the cochlear nerve were examined. The average age was 2.7 years (range, 9 months–5 years). Seven ears had accompanying malformations. The inter‐rater reliability in diagnosing hypoplasia or aplasia was greater using the high‐resolution three‐dimensional variable flip‐angle turbo spin‐echo sequence (fixed‐marginal kappa: 0.64) than with the same sequence in lower resolution (fixed‐marginal kappa: 0.06).

Conclusions

Examining cases of suspected cochlear nerve aplasia using the high‐resolution three‐dimensional variable flip‐angle turbo spin‐echo sequence in combination with a surface coil shows significant improvement over standard methods.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 124:751–754, 2014
External branch of the superior laryngeal nerve monitoring during thyroid and parathyroid surgery: International Neural Monitoring Study Group standards guideline statement
Authors: Barczyński Marcin , Randolph Gregory W. , Cernea Claudio R. , Dralle Henning , Dionigi Gianlorenzo , Alesina Piero F. , Mihai Radu , Finck Camille , Lombardi Davide , Hartl Dana M. , Miyauchi Akira , Serpell Jonathan , Snyder Samuel , Volpi Erivelto , Woodson Gayle , Kraimps Jean Louis , Hisham Abdullah N. ,   with the International Neural Monitoring Study Group
Published: July 2013

Intraoperative neural monitoring (IONM) during thyroid surgery has gained widespread acceptance as an adjunct to the gold standard of visual identification of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN). Contrary to routine dissection of the RLN, most surgeons tend to avoid rather than routinely expose and identify the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) during thyroidectomy or parathyroidectomy. IONM has the potential to be utilized for identification of the EBSLN and functional assessment of its integrity; therefore, IONM might contribute to voice preservation following thyroidectomy or parathyroidectomy. We reviewed the literature and the cumulative experience of the multidisciplinary International Neural Monitoring Study Group (INMSG) with IONM of the EBSLN. A systematic search of the MEDLINE database (from 1950 to the present) with predefined search terms (EBSLN, superior laryngeal nerve, stimulation, neuromonitoring, identification) was undertaken and supplemented by personal communication between members of the INMSG to identify relevant publications in the field. The hypothesis explored in this review is that the use of a standardized approach to the functional preservation of the EBSLN can be facilitated by application of IONM resulting in improved preservation of voice following thyroidectomy or parathyroidectomy. These guidelines are intended to improve the practice of neural monitoring of the EBSLN during thyroidectomy or parathyroidectomy and to optimize clinical utility of this technique based on available evidence and consensus of experts.

Level of Evidence

5 Laryngoscope, 123:S1–S14, 2013
Responsive Materials for Self‐Regulated Insulin Delivery
Authors: Wu Weitai , Zhou Shuiqin
Published: July 2013

With diabetes mellitus becoming an important public health concern, insulin‐delivery systems are attracting increasing interest from both scientific and technological researchers. This feature article covers the present state‐of‐the‐art glucose‐responsive insulin‐delivery system (denoted as GRIDS), based on responsive polymer materials, a promising system for self‐regulated insulin delivery. Three types of GRIDS are discussed, based on different fundamental mechanisms of glucose‐recognition, with: a) glucose enzyme, b) glucose binding protein, and c) synthetic boronic acid as the glucose‐sensitive component. At the end, a personal perspective on the major issues yet to be worked out in future research is provided.
Reconstruction of extensive abdominal wall defect using an eccentric perforator‐based pedicled anterolateral thigh flap: A case report
Authors: Jang Joonchul , Jeong Seong‐Ho , Han Seung‐Kyu , Kim Woo‐Kyung
Published: July 2013

Reconstruction of extensive abdominal wall defects is a challenge for reconstructive surgeons. In this report, a case of reconstruction of a large abdominal wall defect using an eccentric perforator‐based pedicled anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is presented. A 30‐year‐old man presented with recurrent desmoid‐type fibromatosis in the abdominal wall. The recurrent tumor was radically excised, and the en bloc excision resulted in a full‐thickness, large abdominal wall defect (25 cm × 20 cm). An eccentric perforator‐based pedicled ALT flap, including wide fascial extension, was transferred to the abdominal defect; fascial portions were sutured to the remnant abdominal fascia. Plication of the fascia along the sutured portion was performed to relieve the skin tension between the flap and the marginal skin of the abdominal defect. Eight months after surgery, the reconstructed abdomen had an acceptable esthetic appearance without tumor recurrence or hernia. The use of an eccentric perforator‐based pedicled ALT flap may be an alternative method for the reconstruction of extensive abdominal wall defects. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 33:482–486, 2013.
Efficacy and Safety of Curcumin in Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sanmukhani Jayesh , Satodiya Vimal , Trivedi Jaladhi , Patel Tejas , Tiwari Deepak , Panchal Bharat , Goel Ajay , Tripathi Chandra Bhanu
Published: July 2013

Curcumin, an active ingredient of Curcuma longa Linn (Zingiberaceae), has shown potential antidepressant‐like activity in animal studies. The objectives of this trial were to compare the efficacy and safety of curcumin with fluoxetine in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Herein, 60 patients diagnosed with MDD were randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio for six weeks observer‐masked treatment with fluoxetine (20 mg) and curcumin (1000 mg) individually or their combination. The primary efficacy variable was response rates according to Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, 17‐item version (HAM‐D17). The secondary efficacy variable was the mean change in HAM‐D17 score after six weeks. We observed that curcumin was well tolerated by all the patients. The proportion of responders as measured by the HAM‐D17 scale was higher in the combination group (77.8%) than in the fluoxetine (64.7%) and the curcumin (62.5%) groups; however, these data were not statistically significant (P = 0.58). Interestingly, the mean change in HAM‐D17 score at the end of six weeks was comparable in all three groups (P = 0.77). This study provides first clinical evidence that curcumin may be used as an effective and safe modality for treatment in patients with MDD without concurrent suicidal ideation or other psychotic disorders. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Costunolide Inhibits Osteoclast Differentiation by Suppressing c‐Fos Transcriptional Activity
Authors: Cheon Yoon‐Hee , Song Mi Jin , Kim Ju‐Young , Kwak Seong Cheoul , Park Ju Ha , Lee Chang Hoon , Kim Jeong Joong , Kim Jung Young , Choi Min Kyu , Oh Jaemin , Kim Youn‐Chul , Yoon Kwon‐Ha , Kwak Han Bok , Lee Myeung Su
Published: July 2013

Costunolide, a sesquiterpene lactone, exhibits anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidant properties and mediates apoptosis. However, its effects and mechanism of action in osteoclasts remain unknown. Herein, we found that costunolide significantly inhibited RANKL‐induced BMM differentiation into osteoclasts in a dose‐dependent manner without affecting cytotoxicity. Costunolide did not regulate the early signaling pathways of RANKL, including the mitogen‐activated protein kinase and NF‐κB pathways. However, costunolide suppressed nuclear factor of activated T‐cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1) expression via inhibition of c‐Fos transcriptional activity without affecting RANKL‐induced c‐Fos expression. The inhibitory effects of costunolide were rescued by overexpression of constitutively active (CA)‐NFATc1. Taken together, our results suggest that costunolide inhibited RANKL‐induced osteoclast differentiation by suppressing RANKL‐mediated c‐Fos transcriptional activity. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding the treatment of waves in atmospheric models. Part 1: The shortest resolved waves of the 1D linearized shallow‐water equations
Authors: Ullrich P. A.
Published: July 2013

This article provides an intercomparison of the dispersive and diffusive properties of several standard numerical methods applied to the 1D linearized shallow‐water equations without the Coriolis term, including upwind and central finite‐volume, spectral finite‐volume, discontinuous Galerkin, spectral element, and staggered finite‐volume. All methods are studied up to tenth‐order accuracy, where possible. A consistent framework is developed which allows for direct intercomparison of the ability of these methods to capture the behaviour of linear gravity waves. The Courant–Friedrichs–Lewy (CFL) condition is also computed, which is important for gauging the stability of these methods, and leads to a measure of approximate equal error cost. The goal of this work is threefold: first, to determine the shortest wavelength which can be considered ‘resolved’ for a particular method; second, to determine the effect of increasing the order of accuracy on the ability of a method to capture wave‐like motion; and third, to determine which numerical methods offer the best treatment of wave‐like motion.
Effect of TaNx on electrical and optical properties of annealed TaNx/Ag/TaNx films
Authors: Akepati Sivasankar Reddy , Loka Chadrasekhar , Yu Ho Tak , Lee Kee‐Sun
Published: July 2013

As‐deposited Ag(10 nm)/glass films exhibited agglomerated nanocrystals with seemingly thick boundaries. Introduction of a TaNx layer below the Ag films resulted in dense and smooth structures, with a resistance at least three times lower than that of Ag/glass. For TaNx(10 nm)/Ag(10 nm)/TaNx(10 nm)/glass multilayer films, Auger electron spectroscopy results indicate that TaNx acts as an effective barrier restraining the diffusion of Ag. After annealing (up to 573 K), no outward diffusion of Ag through either TaNx layer was seen. However, partial oxidation of the outermost TaNx layer to form Ta2O5 was observed. The films showed promising optical properties with 73% transmittance in the visible region and ~15% average transmittance in the near‐infrared region. The optical data obtained here was in good agreement with simulated predictions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intracellular seeded aggregation of mutant Cu,Zn‐superoxide dismutase associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Furukawa Yoshiaki , Kaneko Kumi , Watanabe Shoji , Yamanaka Koji , Nukina Nobuyuki
Published: July 2013

Once a protein adopts the fibrillar aggregate conformation, a seeding reaction becomes operative in which pre‐formed fibrils function as seeds for soluble protein molecules to be fibrillized. Such a seeding reaction accelerates the protein fibrillation in vitro; however, more investigation is required to test the seeded fibrillation inside cells. Here, we show that in vitro Cu,Zn‐superoxide dismutase (SOD1) fibrils are transduced into cells and function as seeds to trigger the aggregation of endogenously expressed SOD1. Seeded aggregation of mutant SOD1 will thus play roles in a molecular pathomechanism of SOD1‐linked amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Psychological distress in patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator
Authors: Shiga Tsuyoshi , Suzuki Tsuyoshi , Nishimura Katsuji
Published: July 2013

Despite the effectiveness of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), its implantation and concomitant therapies, including shocks, can induce psychological distress in patients. Depression has been observed in approximately 30% of ICD patients, and shocks may contribute to the persistence of depression. Anxiety is common, with reports of 24–87% of ICD patients experiencing symptoms of anxiety after implantation, and type D personality and ICD‐related concerns may play important roles in the level of anxiety in ICD patients. However, the association between ICD shocks and anxiety is controversial. The prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in ICD patients is approximately 20%, and type D personality, comorbidities, and frequent shocks may contribute to PTSD. It is also important to pay attention to the psychological distress in the partners of ICD patients.
Towards the Development of the International Penal System
Authors: Mulgrew Róisín
Published: July 2013

Based on extensive empirical research, this groundbreaking book describes and analyses existing systems for enforcing sentences of imprisonment imposed by international criminal courts and makes recommendations for the strategic and structural development of the international penal system. In particular, it advocates a resocialisation-focused international penal policy delivered using restorative justice modalities post-conviction and the creation of an accountable international prison system. Singly or combined, these developments will contribute to the institutionalisation of the international penal system and enhance the international nature of the sanction, the international control over the way international punishment is enforced and the equal treatment of international prisoners. These developments will also help to ensure that international punishment is principled and progressive and implemented in a humane and effective system.
SELLING THE PASS: HABEAS CORPUS, DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS AND THE PROTECTION OF LIBERTY AND SECURITY OF PERSONS DETAINED ABROAD
Authors: Eatwell Tatyana
Published: July 2013

On 31 October 2012 the Supreme Court of England and Wales handed down its judgment in Rahmatullah v Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Secretary of State for Defence [2012] UKSC 48. The case concerns an application for habeas corpus brought by a citizen of Pakistan originally detained by the United Kingdom in Iraq before being transferred into the custody of the United States. Rahmatullah addresses important issues concerning the extraterritorial reach of habeas corpus under English law in respect of persons held in the custody of a foreign State, as well as the international rule of law. The case may be considered a legal victory for persons detained without trial by the US in facilities thought to be beyond the reach of the courts. However, in reality any strength in the arm of the law is drained by the priority given to the conduct of foreign affairs, ‘forbidden territory’ for the courts, over the Court's ruling and the UK's obligations under international law. The case is examined in the light of similar jurisprudence from US and Australian courts.
I. INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE: JURISDICTIONAL IMMUNITIES OF THE STATE (GERMANY v ITALY) JUDGMENT OF 3 FEBRUARY 2012
Authors: Barker J Craig
Published: July 2013

The vexed question of State immunity and the extent and application thereof has once again found its way to the International Court of Justice (the Court) in the form of the Case Concerning Jurisdictional Immunities of the State (Germany v Italy).1 On this occasion, the precise question concerned the so-called ‘territorial tort exception’ to State immunity and involved an assessment of the immunity to be granted to Germany, by Italy, in relation to compensation claims brought in Italy by Italian claimants against German armed forces and the organs of the German Reich during the Second World War.2
Does neuroticism make you old? Prospective associations between neuroticism and leukocyte telomere length
Authors: van Ockenburg S. L. , de Jonge P. , van der Harst P. , Ormel J. , Rosmalen J. G. M.
Published: July 2013

Background

Telomere attrition, causing accelerated aging, might be one of the mechanisms through which neuroticism leads to somatic disease and increased all-cause mortality. In the current study we investigated whether neuroticism is prospectively associated with shorter telomere length (TL), a biological marker of aging.

Method

Participants were 3432 adults (mean age 52.9 years, range 32–79). Data were collected at baseline (T1) and at two follow-up visits after 4 years (T2) and 6 years (T3). Neuroticism was assessed using the 12-item neuroticism scale of the Revised Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ-R) at T2 and T3. TL was measured by a monochrome multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay at T1, T2 and T3. A linear mixed model was used to assess whether neuroticism could predict TL prospectively after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), frequency of sports, smoking status, presence of chronic diseases and level of education.

Results

Neuroticism was a significant negative predictor of TL at follow-up (B = −0.004,p = 0.044) after adjusting for sex, age, baseline TL and various biological and lifestyle factors.

Conclusions

High neuroticism is significantly and prospectively associated with telomere attrition independent of lifestyle and other risk factors.
Population trends and breeding success of albatrosses and giant petrels at Gough Island in the face of at-sea and on-land threats
Authors: Cuthbert Richard J. , Cooper John , Ryan Peter G.
Published: July 2013

Several factors threaten populations of albatrosses and giant petrels, including the impact of fisheries bycatch and, at some colonies, predation from introduced mammals. We undertook population monitoring on Gough Island of three albatross species (Tristan albatross Diomedea dabbenena L., sooty albatross Phoebetria fusca Hilsenberg, Atlantic yellow-nosed albatross Thalassarche chlororhynchos Gmelin) and southern giant petrels Macronectes giganteus (Gmelin). Over the study period, numbers of the Critically Endangered Tristan albatross decreased at 3.0% a year. Breeding success for this species was low (23%), and in eight count areas was correlated (r2 = 0.808) with rates of population decline, demonstrating chick predation by house mice Mus musculus L. is driving site-specific trends and an overall decline. Numbers of southern giant petrels were stable, contrasting with large increases in this small population since 1979. Significant population declines were not detected for either the Atlantic yellow-nosed or sooty albatross, however, caution should be applied to these results due to the small proportion of the population monitored (sooty albatross) and significant interannual variation in numbers. These trends confirm the Critically Endangered status of the Tristan albatross but further information, including a more accurate estimate of sooty albatross population size, is required before determining island wide and global population trends of the remaining species.
Mediengewaltkonsum und aggressives Verhalten
Authors: Möller Ingrid , Krahé Barbara , Busching Robert
Published: July 2013

Eine Stichprobe von N = 1052 deutschen Jugendlichen mit und ohne Migrationshintergrund wurde im Abstand von jeweils 12 Monaten dreimal zu ihrem Gewaltmedienkonsum und ihrem aggressiven Verhalten befragt. Die Gruppen wurden hinsichtlich der Variablen Geschlecht, Alter, Schultyp und Schulleistung parallelisiert. Zu T1 besuchten die Teilnehmenden die 7. bzw. 8. Klasse. Die Jugendlichen mit Migrationshintergrund zeigten insgesamt einen höheren Gewaltmedienkonsum. Zu T3 berichteten sie mehr physische, aber weniger relationale Aggression als Jugendliche ohne Migrationshintergrund. Cross-Lagged Panel-Analysen ergaben parallele Zusammenhänge zwischen dem Konsum gewalthaltiger Medienangebote und Aggression für die beiden Gruppen: Habitueller Mediengewaltkonsum führte über die Zeit unabhängig vom Migrationsstatus zu einer erhöhten selbstberichteten physischen Aggression, umgekehrt ergab sich kein Pfad von der Aggressionsneigung zum späteren Konsum von Gewaltmedien. Zwischen Mediengewaltkonsum und relationaler Aggression fanden sich keine signifikanten Zusammenhänge über die Zeit.
Estimation of commutation instances using back emf mapping for sensorless control of brushless permanent magnet motors
Authors: Tawadros Markos , Rizk Jamal , Nagrial Mahmood
Published: July 2013

This study presents a novel sensorless scheme to control brushless permanent magnet motors using back emf mapping with six‐step control. All commutation instances, corresponding to 30 electrical degrees, at various speeds can precisely be calculated using a single known reference slope and a back emf point considered at the same speed. Zero crossing detection point (ZCP), phase shifters, delay managers, integration and third harmonics, hard switching techniques and/or look‐up table are eliminated. This increases the signal to noise ratio and overcomes some cases where ZCP could be undetected. Simulation and experimental work on six‐step controlled permanent magnet synchronous motors validate the proposed approach.
Effect of open stator slots on the performance of an interior permanent magnet automotive alternator
Authors: Životić‐Kukolj Vlatka , Soong Wen Liang
Published: July 2013

This work describes a study of the effect of using open stator slots in an interior permanent magnet automotive alternator to increase its effective air gap and thus reduce its iron losses under field‐weakening conditions. Analytical, finite‐element and experimental results are compared for the back‐electromotive waveforms, inductance saturation/torque curves, iron loss and field‐weakening performance characteristics for the alternator with both semi‐closed and with open slots. It is shown for the highly saturated machine considered, that using open stator slots can reduce the field‐weakening iron loss without significantly affecting the machine performance.
Operation of inverter‐assisted wind‐driven slip‐ring induction generator for stand‐alone power supplies
Authors: Vijayakumar Krishnasamy , Kumaresan Natarajan , Gounden Nanjappa Gounder Ammasai
Published: July 2013

The operation of wind‐driven single inverter‐battery‐assisted slip‐ring induction generator (SRIG) for stand‐alone power supplies has been proposed. For effective utilisation of wind energy, the proposed system will function as doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) or shorted stator induction generator (SSIG) depending upon the ac load requirement and available wind power, operating in four different modes. A method has been developed for the performance predetermination of such system. A supervisory control algorithm has been devised and implemented using TMS320LF2407A real time digital signal processor for the closed‐loop control of the proposed system. In this control algorithm, reliable and unambiguous feedback signals such as stator voltage, stator current and user command are used for decision making and for closed‐loop operation. The entire closed‐loop system with supervisory control algorithm has been tested in the laboratory with a 3.7 kW SRIG. The successful working of the proposed system with smooth changeover between the operating modes has been demonstrated with extensive experimental and simulation results. The advantage of the proposed wind energy system has also been brought out in comparison with classical back to back converter DFIG system for stand‐alone power supplies.
Design and implementation of a wavelet speed controller with application to micro‐permanent magnet synchronous motor drives
Authors: Wang Wan‐Cheng , Liu Tian‐Hua , Fan Kuang‐Yao
Published: July 2013

The study proposes a wavelet controller design for micro‐permanent magnet synchronous drive systems. A systematic wavelet control algorithm is proposed to obtain the fast responses, good load disturbance responses and satisfactory tracking responses for time‐varying commands. The wavelet control algorithm can be applied for both the speed‐loop control system and the position‐loop control system. A digital signal processor, TMS 320F28335, is used to execute all control algorithms. As a result, the hardware is very simple. Experimental results validate the simulated waveforms and show the correctness and feasibility of the proposed method.
Electrical braking of synchronous generators for combined generator and water turbine bearings as well as stray‐load losses determination
Authors: Ćalasan Martin P. , Petrović Dragan S. , Ostojić Milutin M.
Published: July 2013

This study describes a new method for determining combined synchronous generator and water turbine bearings losses as well as stray‐load losses of a generator, based on measurement of the speed change during electrical braking. In the electrical braking regime, the total braking torque of a hydrogenerator is made up of the torques defined by losses in the runner chamber of the hydraulic turbine, ventilation losses in the hydraulic‐turbine generator, bearings losses in the generator and the water turbine, as well as electromagnetic and stray‐load losses in the short‐circuit. In this study, the torque–speed curve is represented by the corresponding equations which describe all the torques occurring during electrical braking. By applying these equations to the measured results and using some numerical calculations, combined generator and water turbine bearings losses as well as stray‐load losses can be obtained. The proposed method is applied on a 190 MW generator at the Hydro Power Plant (HPP) Djerdap (in Serbia). The obtained results demonstrated a very high level of accuracy when compared with the values found in the manufacturer's technical documentation (Electrosila). The proposed method has the best and most economical use in large synchronous generators and generators in older power plants.
Optimal design of ironless permanent magnet planar motors for minimisation of force ripples
Authors: Zhu Yu , Liu Feng , Zhang Ming , Min Wei , Hu Jinchun , Yin Wensheng , Xia Huiheng
Published: July 2013

This study concerns the analysis and minimisation of the force ripples existing in ironless permanent magnet planar motors. The force ripples is one of the key factors for moving accuracy of the planar motors. One of the main sources of the force ripples, the neglected higher harmonics of the magnetic flux density distribution, is analysed for synthesis of real‐time control model in this study. An analytical model of the planar motor is firstly developed, which illustrates that the force ripples part caused by some higher harmonics can cancel each other when the length of the coil is an even multiple of the pole pitch of the magnet array. As a result, the force ripples caused by the higher harmonics can be basically eliminated with a selected coil. Finally, the analysis results are both validated by comparative simulation and experiment of two partial motors.
Stable V/f control system with controlled power factor angle for permanent magnet synchronous motor drives
Authors: Agarlita Sorin‐Cristian , Coman Cristina‐Elena , Andreescu Gheorghe‐Daniel , Boldea Ion
Published: July 2013

This study develops a scalar V/f control system for permanent magnet synchronous motor drives with two stabilising feedback corrections: a voltage‐vector speed correction using active power variation, operating only in transient states and a voltage amplitude correction based on controlled power‐factor regulation loop, employing reactive power. Motor/generator operating mode is allowed using the active‐power sign information. Simulation and experimental results, and comparison with a medium complexity sensorless vector control prove good performance for the proposed control structure in steady and transient states, at low and rated speed operation with rated load disturbances.
Does hospital occupancy impact discharge rates?
Authors: Harrison Gary , Zeitz Kathryn , Adams Robert , Mackay Mark
Published: July 2013

Objective. To understand what impact hospital inpatient occupancy levels have on patient throughput by analysing one hospital’s occupancy levels and the rate of patient discharge. Methods. A four-stage model was fit to hospital admission and separation data and used to analyse the per-capita separation rate according to the patient load and the impact of hospital over-census actions. Results. Per-capita separation rates are significantly higher on days when the hospital declares an over-census due to emergency department crowding. Per-capita separation rates are also higher or lower on days with 8−10% higher or lower patient loads, respectively, but the response is not nearly as strong as the response to an over-census declaration, and is limited to patients with an elapsed stay of 10 days or more. Within the medical division there is an increase in per-capita separation rates on over-census days, but no significant difference in per-capita release rates for different patient loads. Within the surgical division there is no significant difference in per-capita separation rates on over-census days compared with other days, but the patient load does make a significant difference. Conclusion. Staff do discharge a greater proportion of long-stay patients when the hospital is experiencing high demand and a lower proportion when occupancy is low, but the reasons driving those changes remains unclear. What is known about the topic? The evidence regarding safe and efficient levels of hospital occupancy is limited. There is minimal empirical evidence that confirms the relationship between occupancy and discharge rates. What does the paper add? Per-capita separation rates increase strongly on over-census days. The hospital increases per-capita separation rates on days of high occupancy and reduces it on days of low occupancy, mostly for long-stay patients with over 10 days of elapsed stay. The response to high occupancy is not as strong as the response to over-census. The medical division responds strongly to the over-census and the surgical division does not. The surgical division responds more to occupancy levels within its own division than does the medical division. What are the implications for practitioners? The implementation of over-census-type responses to periods of high occupancy may result in increased per-capita separation rate. Using mathematical analysis to understand patient load on per capita separation is important to create a better understanding of health service delivery, thereby aiding hospital managers, and has the potential to guide system improvement. The clinical drivers for these changes and the service design implications require further investigation.
Optical Characterisation of Non-Covalent Interactions between Non-Conjugated Polymers and Chemically Converted Graphene
Authors: Wang Yufei , Hou Xueliang , Cheng Chi , Qiu Ling , Zhang Xuehua , Simon George P. , Li Dan
Published: July 2013

Optical characterisation using dye molecules as probes was used to study the non-covalent interactions between chemically converted graphene (CCG) and non-conjugated, water soluble polymers in aqueous solution. The strong adsorption of non-conjugated polymers such as poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) on CCG is observed by fluorescence and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy, and this leads to desorption of π-conjugated molecules from CCG. Such adsorption/desorption behaviour can be tailored by modifying the molecular weight of polymers and the chemistry of graphene. This finding provides a facile and non-covalent approach to the functionalisation of CCG and opens up new opportunities for the fabrication of graphene/polymer nanocomposites.
Osteoclast precursors in murine bone marrow express CD27 and are impeded in osteoclast development by CD70 on activated immune cells
Authors: Xiao Yanling , Song Ji-Ying , de Vries Teun J. , Fatmawati Christien , Parreira Diana B. , Langenbach Geerling E. J. , Bąbała Nikolina , Nolte Martijn A. , Everts Vincent , Borst Jannie
Published: July 2013

Osteoclasts (OCs) are bone-resorbing cells that are formed from hematopoietic precursors. OCs ordinarily maintain bone homeostasis, but they can also cause major pathology in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Under homeostatic conditions, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (RANK) ligand on osteoblasts drives OC differentiation by interaction with its receptor RANK on OC precursors. During chronic immune activation, RANK ligand on activated immune cells likewise drives pathogenic OC differentiation. We here report that the related TNF family member CD70 and its receptor CD27 can also mediate cross-talk between immune cells and OC precursors. We identified CD27 on a rare population (0.3%) of B220
−
c-Kit
+
CD115
+
CD11b
low
cells in the mouse bone marrow (BM) that are highly enriched for osteoclastogenic potential. We dissected this population into CD27
high
common precursors of OC, dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages and CD27
low/neg
downstream precursors that could differentiate into OC and macrophages, but not DC. In a recombinant mouse model of chronic immune activation, sustained CD27/CD70 interactions caused an accumulation of OC precursors and a reduction in OC activity. These events were due to a CD27/CD70-dependent inhibition of OC differentiation from the OC precursors by BM-infiltrating, CD70
+
-activated immune cells. DC numbers in BM and spleen were increased, suggesting a skewing of the OC precursors toward DC differentiation. The impediment in OC differentiation culminated in a high trabecular bone mass pathology. Mice additionally presented anemia, leukopenia, and splenomegaly. Thus, under conditions of constitutive CD70 expression reflecting chronic immune activation, the CD27/CD70 system inhibits OC differentiation and favors DC differentiation.
Deciphering the rules by which 5′-UTR sequences affect protein expression in yeast
Authors: Dvir Shlomi , Velten Lars , Sharon Eilon , Zeevi Danny , Carey Lucas B. , Weinberger Adina , Segal Eran
Published: July 2013

Significance

This study quantifies how protein levels are determined by the underlying 5′-UTR sequence of an mRNA. We accurately measured protein abundance in 2,041 5′-UTR sequence variants, differing only in positions −10 to −1. We show that a few nucleotide substitutions can significantly alter protein expression. We also developed a predictive model that explains two-thirds of the expression variation. We provide convincing evidence that key regulatory elements, including AUG sequence context, mRNA secondary structure, and out-of-frame upstream AUGs conjointly modulate protein levels. Our study can aid in synthetic biology applications, by suggesting sequence manipulations for fine-tuning protein expression in a predictable manner.
PhosphoChain: a novel algorithm to predict kinase and phosphatase networks from high-throughput expression data
Authors: Chen Wei-Ming , Danziger Samuel A. , Chiang Jung-Hsien , Aitchison John D.
Published: July 2013

Motivation: Protein phosphorylation is critical for regulating cellular activities by controlling protein activities, localization and turnover, and by transmitting information within cells through signaling networks. However, predictions of protein phosphorylation and signaling networks remain a significant challenge, lagging behind predictions of transcriptional regulatory networks into which they often feed.

Results: We developed PhosphoChain to predict kinases, phosphatases and chains of phosphorylation events in signaling networks by combining mRNA expression levels of regulators and targets with a motif detection algorithm and optional prior information. PhosphoChain correctly reconstructed ∼78% of the yeast mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway from publicly available data. When tested on yeast phosphoproteomic data from large-scale mass spectrometry experiments, PhosphoChain correctly identified ∼27% more phosphorylation sites than existing motif detection tools (NetPhosYeast and GPS2.0), and predictions of kinase–phosphatase interactions overlapped with ∼59% of known interactions present in yeast databases. PhosphoChain provides a valuable framework for predicting condition-specific phosphorylation events from high-throughput data.

Availability: PhosphoChain is implemented in Java and available at http://virgo.csie.ncku.edu.tw/PhosphoChain/ or http://aitchisonlab.com/PhosphoChain

Contact:  john.aitchison@systemsbiology.org or jchiang@mail.ncku.edu.tw

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Resuscitation of children
Authors: Bailey Tom , Draper Julie
Published: July 2013

Resuscitation of children is rare but something that most GPs dread. It is important that GPs are able to recognise and manage an arrest situation calmly until further help arrives (usually in the form of an ambulance). The most common cause of arrest in children is respiratory failure; this differs from adults where arrest due to cardiac arrhythmia is more common. The outcome from cardio-respiratory arrest in children is poor, particularly if it is a prolonged arrest; therefore early recognition of the deteriorating patient with appropriate intervention is vital.
Halolamina salifodinae sp. nov. and Halolamina salina sp. nov., two extremely halophilic archaea isolated from a salt mine
Authors: Zhang Wei-Yan , Huo Ying-Yi , Zhang Xin-Qi , Zhu Xu-Fen , Wu Min
Published: July 2013

Two strictly aerobic, extremely halophilic archaea, strains WSY15-H1T and WSY15-H3T, were isolated from a salt mine in Wensu county, Xinjiang province, China. Cells of the two strains were Gram-stain-negative, non-motile and pleomorphic. Colonies were pink- and red-pigmented, respectively. Strain WSY15-H1T grew at 20–45 °C (optimum 37–42 °C), 1.6–5.4 M NaCl (optimum 3.4–3.9 M), 0–2.0 M MgCl2 (optimum 0.1–0.5 M) and pH 6.0–9.0 (optimum 7.0), whereas strain WSY15-H3T grew at 20–50 °C (optimum 37 °C), 1.9–5.4 M NaCl (optimum 3.4 M), 0.02–2.5 M MgCl2 (optimum 0.5-1.0 M) and pH 6.0–7.5 (optimum 6.5). The minimal NaCl concentrations to prevent cell lysis were 9 % (w/v) for strain WSY15-H1T and 8 % (w/v) for strain WSY15-H3T. The major polar lipids of the two isolates were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester and phosphatidylglycerol sulfate, as well as nine glycolipids for strain WSY15-H1T and seven glycolipids for strain WSY15-H3T; two of these glycolipids (GL1 and GL3) were chromatographically identical to bis-sulfated diglycosyl diether (S2-DGD-1) and sulfated diglycosyl diether (S-DGD-1), respectively. The genomic DNA G+C contents of strains WSY15-H1T and WSY15-H3T were 65.4 and 66.2 mol%. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strains WSY15-H1T and WSY15-H3T shared 97.0 % similarity with each other and showed respectively 98.4 and 97.6 % sequence similarity to

Halolamina pelagica

TBN21T, which was the only type strain that had higher than 91 % sequence similarity with the two isolates. Analysis of phylogenetic relationships and DNA–DNA relatedness indicated that strains WSY15-H1T and WSY15-H3T represent two novel lineages with closest affinity to

H. pelagica

TBN21T. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic characteristics, two novel species of the genus

Halolamina

are proposed, Halolamina salifodinae sp. nov. (type strain WSY15-H1T = JCM 18548T = GCMCC 1.12371T) and Halolamina salina sp. nov. (type strain WSY15-H3T = JCM 18549T = GCMCC 1.12285T).
Pedobacter ginsenosidimutans sp. nov., with ginsenoside-converting activity
Authors: Yang Jung-Eun , Son Heung-Min , Lee Jung Min , Shin Heon-Sub , Park Sang-Yong , Lee Don-Gil , Kook MooChang , Yi Tae-Hoo
Published: July 2013

A Gram-reaction-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming and rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated THG-45T, was isolated from soil of a ginseng field of Pocheon province in the Republic of Korea and its taxonomic position was investigated by a polyphasic approach. Growth occurred at 4–30 °C, at pH 5.5–9.0 and with 0–2 % (w/v) NaCl on nutrient agar. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain THG-45T was shown to belong to the genus

Pedobacter

and was related to

Pedobacter borealis

G-1T (98.8 %),

P. alluvionis

NWER-II11T (97.9 %),

P. agri

PB92T (97.9 %),

P. terrae

DS-57T (97.5 %),

P. suwonensis

15-52T (97.4 %),

P. sandarakinus

DS-27T (97.0 %) and

P. soli

15-51T (97.0 %), but DNA relatedness between strain THG-45T and these strains was below 36 %. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 39 mol%. The only isoprenoid quinone detected in strain THG-45T was menaquinone-7 (MK-7). The predominant fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c) and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, and the major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and an unidentified aminophosphoglycolipid. Phenotypic data and phylogenetic inference supported the affiliation of strain THG-45T to the genus

Pedobacter

, and a number of biochemical tests differentiated strain THG-45T from the recognized species of the genus

Pedobacter

. Therefore, the novel isolate represents a novel species, for which the name Pedobacter ginsenosidimutans sp. nov. is proposed, with THG-45T as the type strain ( = KACC 14530T = JCM 16721T).
Description of Endozoicomonas euniceicola sp. nov. and Endozoicomonas gorgoniicola sp. nov., bacteria isolated from the octocorals Eunicea fusca and Plexaura sp., and an emended description of the genus Endozoicomonas
Authors: Pike Rebecca E. , Haltli Brad , Kerr Russell G.
Published: July 2013

Two Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped bacteria, strains EF212Tand PS125T, were isolated from the octocoralsEunicea fuscaandPlexaurasp., respectively. EF212Twas isolated from a specimen ofE. fuscacollected off the coast of Florida, USA, and PS125Twas isolated from a specimen ofPlexaurasp. collected off the coast of Bimini, Bahamas. Analysis of the nearly full-length 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that these novel strains were most closely related toEndozoicomonas montiporaeCL-33T,E. elysicolaMKT110TandE. numazuensisHC50T(EF212T, 95.6–97.2 % identity; PS125T, 95.1–96.4 % identity). DNA–DNA hybridization values among EF212T, PS125T,E. montiporaeLMG 24815TandE. elysicolaKCTC 12372Twere far below the 70 % cut-off, with all values for duplicate measurements being less than 35 %. Both EF212Tand PS125Trequired NaCl for growth and showed optimal growth at 2–3 % NaCl, 22-30 °C and pH 8.0. The predominant cellular fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω6cand/or C16 : 1ω7c), summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω6cand/or C18 : 1ω7c), C16 : 0and C14 : 0. The DNA G+C content of EF212Twas 48.6 mol% and that of PS125Twas 47.5 mol%. In addition to the genotypic differences observed between the two novel strains and related type strains, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic experiments also revealed differences between strains. Thus, strains EF212Tand PS125Trepresent novel species of the genusEndozoicomonas, for which the namesEndozoicomonas euniceicolasp. nov. andEndozoicomonas gorgoniicolasp. nov., respectively, are proposed. The type strains are EF212T( = NCCB 100458T = DSM 26535T) forEndozoicomonas euniceicolasp. nov. and PS125T( = NCCB 100438T = CECT 8353T) forEndozoicomonas gorgoniicolasp. nov. An emended description of the genusEndozoicomonasis also provided to encompass differences observed in the results of genotypic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic tests compared from the original and amended genus descriptions.
Methanoculleus horonobensis sp. nov., a methanogenic archaeon isolated from a deep diatomaceous shale formation
Authors: Shimizu Satoru , Ueno Akio , Tamamura Shuji , Naganuma Takeshi , Kaneko Katsuhiko
Published: July 2013

A methanogenic organism from the domain

Archaea

, designated strain T10T, was isolated from groundwater sampled from a deep diatomaceous shale formation located in Horonobe, Hokkaido, Japan. The strain utilized H2/CO2 and formate as substrates for methanogenesis. Cells were strictly anaerobic, Gram-negative-staining, flagellated, irregular coccoids, 0.7–1.6 µm in diameter, and occurred singly. The strain grew at 25–45 °C (optimum 37–42 °C), at pH 5.8–8.2 (optimum pH 6.7–6.8) and in the presence of 0–1.3 M NaCl (optimum 0.1–0.2 M NaCl). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 62.9 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that, although the strain is a member of the genus

Methanoculleus

, it clearly differed from all described species of this genus (95.5–98.3 % sequence similarity). Values for DNA–DNA hybridization with type strains of closely related

Methanoculleus

species were less than 50 %. Phenotypic and phylogenetic features of strain T10T clearly indicate that it represents a novel species of the genus

Methanoculleus

, for which the name Methanoculleus horonobensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is T10T ( = DSM 21626T = JCM 15517T).