bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Basic Documentation for Psycho‐Oncology (PO‐Bado): An innovative tool to combine screening for psychological distress and patient support at cancer diagnosis
Authors: Stadelmaier Nena , Duguey‐Cachet Odile , Saada Yael , Quintard Bruno
Published: October 2013

Objectives

The Basic Documentation for Psycho‐Oncology (PO‐Bado) is a semi‐directive instrument for assessing psychosocial difficulties in cancer patients. It is based on subjective status and not on degree of symptom severity. Our objectives were to assess whether use of the PO‐Bado during post‐cancer‐diagnosis consultations improves the quality of communication by establishing a supportive relationship between nurses and patients and to assess nurses' satisfaction of their communication skills.

Methods

Data were collected from post‐diagnosis ‘bad‐news’ consultations across four Cancer treatment centres in South West France. Eleven nurses who had never used the PO‐Bado (‘inexperienced group’) received training on the instrument (short‐form). Twenty‐one pre‐training consultations without the PO‐Bado were recorded and compared with 21 post‐training consultations with the PO‐Bado. Twenty consultations with four nurses with experience using the PO‐Bado (‘experienced group’) were included for between‐group comparisons. Nurses' satisfaction was evaluated through semi‐directive consultations at the end of the study and completed by a visual analogue scale.

Results

We transcribed and analysed 62 consultations. We observed greater use of techniques encouraging patient expression in consultations with PO‐Bado‐experienced nurses (p < 0.01); after PO‐Bado training for ‘inexperienced’ nurses (p < 0.05) and less use of non‐encouraging techniques after PO‐Bado training for ‘inexperienced’ nurses (p < 0.01). Nurses felt more satisfied with their communications skills after PO‐Bado training and stated that they felt more competent, particularly for referrals to psychologists.

Conclusions

The PO‐Bado is beneficial for the quality of the communication between nurses and patients at bad‐news delivery consultations and for the satisfaction of nurses with regard to their relational skills. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphology, Sorting and Microclimates of Relict Sorted Polygons, Krkonoše Mountains, Czech Republic
Authors: Křížek Marek , Uxa Tomáš
Published: October 2013

The influence of past microclimates on the morphology and distribution of clasts is considered for relict large‐scale sorted polygons in the Krkonoše Mountains (Czech Republic). Sixty‐two sorted polygons with an average length of 194 cm and an average height of 21.5 cm were measured at four sites on Mt Luční hora, at elevations of 1455 to 1555 m asl. The polygons consist of tabular clasts with a mean length of 11 cm at the borders and 5 cm in the interiors. Smaller polygons are better sorted because of the shorter distances for the clasts to reach their borders. Polygons with greater relative height are better sorted due to more intensive slope processes associated with differential frost heaving. Better sorted and more domed polygons at higher altitudes suggest more severe and longer‐lasting microclimates suitable for the development of sorted polygons. The altitudinal gradient in polygon morphology and sorting suggests the dominant role of microclimate in the periglacial environment of the summit area of the Krkonoše Mountains during the Last Glacial/Holocene period. Polygon development probably involves positive feedback between morphology and frost susceptibility, driven by microclimate. The proposed method for evaluating frost sorting allows for rapid non‐invasive assessment of sorting using modern methods including high‐resolution remote sensing (especially terrestrial photogrammetry). Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of Meteorological Elements on Changes in Active‐Layer Thickness in the Bellsund region, Svalbard
Authors: Marsz Andrzej A. , Styszyńska Anna , Pękala Kazimierz , Repelewska‐Pękalowa Janina
Published: October 2013

Measurements of active‐layer thickness (ALT) at seven locations on Calypsostranda, Svalbard (CALM Site P1), over 1986–2009, are used to estimate the influence of cloudiness, precipitation, air temperature, the Arctic Oscillation (AO) and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). Between 1986 and 2002, ALT amounted to 118 ± 14 cm and did not show any significant trend. During 2002–06, ALT increased rapidly (12.6 cm yr‐1) to a maximum of ~ 174 cm in 2006 and 2007. In 2008 and 2009, ALT decreased. No statistically significant correlations were determined between ALT and monthly precipitation and cloudiness at Barentsburg, Hornsund and Svalbard Airport stations. There were, however, very strong and highly significant (p < 0.001) relationships with air temperatures in May and June (the strongest association being with Svalbard Airport). The influence of air temperature in May and June on ALT is indirect; it regulates the time of the melt of snow cover, which determines the duration of the ground‐warming period. Using statistical relationships between ALT and air temperature at Svalbard Airport, the time series of ALT at Calypsostranda is reconstructed from 1911 to 2010. It was also found that the AO and the NAO did not significantly affect ALT and air temperature on western Spitsbergen. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microwell‐Directed Self‐Assembly of Vertical Nanowire Arrays
Authors: Kirby David J. , Smith Benjamin D. , Keating Christine D.
Published: October 2013

Vertical arrays of anisotropic particles are desired for many applications including solar cells, battery electrodes, and lasers. Partially etched nano­wires (PENs) are hybrid silica nanotube/nanowires with partial metallic cores. These particles spontaneously form vertical arrays in which on average 70% of the particles are oriented perpendicular to the underlying substrate. Here, we perform PEN self‐assembly on lithographically prepared substrates patterned with square microwells having dimensions comparable to the length of the particles. Particle self‐assembly is observed both in the microwells and on the intervening surfaces. PENs both directly deposit into a well and diffuse across the surface between microwells until falling into a well. Assembly occurs as the local concentration of PENs in a well increases by these two mechanisms. Microwells provide a way to control array location on a surface and improve standing percentages up to 100% when the edge dimensions are decreased to a size approximately equal to the nanowire length. Micro­wells also protect against array disruption during sample drying.
The dataset for protein–RNA binding affinity
Authors: Yang Xiufeng , Li Haotian , Huang Yangyu , Liu Shiyong
Published: October 2013

We have developed a non‐redundant protein–RNA binding benchmark dataset derived from the available protein–RNA structures in the Protein Database Bank. It consists of 73 complexes with measured binding affinity. The experimental conditions (pH and temperature) for binding affinity measurements are also listed in our dataset. This binding affinity dataset can be used to compare and develop protein–RNA scoring functions. The predicted binding free energy of the 73 complexes from three available scoring functions for protein–RNA docking has a low correlation with the binding Gibbs free energy calculated from Kd. © 2013 The Protein Society
Initiating events, levels of causality, and process hazard analysis
Authors: Baybutt Paul
Published: October 2013

Process hazard analysis (PHA) is used to identify hazard scenarios for a process and determine if the risk from the scenarios is tolerable. Each scenario begins with an initiating event that is made up of one or more causes. These causes must be recorded in sufficient detail to allow the PHA team to determine the particulars of the scenarios and develop any needed risk reduction measures. There is a hierarchy of causality wherein there are immediate, basic, underlying, and root causes of events. A suitable level of causality must be used in PHA. This article describes the hierarchy, recommends the level that should be used in PHA, and provides guidelines for the information that should be recorded in a PHA worksheet for different types of causes. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 33: 217–220, 2014
Characterization of multiple‐herbicide‐resistant Italian ryegrass (Lolium perenne spp. multiflorum)
Authors: Liu Mingyang , Hulting Andrew G , Mallory‐Smith Carol A
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND

Multiple‐herbicide resistance in Lolium perenne spp. multiflorum has evolved in many areas in Oregon. To manage the resistant populations, the resistance patterns must be determined. In this study, a population (CT) suspected to be resistant to sulfometuron and hexazinone was collected from a Christmas tree plantation.

RESULTS

The CT population is resistant to at least six herbicides with four different mechanisms of action: atrazine (>16‐fold), diuron (2.4‐fold), glyphosate (7.4‐fold), hexazinone (3.1‐fold), imazapyr (1.8‐fold) and sulfometuron (>16‐fold). Two mutations, Trp‐591‐Leu and Ser‐264‐Gly, were identified in the acetolactate synthase (ALS) and psbA gene respectively. No previously reported mutation in the 5‐enolpyruvylshikimate‐3‐phosphate synthase (EPSPS) gene was found. Less shikimic acid accumulated in the CT plants than in the susceptible plants after treatment with glyphosate at 0.6 kg AE ha−1.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that the multiple resistance patterns of Lolium perenne spp. multiflorum populations can be complex, but that chemical control options to manage these populations exist. These remaining chemical options should be integrated with non‐chemical management strategies to slow the spread of multiple‐resistant biotypes in agroecosystems. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Site‐dependent biological activity of valinomycin analogs bearing derivatizable hydroxyl sites
Authors: Annese Cosimo , Abbrescia Daniela I. , Catucci Lucia , D'Accolti Lucia , Denora Nunzio , Fanizza Immacolata , Fusco Caterina , La Piana Gianluigi
Published: October 2013

Valinomycin (VLM, 1) is a K+ ionophore cyclodepsipeptide capable of depolarizing mitochondria and inducing apoptosis to several mammalian cell types, including a number of tumor cell lines. With the aim of creating VLM‐based ligand‐targeted anticancer drugs that may selectively convey VLM to pathological cells, we have previously introduced derivatizable hydroxyl handles into the VLM structure, allowing to access a three‐entity library of monohydroxyl VLMs (HyVLMs) bearing the OH group at the isopropyl side chain of a d‐Hyi, d‐Val, or l‐Val residue (analogs 2–4, respectively). Herein, the levels of bioactivity retained by the conjugable HyVLMs have been assessed on the basis of their ability to alter the functionality of isolated rat‐liver mitochondria. Experiments run with HyVLMs in the range 1–10 nM and in 20 or 125 mM KCl medium show that the hydroxyl group reduces the potency of HyVLMs relative to VLM to an extent that depends upon the molecular site involved in the hydroxylation. On the other hand, estimation of the stability constants of complexes (in methanol at 25 °C) of each analog with Na+, K+, and Cs+ reveals that HyVLMs nicely retain the VLM binding features, except for a moderate increase in the stability of Na+ complexes. These findings, along with pertinent structural considerations, suggest that the incorporation of OH into the VLM structure might actually have altered its K+ transporting ability across mitochondrial membranes. Besides facing new aspects of VLM structure–activity relationship, these studies set the basis for the rational design of ligand‐HyVLMs conjugates through derivatization of hanging OH group. Copyright © 2013 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nature of temperature‐ and magnetic‐field‐dependent conduction mechanism in electron‐doped Ca0.85R0.15MnO3 (R = Pr, La) manganites
Authors: Khan Momin Hossain , Pal Sudipta , Bose Esa
Published: October 2013

Temperature‐ and magnetic‐field‐dependent conduction properties of electron‐doped Ca0.85Pr0.15MnO3 (CPMO) and Ca0.85La0.15MnO3 (CLMO) manganites have been reported. The resistivity for both samples show robust insulating behavior with an inflection near the corresponding charge‐ordering temperatures (TCO). The small‐polaron hopping conduction mechanism has been observed in the higher‐temperature region (room temperature to 116 K for CPMO and to 114 K for CLMO) in the absence of a magnetic field. The temperature region changes in the presence of magnetic field of 15 T. However, the resistivity follows a variable‐range hopping (VRH) mechanism at lower temperature regime in both samples. Magnetic‐field‐dependent resistivity have been explained in terms of a phenomenological model taking into account spin‐polarized tunneling at grain boundaries in both polycrystalline materials. Scaled field‐dependent MR data at different temperatures fall on a single curve, indicating the existence of a general formalism of MR in a polycrystalline sample and also suggests the temperature‐independent behavior of the reduced magnetoresistance.
A comparison of statistical methods for combining relative bioactivities from parallel line bioassays
Authors: Mzolo Thembile , Hendriks Marga , van den Heuvel Edwin
Published: October 2013

This paper compares the ordinary unweighted average, weighted average, and maximum likelihood methods for estimating a common bioactivity from multiple parallel line bioassays. Some of these or similar methods are also used in meta‐analysis. Based on a simulation study, these methods are assessed by comparing coverage probabilities of the true relative bioactivity and the length of the confidence intervals computed for these methods. The ordinary unweighted average method outperforms all statistical methods by consistently giving the best coverage probability but with somewhat wider confidence intervals. The weighted average methods give good coverage and smaller confidence intervals when combining homogeneous bioactivities. For heterogeneous bioactivities, these methods work well when a liberal significance level for testing homogeneity of bioactivities is used. The maximum likelihood methods gave good coverage when homogeneous bioactivities were considered. Overall, the preferred methods are the ordinary unweighted average and two weighted average methods that were specifically developed for bioassays. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Consensus of heterogeneous first‐ and second‐order multi‐agent systems with directed communication topologies
Authors: Feng Yuanzhen , Xu Shengyuan , Lewis Frank L. , Zhang Baoyong
Published: October 2013

In this paper, we consider the consensus problem for heterogeneous multi‐agent systems composed of some first‐order and some second‐order dynamic agents in directed communication graphs. Consensus protocols are proposed for the second‐ and first‐order dynamic agents, respectively. Under certain assumptions on the control parameters, for fixed communication topologies, necessary and sufficient conditions for consensus are given, and the consensus values of all agents are established. For switching topologies, sufficient conditions are given for all agents to reach consensus. Finally, simulation examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Limit distribution of the coefficients of polynomials with only unit roots
Authors: Hwang Hsien‐Kuei , Zacharovas Vytas
Published: October 2013

We consider sequences of random variables whose probability generating functions have only roots on the unit circle, which has only been sporadically studied in the literature. We show that the random variables are asymptotically normally distributed if and only if the fourth central and normalized (by the standard deviation) moment tends to 3, in contrast to the common scenario for polynomials with only real roots for which a central limit theorem holds if and only if the variance is unbounded. We also derive a representation theorem for all possible limit laws and apply our results to many concrete examples in the literature, ranging from combinatorial structures to numerical analysis, and from probability to analysis of algorithms. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 46,707–738, 2015
The diamond‐free process
Authors: Picollelli Michael E.
Published: October 2013

Let denote the diamond graph, formed by removing an edge from the complete graph K4. We consider the following random graph process: starting with n isolated vertices, add edges uniformly at random provided no such edge creates a copy of . We show that, with probability tending to 1 as , the final size of the graph produced is . Our analysis also suggests that the graph produced after i edges are added resembles the uniform random graph, with the additional condition that the edges which do not lie on triangles form a random‐looking subgraph. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 45, 513–551, 2014
Strong spatial mixing of list coloring of graphs
Authors: Gamarnik David , Katz Dmitriy , Misra Sidhant
Published: October 2013

The property of spatial mixing and strong spatial mixing in spin systems has been of interest because of its implications on uniqueness of Gibbs measures on infinite graphs and efficient approximation of counting problems that are otherwise known to be #P hard. In the context of coloring, strong spatial mixing has been established for Kelly trees in (Ge and Stefankovic, arXiv:1102.2886v3 (2011)) when where q the number of colors, Δ is the degree and .. is the unique solution to . It has also been established in (Goldberg et al., SICOMP 35 (2005) 486–517) for bounded degree lattice graphs whenever for some constant β, where Δ is the maximum vertex degree of the graph. We establish strong spatial mixing for a more general problem, namely list coloring, for arbitrary bounded degree triangle‐free graphs. Our results hold for any whenever the size of the list of each vertex v is at least where is the degree of vertex v and β is a constant that only depends on α. The result is obtained by proving the decay of correlations of marginal probabilities associated with graph nodes measured using a suitably chosen error function. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 46,599–613, 2015
Formwork pressure induced by highly flowable concretes – material investigations and large‐scale tests
Authors: Brameshuber Wolfgang , Beitzel Harald , Beitzel Marc , Bohnemann Carsten , Boska Erik , Dehn Frank , Graubner Carl‐Alexander , König Andreas , Motzko Christoph , Müller Harald S. , Pistol Klaus , Proske Tilo , Stettner Christian , Zilch Konrad
Published: October 2013

This paper documents the results of a joint research project dealing with the loading of formwork systems used with highly flowable concretes. First calculation approaches concerning the pressure of fresh concrete on vertical formwork were developed on the basis of the investigations conducted on the material behaviour of highly flowable concretes. In doing so, construction management questions regarding, for instance, process design and quality assurance in the application of highly flowable concretes were also investigated. Different scientists from German research institutes collaborated in a research group to pool their knowledge in the field of the pressure of fresh concrete. Because of the extent and complexity of the tasks to be tackled, the joint research project was divided into five subprojects (A to E), which were performed by the research institutes according to their individual respective capacities.
Use of a visual analog scale for evaluation of bother from pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Ulrich D. , Guzman Rojas R. , Dietz H. P. , Mann K. , Trutnovsky G.
Published: October 2013

Objectives

A specified anatomical degree of prolapse may cause no bother in one individual and a severe form of bother in another. The aim of this study was to determine the factors contributing to the degree of bother due to a given degree of prolapse, to help with the clinical evaluation of patients and planning of preventive intervention trials and surgical treatment.

Methods

Consecutive patient records of 654 women who had attended a urogynecology unit between August 2011 and December 2012 were reviewed. All patients underwent a standardized interview, clinical examination and four‐dimensional translabial ultrasound scan. The degree of bother was evaluated using a visual analog scale.

Results

Six hundred and thirty‐six women were included in the analysis, with ultrasound data available for cystocele, rectocele and enterocele descent and rectocele depth measurements and 442 for uterine descent. 313 women (49.2%) had subjective symptoms of female pelvic organ prolapse at a mean bother score of 6.0 ± 2.6. Average bother score for the complete dataset was 3.0 ± 3.5. Parity, vaginal delivery, levator avulsion, any significant clinical prolapse or prolapse seen on ultrasound were associated with prolapse bother and all clinical and ultrasound measures of pelvic organ descent remained significant or near significant on multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Quantification of prolapse bother using a visual analog scale is valid and repeatable and may represent a simple tool for use in clinical practice. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Fetal lung volume and quantification of liver herniation by magnetic resonance imaging in isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Ruano R. , Lazar D. A. , Cass D. L. , Zamora I. J. , Lee T. C. , Cassady C. I. , Mehollin‐Ray A. , Welty S. , Fernandes C. J. , Haeri S. , Belfort M. A. , Olutoye O. O.
Published: October 2013

Objective

To determine associations between fetal lung and liver herniation volumes measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and mortality/need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in cases of isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). A secondary objective was to compare prenatal MRI parameters with two‐dimensional ultrasound lung measurements.

Methods

A retrospective review of medical records of all fetuses with isolated CDH evaluated between January 2004 and July 2012 was performed. The following MRI parameters were measured at 20–32 weeks: observed/expected total fetal lung volume (o/e‐TLV), predicted pulmonary volume (PPV), percentage of liver herniated into the fetal thorax (%LH) and the liver/thoracic volume ratio (LiTR). These were compared with the ultrasound‐determined lung‐to‐head ratio (LHR) and the observed/expected LHR (o/e‐LHR) in the same cohort. The predictive value of MRI and ultrasound parameters for mortality and the need for ECMO was evaluated by univariate, multivariate and factor analysis and by receiver–operating characteristics curves.

Results

Eighty fetuses with isolated CDH were evaluated. Overall mortality was 18/80 (22.5%). Two newborns died a few hours after birth. ECMO was performed in 29/78 (37.2%) newborns, with a survival rate of 48.3% (14/29). The side of the diaphragmatic defect was not associated with mortality (P = 0.99) or the need for ECMO (P = 0.48). Good correlation was observed among o/e‐TLV, PPV, LHR and o/e‐LHR as well as between %LH and LiTR (r = 0.89; P < 0.01); however, fetal lung measurements and measures of liver herniation were not correlated (all P > 0.05). All parameters were statistically associated with mortality or the need for ECMO. The best combination of measurements to predict mortality was o/e‐TLV and %LH, with 83% accuracy.

Conclusion

Mortality and the need for ECMO in neonates with isolated CDH can be best predicted using a combination of MRI o/e‐TLV and %LH. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
High spatial resolution vegetation mapping for assessment of wildlife habitat
Authors: Walton Kelly M. , Spalinger Donald E. , Harris Norman R. , Collins William B. , Willacker James J.
Published: October 2013

Management of large herbivore populations requires assessment of both the quality and quantity of habitats available to the animals. Classifying and quantifying their habitats, particularly the availability of forage, is often challenging because of the time and expense associated with collection of the appropriate data over large landscapes. Land‐cover maps generated from remote‐sensing imagery generally provide only qualitative information regarding species composition of the vegetation, and do not adequately quantify forage species availability. Our objective was to determine the feasibility of mapping important forage species for moose (Alces americanus) in South‐central Alaska, USA, using fine‐resolution aerial photography. We used infrared and color digital photography acquired at an altitude of 150 m across 2 study areas with distinctly different vegetation to provide spectral data for supervised classifications of plant species using the maximum likelihood algorithm. We analyzed spring, autumn, and composite sets of the imagery to determine which imagery provides the most accurate classifications. Willow (Salix spp.) was separable from non‐forage species in autumn images with an average overall accuracy of 76% in the Nelchina study area and 78% in Placer Valley. The classifications of composite images separated important moose forages, but with lower average overall accuracies (68% for Nelchina study area and 75% for Placer Valley) compared with the autumn classifications. Spring classifications were least accurate (57% for Nelchina study area and 63% for Placer Valley), likely because the green‐up of plants in the spring occurred rapidly for all species in both study sites, and this resulted in relatively small differences in spectral response patterns between species. © 2013 The Wildlife Society. © The Wildlife Society, 2013
Gauged supergravities and non-geometric Q/R-fluxes from asymmetric orbifold CFT’s
Authors: Condeescu Cezar , Florakis Ioannis , Kounnas Costas , Lüst Dieter
Published: October 2013

Abstract

We investigate the orbifold limits of string theory compactifications with geometric and non-geometric fluxes. Exploiting the connection between internal fluxes and structure constants of the gaugings in the reduced supergravity theory, we can identify the types of fluxes arising in certain classes of freely-acting symmetric and asymmetric orbifolds. We give a general procedure for deriving the gauge algebra of the effective gauged supergravity using the exact CFT description at the orbifold point. We find that the asymmetry is, in general, related to the presence of non-geometric Q- and R- fluxes. The action of T-duality is studied explicitly on various orbifold models and the resulting transformation of the fluxes is derived. Several explicit examples are provided, including compactifications with geometric fluxes, Q-backgrounds (T-folds) and R-backgrounds. In particular, we present an asymmetric
$ {{\mathbb{Z}}_4} $
×
$ {{\mathbb{Z}}_2} $
orbifold in which all geometric and non-geometric fluxes ω, H, Q, R are turned on simultaneously. We also derive the corresponding flux backgrounds, which are not in general T-dual to geometric ones, and may even simul-taneously depend non-trivially on both the coordinates and their winding T-duals.
Testing the hypothesis of absence of unobserved confounding in semiparametric bivariate probit models
Authors: Marra Giampiero , Radice Rosalba , Missiroli Silvia
Published: October 2013

Lagrange multiplier and Wald tests for the hypothesis of absence of unobserved confounding are extended to the context of semiparametric recursive and sample selection bivariate probit models. The finite sample size properties of the tests are examined through a Monte Carlo study using several scenarios: correct model specification, distributional and functional misspecification, with and without an exclusion restriction. The simulation results provide some guidelines which may be important for empirical analysis. The tests are illustrated using two datasets in which the issue of unobserved confounding arises.
Succinic acid production from corn stalk hydrolysate in anE. colimutant generated by atmospheric and room-temperature plasmas and metabolic evolution strategies
Authors: Jiang Min , Wan Qing , Liu Rongming , Liang Liya , Chen Xu , Wu Mingke , Zhang Hanwen , Chen Kequan , Ma Jiangfeng , Wei Ping , Ouyang Pingkai
Published: October 2013

AFP111 is a spontaneous mutant of Escherichia coli with mutations in the glucose-specific phosphotransferase system, pyruvate formate lyase system, and fermentative lactate dehydrogenase system, created to reduce byproduct formation and increase succinic acid accumulation. In AFP111, conversion of xylose to succinic acid only generates 1.67 ATP per xylose, but requires 2.67 ATP for xylose metabolism. Therefore, the ATP produced is not adequate to accomplish the conversion of xylose to succinic acid in chemically defined medium. An E. coli mutant was obtained by atmospheric and room-temperature plasmas and metabolic evolution strategies, which had the ability to use xylose and improve the capacity of cell growth. The concentration of ATP in the mutant was 1.33-fold higher than that in AFP111 during xylose fermentation. In addition, under anaerobic fermentation with almost 80 % xylose from corn stalk hydrolysate, a succinic acid concentration of 21.1 g l−1 was obtained, with a corresponding yield of 76 %.
Merging chemical ecology with bacterial genome mining for secondary metabolite discovery
Authors: Vizcaino Maria I , Guo Xun , Crawford Jason M
Published: October 2013

The integration of chemical ecology and bacterial genome mining can enhance the discovery of structurally diverse natural products in functional contexts. By examining bacterial secondary metabolism in the framework of its ecological niche, insights into the upregulation of orphan biosynthetic pathways and the enhancement of the enzyme substrate supply can be obtained, leading to the discovery of new secondary metabolic pathways that would otherwise be silent or undetected under typical laboratory cultivation conditions. Access to these new natural products (i.e., the chemotypes) facilitates experimental genotype-to-phenotype linkages. Here, we describe certain functional natural products produced by Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus bacteria with experimentally linked biosynthetic gene clusters as illustrative examples of the synergy between chemical ecology and bacterial genome mining in connecting genotypes to phenotypes through chemotype characterization. These Gammaproteobacteria share a mutualistic relationship with nematodes and a pathogenic relationship with insects and, in select cases, humans. The natural products encoded by these bacteria distinguish their interactions with their animal hosts and other microorganisms in their multipartite symbiotic lifestyles. Though both genera have similar lifestyles, their genetic, chemical, and physiological attributes are distinct. Both undergo phenotypic variation and produce a profuse number of bioactive secondary metabolites. We provide further detail in the context of regulation, production, processing, and function for these genetically encoded small molecules with respect to their roles in mutualism and pathogenicity. These collective insights more widely promote the discovery of atypical orphan biosynthetic pathways encoding novel small molecules in symbiotic systems, which could open up new avenues for investigating and exploiting microbial chemical signaling in host–bacteria interactions.
Predictive Genetic Testing in Children: Constitutional Mismatch Repair Deficiency Cancer Predisposing Syndrome
Authors: Bruwer Zandrè , Algar Ursula , Vorster Alvera , Fieggen Karen , Davidson Alan , Goldberg Paul , Wainwright Helen , Ramesar Rajkumar
Published: October 2013

Biallelic germline mutations in mismatch repair genes predispose to constitutional mismatch repair deficiency syndrome (CMMR‐D). The condition is characterized by a broad spectrum of early‐onset tumors, including hematological, brain and bowel and is frequently associated with features of Neurofibromatosis type 1. Few definitive screening recommendations have been suggested and no published reports have described predictive testing. We report on the first case of predictive testing for CMMR‐D following the identification of two non‐consanguineous parents, with the same heterozygous mutation inMLH1: c.1528C > T. The genetic counseling offered to the family, for their two at‐risk daughters, is discussed with a focus on the ethical considerations of testing children for known cancer‐causing variants. The challenges that are encountered when reporting on heterozygosity in a child younger than 18 years (disclosure of carrier status and risk for Lynch syndrome), when discovered during testing for homozygosity, are addressed. In addition, the identification of CMMR‐D in a three year old, and the recommended clinical surveillance that was proposed for this individual is discussed. Despite predictive testing and presymptomatic screening, the sudden death of the child with CMMR‐D syndrome occurred 6 months after her last surveillance MRI. This report further highlights the difficulty of developing guidelines, as a result of the rarity of cases and diversity of presentation.
Risk factors and complications in hip reconstruction for nonambulatory patients with cerebral palsy
Authors: Ruzbarsky Joseph J. , Beck Nicholas A. , Baldwin Keith D. , Sankar Wudbhav N. , Flynn John M. , Spiegel David A.
Published: October 2013

Background

Hip dysplasia is prevalent in nonambulatory children with cerebral palsy, and may contribute to a decreased quality of life (Lonstein in J Pediatr Orthop 6:521–526, 1 ). Reconstructive procedures such as a femoral varus derotation osteotomy with or without a pelvic osteotomy are commonly employed with the goal of achieving and maintaining well reduced hips.

Purposes

The goals of this study are both to characterize the complications of reconstructive procedures and to identify risk factors that may contribute to these complications.

Patients and methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted among 61 nonambulatory children (93 hips) with cerebral palsy who underwent a femoral varus derotation osteotomy, with or without an open reduction and/or pelvic osteotomy, from 1992 through 2008 at our institution. The average patient age was 8.1 years (2.6–14.7) and the mean follow-up time was 5.9 years (2.1–15.9).

Results

The cumulative complication rate per patient including failures to cure was 47.6 %. Spica casting was found to be a risk factor for all complications ( P = 0.023); whereas patients younger than 6 years old ( P = 0.013) and children with a tracheostomy ( P = 0.004) were found to be risk factors for resubluxation following surgery.

Conclusions

Although reported complication rates of hip reconstructive procedures performed upon children with cerebral palsy have varied considerably, those with more severe disease have experienced more complications. We report our tertiary referral center's complication rate and our institutional experiences with risk factors for complications and failures to cure.

Level of evidence

IV, Retrospective case series.
Exopolysaccharides and Antimicrobial Biosurfactants Produced by Paenibacillus macerans TKU029
Authors: Liang Tzu-Wen , Wu Chia-Chen , Cheng Wei-Ting , Chen Yu-Chi , Wang Chuan-Lu , Wang I-Li , Wang San-Lang
Published: October 2013

Paenibacillus macerans TKU029 can produce exopolysaccharides (EPSs; 3.46 g/L) and a biosurfactant (1.78 g/L) in a medium with 2 % (w/v) squid pen powder as the sole carbon/nitrogen source. The biosurfactant can reduce the surface tension of water from 72.30 to 35.34 mN/m at a concentration of 2.76 g/L and reach an emulsification index of 56 % after a 24-h reaction with machine oil. This biosurfactant is stable at 121 °C for 20 min, over a pH range from 3 to 11, and in <5 % salt solutions. It also shows significant antimicrobial activity, which remains active after treatment at 121 °C and at pH values from 4 to 10, against Escherichia coli BCRC13086, Staphylococcus aureus BCRC10780, Fusarium oxysporum BCRC32121 and Aspergillus fumigatus BCRC30099. Furthermore, human skin shows from 37.3 to 44.3 % hydration after being treated with TKU029 EPSs for 180 min. These results imply that EPSs and the biosurfactant from this strain have potential in cosmetics, for removal of oil contamination, and as antimicrobial agents.
Maternal diabetes or hypertension and lifestyle factors may be associated with metabolic syndrome: A population‐based study in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Tzu‐Hua , Hsiao Hui‐Pin , Chiu Yu‐Wen , Shih Nai‐Hua , Chuang Hung‐Yi , Huang Chia‐Tsuan
Published: October 2013

Early detection and interventions for metabolic syndrome (MetS) are the most cost‐effective methods for preventing many chronic diseases. There have been discordant findings in various countries due to different genetics and lifestyles. The goal of this study was to investigate the association of MetS with parental diseases, a Chinese‐style diet, and rural‐urban regional differences with a large‐scale epidemiological survey in Taiwan. Data were obtained from the Taiwanese Survey on Hypertension, Hyperglycemia, and Hyperlipidemia (TwSHHH), a cross‐sectional population‐based study with multistage stratified random sampling conducted by the Taiwan Bureau of Health Promotion in 2002. Public health nurses visited homes to conduct the survey, including blood drawing and an interview. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used for exploring the factors associated with MetS. A total of 6591 people completed data for analysis. Our results revealed that older age, male sex, and maternal diabetes or hypertension, were significantly associated with MetS. Eating poultry with skin and fat and eating a bean‐free diet may be associated with a higher risk of MetS. People who exercised regularly and the residents of the Taipei metropolitan area had a lower prevalence of MetS. As a result, people with maternal diabetes or hypertension should pay attention to their cardiovascular health and prevention of MetS. We suggest that eating skinless and low‐fat poultry, eating more beans, and exercising regularly, may decrease the risk of MetS. We should make an effort to advocate for health promotion, including lifestyle modification, especially among the high‐risk population and among residents in rural areas with limited medical resources.
RETRACTED: Public administration reform in Macedonia
Authors: Cierco Teresa
Published: October 2013

This article has been retracted. This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor-in-Chief. The article carelessly uses parts of diverse sources (13 in total; list is available upon request) without appropriate citation methods, though without any apparent malicious intent. One of the conditions of submission of a paper for publication is that authors declare explicitly that their work is original and has not appeared in a publication elsewhere. Re-use of any data should be appropriately cited. As such this article represents a misuse of the scientific publishing system. The scientific community takes a very strong view on this matter and apologies are offered to readers of the journal that this was not detected during the submission process.
A pediatric patients’ pain evaluation in the emergency unit
Authors: Lemström Anette
Published: October 2013

Aims

Helsinki University Hospital for Children and Adolescents treats 0-to 16-year old pediatric and surgical patients. The patients arrive to the emergency unit by ambulance, referral or by decision of the triage nurse. The most common reason for visit is pain. VAS pain scale should be used, but pain is not evaluated properly. The aim of this study was to review literature on evaluation and treatment of pain in pediatric emergency unit.

Methods

A search from Cinahl and Finnish Medic-database covering last 10 years was performed using: pain, child, trauma, documentation, evaluation, emergency and assessment as keywords.

Results

Multiple pain scales are used in pediatric emergency units. A scale possibly useful for us is the CEM, College of Emergency Medicine tool. Non-medical procedural pain treatment: physical methods (e.g. cold, warm, massage), emotional support and cognitive-behavioral methods (e.g. relaxation, mental imagery and information) was found to be as useful in children. The aim of cognitive-behavioral methods is to decrease fear, stress and pain and improve self-determination. Non-medical treatment was found to be cost efficient and decrease the need of analgesics. It was also found that a child in pain should be raised in triage. Educated staff usually means that children get pain medication quicker.

Conclusions

Research on the effects of systematic use of a pain scales on pain treatment, pain and fear in pediatric patients would be interesting
Histamine in the locus coeruleus attenuates neuropathic hypersensitivity
Authors: Jin Cong-Yu , Wei Hong , Karlstedt Kaj , Pertovaara Antti
Published: October 2013

Aims

Among brain structures receiving efferent projections from the histaminergic tuberomammillary nucleus is the pontine locus coeruleus (LC), a structure involved in descending noradrenergic control of pain. Here we studied whether histamine in the LC is involved in descending regulation of neuropathic hypersensitivity.

Methods

Peripheral neuropathy was induced by unilateral spinal nerve ligation (SNL) in the rat with a chronic intracerebral and intrathecal catheter for drug administrations. Mechanical hypersensitivity in the injured limb was assessed by monofilaments. Heat nociception was assessed by determining radiant heat-induced paw flick.

Results

Histamine in the LC (ipsilateral to nerve injury) produced a dose-related (1–10 μg) mechanical antihypersensitivity effect (maximum effect at 15 min and duration of effect 30 min), without influence on heat nociception. Pretreatment of LC with zolantidine (H2 receptor antagonist), but not with pyrilamine (H1 receptor antagonist), reversed the antihypersensitivity effect of histamine. Zolantidine or pyrilamine alone in LC failed to influence pain behavior. The antihypersensitivity effect induced by histamine in LC was reduced also by spinal administration of atipamezole (an α2-adrenoceptor antagonist).

Conclusions

The results indicate that histamine acting on H2 receptors in the LC attenuates mechanical hypersensitivity in peripheral neuropathy. The histamine-induced descending antihypersensitivity effect is at least partly mediated by noradrenergic pathways acting on the spinal α2-adrenoceptor.
Non-geostrophic instabilities of an equilibrium baroclinic state
Authors: Pieri Alexandre B. , Godeferd F. S. , Cambon C. , Salhi A.
Published: October 2013

We consider non-geostrophic homogeneous baroclinic turbulence without solid boundaries, and we focus on its energetics and dynamics. The homogeneous turbulent flow is therefore submitted to both uniform vertical shear$S$and stable vertical stratification, parametrized by the Brunt–Väisälä frequency$N$, and placed in a rotating frame with Coriolis frequency$f$. Direct numerical simulations show that the threshold of baroclinic instability growth depends mostly on two dimensionless numbers, the gradient Richardson number$\mathit{Ri}= {N}^{2} / {S}^{2} $and the Rossby number$\mathit{Ro}= S/ f$, whereas linear theory predicts a threshold that depends only on$\mathit{Ri}$. At high Rossby numbers the nonlinear limit is found to be$\mathit{Ri}= 0. 2$, while in the limit of low$\mathit{Ro}$the linear stability bound$\mathit{Ri}= 1$is recovered. We also express the stability results in terms of background potential vorticity, which is an important quantity in baroclinic flows. We show that the linear symmetric instability occurs from the presence of negative background potential vorticity. The possibility of simultaneous existence of symmetric and baroclinic instabilities is also investigated. The dominance of symmetric instability over baroclinic instability for$\mathit{Ri}\ll 1$is confirmed by our direct numerical simulations, and we provide an improved understanding of the dynamics of the flow by exploring the details of energy transfers for moderate Richardson numbers.
Deformation of leaky-dielectric fluid globules under strong electric fields: boundary layers and jets at large Reynolds numbers
Authors: Schnitzer Ory , Frankel Itzchak , Yariv Ehud
Published: October 2013

In Taylor’s analysis of electrohydrodynamic drop deformation by a uniform electric field (Proc. R. Soc. Lond. A, vol. 291, 1966, pp. 159–166) inertia is neglected at the outset, resulting in fluid velocities that scale as the square of the applied-field magnitude. For large (i.e. millimetric) drops, with increasing field strength the Reynolds number predicted by this scaling may actually become large, suggesting the need for a complementary large-Reynolds-number investigation. Balancing viscous stresses and electrical shear forces in this limit reveals a different velocity scaling, with the $4/ 3$-power of the applied-field magnitude. For simplicity, we focus upon the flow about a spherical gas bubble. It is essentially confined to two boundary layers propagating from the poles to the equator, where they collide to form a radial jet. The transition occurs over a small deflection region about the equator where the flow is effectively inviscid. The deviation of the bubble shape from the original sphericity is quantified by the capillary number given by the ratio of a characteristic Maxwell stress to Laplace’s pressure. At leading order the bubble deforms owing to: (i) the surface distribution of the Maxwell stress, associated with the familiar electric-field profile; (ii) the hydrodynamic boundary-layer pressure, engendered here by centrifugal forces; and (iii) the intense pressure distribution acting over the narrow equatorial deflection zone, appearing on the bubble scale as a concentrated load. Remarkably, the unique flow topology and associated scalings allow the obtaining of a closed-form expression for the deformation through the mere application of integral mass and momentum balances. On the bubble scale, the concentrated pressure load is manifested in the appearance of a non-smooth equatorial dimple.