bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The solution structure of the MANEC-type domain from hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor-1 reveals an unexpected PAN/apple domain-type fold
Authors: Hong Zebin , Nowakowski Michal , Spronk Chris , Petersen Steen V. , Andreasen Peter A. , Koźmiński Wiktor , Mulder Frans A.A. , Jensen Jan K.
Published: December 2014

A decade ago, motif at N-terminus with eight-cysteines (MANEC) was defined as a new protein domain family. This domain is found exclusively at the N-terminus of >400 multi-domain type-1 transmembrane proteins from animals. Despite the large number of MANEC-containing proteins, only one has been characterized at the protein level: hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor-1 (HAI-1). HAI-1 is an essential protein, as knockout mice die in utero due to placental defects. HAI-1 is an inhibitor of matriptase, hepsin and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) activator, all serine proteases with important roles in epithelial development, cell growth and homoeostasis. Dysregulation of these proteases has been causatively implicated in pathological conditions such as skin diseases and cancer. Detailed functional understanding of HAI-1 and other MANEC-containing proteins is hampered by the lack of structural information on MANEC. Although many MANEC sequences exist, sequence-based database searches fail to predict structural homology. In the present paper, we present the NMR solution structure of the MANEC domain from HAI-1, the first three-dimensional (3D) structure from the MANEC domain family. Unexpectedly, MANEC is a new subclass of the PAN/apple domain family, with its own unifying features, such as two additional disulfide bonds, two extended loop regions and additional α-helical elements. As shown for other PAN/apple domain-containing proteins, we propose a similar active role of the MANEC domain in intramolecular and intermolecular interactions. The structure provides a tool for the further elucidation of HAI-1 function as well as a reference for the study of other MANEC-containing proteins.
The sigma-1 receptors are present in monomeric and oligomeric forms in living cells in the presence and absence of ligands
Authors: Mishra Ashish K. , Mavlyutov Timur , Singh Deo R. , Biener Gabriel , Yang Jay , Oliver Julie A. , Ruoho Arnold , Raicu Valerică
Published: December 2014

The sigma-1 receptor (S1R) is a 223-amino-acid membrane protein that resides in the endoplasmic reticulum and the plasma membrane of some mammalian cells. The S1R is regulated by various synthetic molecules including (+)-pentazocine, cocaine and haloperidol and endogenous molecules such as sphingosine, dimethyltryptamine and dehydroepiandrosterone. Ligand-regulated protein chaperone functions linked to oxidative stress and neurodegenerative disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and neuropathic pain have been attributed to the S1R. Several client proteins that interact with S1R have been identified including various types of ion channels and G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). When S1R constructs containing C-terminal monomeric GFP2 and YFP fusions were co-expressed in COS-7 cells and subjected to FRET spectrometry analysis, monomers, dimers and higher oligomeric forms of S1R were identified under non-liganded conditions. In the presence of the prototypic S1R agonist, (+)-pentazocine, however, monomers and dimers were the prevailing forms of S1R. The prototypic antagonist, haloperidol, on the other hand, favoured higher order S1R oligomers. These data, in sum, indicate that heterologously expressed S1Rs occur in vivo in COS-7 cells in multiple oligomeric forms and that S1R ligands alter these oligomeric structures. We suggest that the S1R oligomerization states may regulate its function(s).
The von Neumann basis in non-Cartesian coordinates: Application to floppy triatomic molecules
Authors: Shimshovitz Asaf , Bačić Zlatko , Tannor David J.
Published: December 2014

We extend the periodic von Neumann basis to non-Cartesian coordinates. The bound states of two isomerizing triatomic molecules, LiCN/LiNC and HCN/HNC, are calculated using the vibrational Hamiltonian in Jacobi coordinates. The phase space localization of the basis functions leads to a flexible and accurate representation of the Hamiltonian. This results in significant savings compared to a basis localized just in coordinate space. The favorable scaling of the method with dimensionality makes it promising for applications to larger systems.
Chaotic time series analysis in economics: Balance and perspectives
Authors: Faggini Marisa
Published: December 2014

The aim of the paper is not to review the large body of work concerning nonlinear time series analysis in economics, about which much has been written, but rather to focus on the new techniques developed to detect chaotic behaviours in economic data. More specifically, our attention will be devoted to reviewing some of these techniques and their application to economic and financial data in order to understand why chaos theory, after a period of growing interest, appears now not to be such an interesting and promising research area.
Note: 6Li III light intensity observation for 6Li3+ ion beam operation at Hyper-Electron Cyclotron Resonance ion source
Authors: Muto Hideshi , Ohshiro Yukimitsu , Yamaka Shoichi , Watanabe Shin-ichi , Oyaizu Michihiro , Yamaguchi Hidetoshi , Kobayashi Kiyoshi , Kotaka Yasuteru , Nishimura Makoto , Kubono Shigeru , Kase Masayuki , Hattori Toshiyuki , Shimoura Susumu
Published: December 2014

The light intensity of 6Li III line spectrum at λ = 516.7 nm was observed during 6Li3+ beam tuning at the Hyper-Electron Cyclotron Resonance (ECR) ion source. Separation of ion species of the same charge to mass ratio with an electromagnetic mass analyzer is known to be an exceptionally complex process. However, 6Li III line intensity observation conducted in this study gives new insights into its simplification of this process. The light intensity of 6Li III line spectrum from the ECR plasma was found to have a strong correlation with the extracted 6Li3+ beam intensity from the RIKEN Azimuthal Varying Field cyclotron.
Characterization of surface modification in atomic force microscope-induced nanolithography of oxygen deficient La0.67Ba0.33MnO3−δ thin films
Authors: Tanyi E. Kevin , Kolagani Rajeswari M. , Srivastava Parul , Vanderlinde William , Yong Grace , Stumpf Christopher , Schaefer David
Published: December 2014

We report our studies of the nanolithographic surface modifications induced by an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) in epitaxial thin films of oxygen deficient Lanthanum Barium Manganese Oxide (La0.67Ba0.33MnO3−δ). The pattern characteristics depend on the tip voltage, tip polarity, voltage duration, tip force, and humidity. We have used Electron Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) to analyze the chemical changes associated with the surface modifications produced with a negatively biased AFM tip. A significant increase in the oxygen stoichiometry for the patterned regions relative to the pristine film surface is observed. The results also indicate changes in the cation stoichiometry, specifically a decrease in the Lanthanum and Manganese concentrations and an increase in the Barium concentration in the patterned regions.
Effect of Ca incorporation on the dielectric nonlinear behavior of (Ba, Ca)TiO3 multi layer ceramic capacitors
Authors: Yoon Seok-Hyun , Park Yunjung , Kim Chang-Hoon , Kim Doo-Young
Published: December 2014

The difference in the dielectric nonlinearity was investigated by contrasting BaTiO3 and (Ba0.925Ca0.075)TiO3 multilayer ceramic capacitors utilizing the first order reversal curve (FORC) distribution based on the Preisach model. Ca incorporation caused a decrease of the dielectric constants in the low field but little differences in the high field region resulting in a steep ac field dependence, which became more significant with the decrease of temperature. Such behavior can be correlated with a decrease of the reversible and an increase of the irreversible FORC distribution near origin by Ca incorporation. These results suggest that Ca incorporation, which is known to cause the asymmetric off-center displacement at Ba-site, has the role of weakly pinning centers that increase the portion of irreversible domain walls that are immobile at low field but can contribute to polarization beyond a threshold field.
A theoretical framework to support research of health service innovation
Authors: Fox Amanda , Gardner Glenn , Osborne Sonya
Published: December 2014

Objective Health service managers and policy makers are increasingly concerned about the sustainability of innovations implemented in health care settings. The increasing demand on health services requires that innovations are both effective and sustainable; however, research in this field is limited, with multiple disciplines, approaches and paradigms influencing the field. These variations prevent a cohesive approach, and therefore the accumulation of research findings, in the development of a body of knowledge. The purpose of this paper is to provide a thorough examination of the research findings and provide an appropriate theoretical framework to examine sustainability of health service innovation. Methods This paper presents an integrative review of the literature available in relation to sustainability of health service innovation and provides the development of a theoretical framework based on integration and synthesis of the literature. Results A theoretical framework serves to guide research, determine variables, influence data analysis and is central to the quest for ongoing knowledge development. This research outlines the sustainability of innovation framework; a theoretical framework suitable for examining the sustainability of health service innovation. Conclusion If left unaddressed, health services research will continue in an ad hoc manner, preventing full utilisation of outcomes, recommendations and knowledge for effective provision of health services. The sustainability of innovation theoretical framework provides an operational basis upon which reliable future research can be conducted. What is known about the topic? Providers of health services are rapidly implementing innovations in an effort to provide effective health care. Little research has been conducted to evaluate the sustainability of these health service innovations. What does this paper add? This paper aims presents an integration and synthesis of the current body of knowledge to provide a theoretical framework to evaluate the sustainability of health service innovation. What are the implications for the practitioner? An improved body of knowledge surrounding the sustainability of health service innovations generated from research will consequently result in more appropriate use of resources and improved provision of health services.
Managing ethical issues in patient care and the need for clinical ethics support
Authors: Doran Evan , Fleming Jennifer , Jordens Christopher , Stewart Cameron L , Letts Julie , Kerridge Ian H
Published: December 2014

Objective To investigate the range, frequency and management of ethical issues encountered by clinicians working in hospitals in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted of a convenience sample of 104 medical, nursing and allied health professionals in two NSW hospitals. Results Some respondents did not provide data for some questions, therefore the denominator is less than 105 for some items. Sixty-two (62/104; 60%) respondents reported occasionally to often having ethical concerns. Forty-six (46/105; 44%) reported often to occasionally having legal concerns. The three most common responses to concerns were: talking to colleagues (96/105; 91%); raising the issue in a group forum (68/105; 65%); and consulting a relevant guideline (64/105; 61%). Most respondents were highly (65/99; 66%) or moderately (33/99; 33%) satisfied with the ethical environment of the hospital. Twenty-two (22/98; 22%) were highly satisfied with the ethical environment of their department and 74 (74/98; 76%) were moderately satisfied. Most (72/105; 69%) respondents indicated that additional support in dealing with ethical issues would be helpful. Conclusion Clinicians reported frequently experiencing ethical and legal uncertainty and concern. They usually managed this by talking with colleagues. Although this approach was considered adequate, and the ethics of their hospital was reported to be satisfactory, most respondents indicated that additional assistance with ethical and legal concerns would be helpful. Clinical ethics support should be a priority of public hospitals in NSW and elsewhere in Australia. What is known about the topic? Clinicians working in hospitals in the US, Canada and UK have access to ethics expertise to help them manage ethical issues that arise in patient care. How Australian clinicians currently manage the ethical issues they face has not been investigated. What does this paper add? This paper describes the types of ethical issues faced by Australian clinicians, how they manage these issues and whether they think ethics support would be helpful. What are the implications for practitioners? Clinicians frequently encounter ethically and legally difficult decisions and want additional ethics support. Helping clinicians to provide ethically sound patient care should be a priority of public hospitals in NSW and elsewhere in Australia.
Links that speak: The global language network and its association with global fame
Authors: Ronen Shahar , Gonçalves Bruno , Hu Kevin Z. , Vespignani Alessandro , Pinker Steven , Hidalgo César A.
Published: December 2014

Significance

People have long debated about the global influence of languages. The speculations that fuel this debate, however, rely on measures of language importance—such as income and population—that lack external validation as measures of a language’s global influence. Here we introduce a metric of a language’s global influence based on its position in the network connecting languages that are co-spoken. We show that the connectivity of a language in this network, after controlling for the number of speakers of a language and their income, remains a strong predictor of a language’s influence when validated against two independent measures of the cultural content produced by a language’s speakers.
Absolute position total internal reflection microscopy with an optical tweezer
Authors: Liu Lulu , Woolf Alexander , Rodriguez Alejandro W. , Capasso Federico
Published: December 2014

Significance

Total internal reflection microscopy is a low noise, minimally invasive, near surface particle-tracking technique widely used in physics and biology for the precise investigation of surface forces and interactions and fluorescent imaging of live cells and single molecules. In total internal reflection microscopy (TIRM), a particle is tracked, with nanometer precision, by the intensity of light it scatters from the evanescent field of a totally internally reflected beam of light. The present work introduces the first to our knowledge in situ, absolute position calibration method for TIRM (and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy), which has the potential to greatly expand its measurement capabilities and bring quantitative results to studies using this technique.
Asp48 function in the hydrogen-bonding network involving Asp52 of hen egg-white lysozyme
Authors: Kawaguchi Yuya , Yoneda Kazunari , Torikata Takao , Araki Tomohiro
Published: December 2014

To characterize the hydrogen-bonding network in lysozyme, we focused on the residue of Asp48 located at the active site in hen egg-white lysozyme. We constructed a mutant lysozyme (D48A) and analyzed using (GlcNAc)3 and chitin-affinity chromatography. The substrate binding of subsites D–F in D48A and the activity against (GlcNAc)5 were decreased. The parameters of substrate binding and rate constants obtained from computer simulations confirmed these changes. In the crystal structure, (GlcNAc)4 was located at the same position as wildtype. However, the side chains of Arg45 and Thr47 at subsites E–F were moved by the replacement. Further, the loss of the hydrogen bond between Asp48 and Ser50 changed the hydrogen-bonding network, and this resulted in an alteration of the side chain of Asn59. This result suggests that the hydrogen-bonding network plays a crucial in the function of Asp52 and of transglycosylation at subsites E–F.
The Effectiveness of Flow-Through or Static Copper Sulfate Treatments on the Survival of Golden Shiners and Fathead Minnows Infected with Flavobacterium columnare
Authors: Farmer Bradley D , Straus David L , Beck Benjamin H , Kelly Anita M
Published: December 2014

Four studies were conducted to compare the effects of copper sulfate (CuSO4), when delivered in either a flow-through or a static system, on the survival of Golden Shiners Notemigonus crysoleucas and Fathead Minnows Pimephales promelas infected with Flavobacterium columnare. The treatment regimens were administered to fish in well water and were based on the recommended treatment rate (1% of alkalinity). Golden Shiners (experiments 1 and 3) and Fathead Minnows (experiments 2 and 4) were treated separately. In experiments 1 and 2, the treatment rate was 2.0 mg/L CuSO4 applied to a flow-through system daily for five consecutive days; control fish were untreated. Study durations were 7 d with the majority of the mortalities occurring in the first 5 d. Survival rates in the flow-through system were 77% and 69% for CuSO4-treated Golden Shiners and Fathead Minnows, respectively. Survival in both species was significantly different from that in their untreated control fish, which was 33% for Golden Shiners and 41% for Fathead Minnows. Static applications of CuSO4 were investigated in experiments 3 and 4. Treatment doses were 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 mg/L (approximately 0.0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 times the recommended rate). Survival of Fathead Minnows in this experiment was 10, 28, 52, 47, and 35% in the 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 mg/L CuSO4 treatments, respectively. The corresponding survival of Golden Shiners was 49, 50, 65, 75, and 60% in the 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 mg/L CuSO4 treatments, respectively.
Growth Performance of Hybrid Striped Bass, Rainbow Trout, and Cobia Utilizing Asian Carp Meal-Based Aquafeeds
Authors: Bowzer John , Trushenski Jesse
Published: December 2014

Fish meal sparing is more difficult for nutritionally demanding carnivorous fishes, but economic considerations and the limited supply of fish meal continue to incentivize investigations of alternative protein sources for aquafeeds. A promising alternative to traditional, marine-origin fish meal is fish meal derived from undesirable freshwater species, such as the invasive Asian carp Hypophthalmichthys spp. To assess the relative value of such ingredients, we evaluated growth performance of juvenile hybrid Striped Bass (White Bass Morone chrysops × Striped Bass M. saxatilis; initial weight, 21.9 ± 0.2 g [mean ± SE]), Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (15.1 ± 0.2 g), and Cobia Rachycentron canadum (57.2 ± 0.5 g) reared for 8 weeks on practical diets containing different levels of menhaden fish meal (MFM), Asian carp meal (CFM), or a 50:50 blend of these ingredients such that 0, 20, 40, or 60% of the estimated digestible protein content was derived from fish meal. Growth performance was generally consistent across taxa, and weight gain tended to increase with fish meal inclusion, regardless of its origin. However, Cobia did perform better on CFM-based diets, suggesting that MFM or CFM can yield improved performance for some taxa or life stages, but these differences are likely to be marginal in most circumstances. We conclude CFM is a suitable and perhaps lower-cost alternative to MFM in feeds for carnivorous fishes.
The logical nature of Systemic-Functional Grammar and “grammatical logic”
Authors: Feng Zongxin
Published: December 2014

In view of the close relationship between logical and grammatical studies in the history of linguistics, this paper highlights the logical nature of Systemic-Functional Grammar, which is characterized with “grammatical thinking” and based on “grammatical logic” rather than symbolic/mathematical logic. It discusses some of the essential characteristics of grammatical logic and concludes that such a naturally evolved logic parallels with, but is more accommodative and explanatory than, the artificially designed logic.
Resonance projectors and asymptotics for 𝑟-normally hyperbolic trapped sets
Authors: Dyatlov Semyon
Published: December 2014

We prove a Weyl law for scattering resonances in a strip near the real axis when the trapped set is

r
r

-normally hyperbolic with

r
r

large and a pinching condition on the normal expansion rates holds. Our dynamical assumptions are stable under smooth perturbations and are motivated by wave dynamics for black holes. The key step is a construction of a Fourier integral operator which microlocally projects onto the resonant states. In addition to the Weyl law, this operator provides new information about microlocal properties of resonant states.
Risk Potential of Clubroot Disease on Winter Oilseed Rape
Authors: Strehlow Becke , de Mol Friederike , Struck Christine
Published: December 2014

Clubroot disease caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae is an important disease of cruciferous plants. Although the pathogen is widespread and has been reported to cause high yield losses, the impact on winter oilseed rape (OSR) has not been experimentally verified. To quantify the risk potential of P. brassicae, we conducted two closely linked experiments. A semicontrolled experiment used artificial soil infestation at inoculum densities between 106and 108spores liter−1of soil to detect the impact on seed yield and yield components of a susceptible and resistant OSR cultivar. A greenhouse experiment was implemented using the soil of the semicontrolled experiment after cropping the two cultivars to quantify the influence of cultivar resistance on soil inoculum. According to cumulative link mixed models, disease rating was positively correlated with the amount of inoculum. Linear regression analyses revealed a negative correlation between seed yield and inoculum density. Yield losses of 60% already appeared at the lowest inoculum density. Plant losses and reduced seed per pod were accountable for yield losses. Although the resistant cultivar showed clubroot symptoms, seed yield was not affected by the pathogen. The greenhouse experiment revealed that clubroot severity in subsequent OSR was reduced after cropping the resistant cultivar. This study showed significant yield damage of P. brassicae already at low infestation levels.
Sensitivity of Potato Cultivars to Potato mop-top virus-Induced Tuber Necrosis
Authors: Domfeh O. , Bittara F. G. , Gudmestad N. C.
Published: December 2014

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) cultivars representing four market classes were assessed for sensitivity to Potato mop-top virus (PMTV)-induced tuber necrosis in three separate trials in a field in North Dakota known to be infested with PMTV. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction confirmed the presence of PMTV in randomly selected samples. Results of tuber necrosis assessments conducted during storage demonstrated that sensitivity to PMTV-induced tuber necrosis among cultivars follows a continuum of tolerant to sensitive. As a group, the russet-skinned cultivars had a lower incidence of tuber necrosis than red-, yellow-, and white-skinned cultivars. The incidence and severity of PMTV-induced tuber necrosis in trial 1 were significantly correlated with those parameters in trial 2 across years. Significant correlations also existed between the incidence of powdery scab on tubers and the incidence of PMTV-induced tuber necrosis in trial 1 across years. A significant correlation was also found between root gall numbers and powdery scab incidence and severity on tubers as well as PMTV-induced tuber necrosis incidence in trial 2. The results of this study provide growers with disease management options by avoiding cultivars highly sensitive to PMTV-induced tuber necrosis development and potentially replacing them with tolerant cultivars in the same market class. It is apparent from these studies that field assessments can be used for the development of PMTV-resistant germplasm for use in future breeding strategies.
Upper Eyelid Coloboma Repair Using Accessory Preauricular Cartilage in a Patient With Goldenhar Syndrome: Technique Revisited
Authors: Sinkin Jeremy C. , Yi Sojung , Wood Benjamin C. , Kwon Susie , Gavaris Lauren Z. , Gavaris Paul T. , Rogers Gary F. , Sauerhammer Tina M.
Published: December 2014

We present an unusual case of upper eyelid coloboma repair in a patient with Goldenhar syndrome. We describe the use of a modified Cutler–Beard flap with concurrent inlay graft using cartilage from a preauricular appendage. This technique provides the benefits of autologous tissue, while minimizing donor site morbidity and reducing the risk of upper eyelid retraction.
A theoretical model of asymmetric wave ripples
Authors: Blondeaux P. , Foti E. , Vittori G.
Published: December 2014

The time development of ripples under sea waves is investigated by means of the weakly nonlinear stability analysis of a flat sandy bottom subjected to the viscous oscillatory flow that is present in the boundary layer at the bottom of propagating sea waves. Second-order effects in the wave steepness are considered, to take into account the presence of the steady drift generated by the surface waves. Hence, the work of Vittori & Blondeaux (1990
J. Fluid Mech.
218
, 19–39 (
doi:10.1017/S002211209000091X
)) is extended by considering steeper waves and/or less deep waters. As shown by the linear analysis of Blondeaux
et al.
(2000
Eur. J. Mech. B
19
, 285–301 (
doi:10.1016/S0997-7546(90)00106-I
)), because of the presence of a steady velocity component in the direction of wave propagation, ripples migrate at a constant rate that depends on sediment and wave characteristics. The weakly nonlinear analysis shows that the ripple profile is no longer symmetric with respect to ripple crests and troughs and the symmetry index is computed as a function of the parameters of the problem. In particular, a relationship is determined between the symmetry index and the strength of the steady drift. A fair agreement between model results and laboratory data is obtained, albeit further data and analyses are necessary to determine the behaviour of vortex ripples and to be conclusive.
Pyrobaculum ferrireducens sp. nov., a hyperthermophilic Fe(III)-, selenate- and arsenate-reducing crenarchaeon isolated from a hot spring
Authors: Slobodkina G. B. , Lebedinsky A. V. , Chernyh N. A. , Bonch-Osmolovskaya E. A. , Slobodkin A. I.
Published: December 2014

A novel hyperthermophilic, anaerobic, archaeon was isolated from a terrestrial hot spring at Uzon Caldera, Kronotsky Nature Reserve, Kamchatka, Russia. The isolate, strain 1860T, grew optimally at 90–95 °C and pH 6.0–7.0. The cells were non-motile straight rods, 1.5–5.0 µm in length, covered with surface-layer lattice. Strain 1860Tutilized complex proteinaceous compounds as electron donors and ferrihydrite, Fe(III) citrate, nitrate, thiosulfate, selenite, selenate and arsenate as electron acceptors for growth. The sequence of the 16S rRNA gene of strain 1860Thad 97.9–98.7 % similarity with those of members of the genusPyrobaculum. On the basis of its physiological properties and phylogenetic analyses includingin silicogenome to genome hybridization, the isolate is considered to represent a novel species, for which the namePyrobaculum ferrireducenssp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 1860T( = DSM 28942T = VKM B-2856T).
Acinetobacter variabilis sp. nov. (formerly DNA group 15 sensu Tjernberg & Ursing), isolated from humans and animals
Authors: Krizova Lenka , McGinnis Jana , Maixnerova Martina , Nemec Matej , Poirel Laurent , Mingle Lisa , Sedo Ondrej , Wolfgang William , Nemec Alexandr
Published: December 2014

We aimed to define the taxonomic status of 16 strains which were phenetically congruent with

Acinetobacter

DNA group 15 described by Tjernberg & Ursing in 1989. The strains were isolated from a variety of human and animal specimens in geographically distant places over the last three decades. Taxonomic analysis was based on an

Acinetobacter

-targeted, genus-wide approach that included the comparative sequence analysis of housekeeping, protein-coding genes, whole-cell profiling based on matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), an array of in-house physiological and metabolic tests, and whole-genome comparative analysis. Based on analyses of the rpoB and gyrB genes, the 16 strains formed respective, strongly supported clusters clearly separated from the other species of the genus

Acinetobacter

. The distinctness of the group at the species level was indicated by average nucleotide identity values of ≤82 % between the whole genome sequences of two of the 16 strains (NIPH 2171T and NIPH 899) and those of the known species. In addition, the coherence of the group was also supported by MALDI-TOF MS. All 16 strains were non-haemolytic and non-gelatinase-producing, grown at 41 °C and utilized a rather limited number of carbon sources. Virtually every strain displayed a unique combination of metabolic and physiological features. We conclude that the 16 strains represent a distinct species of the genus

Acinetobacter

, for which the name Acinetobacter variabilis sp. nov. is proposed to reflect its marked phenotypic heterogeneity. The type strain is NIPH 2171T ( = CIP 110486T = CCUG 26390T = CCM 8555T).
Crystal structure ofN′-[(E)-(4-chlorophenyl)(phenyl)methylidene]-4-methylbenzenesulfonohydrazide
Authors: Balaji J. , Prabu S. , Xavier J. J. F. , Srinivasan P.
Published: December 2014

The title compound, C20H17ClN2O2S, was obtained by a condensation reaction between 4-chlorobenzophenone and tosyl hydrazide. The plane of the methyl-substituted benzene ring forms dihedral angles of 20.12 (12) and 78.43 (13)° with those of the chlorine-substituted benzene ring and the benzene ring, respectively, with the last two rings forming a dihedral angle of 67.81 (13)°. The chlorine substituent was also found to be 0.868 (2):0.132 (2) disordered over these two rings. In the crystal, molecules are linked through pairs of N—H...O hydrogen bonds, giving centrosymmetric cyclic dimers [graph setR22(8)], which are linked by weak C—H...O and C—H...Cl interactions into a chain structure which extends along thea-axis direction.
Crystal structure of 2-{[(2-chlorophenyl)imino]methyl}phenol
Authors: Saranya Matheswaran , Subashini Annamalai , Arunagiri Chidambaram , Muthiah Packianathan Thomas
Published: December 2014

In the title compound, C13H10ClNO, the dihedral angle between the planes of the aromatic rings is 51.42 (9)° and an intramolecular O—H...N hydrogen bond closes anS(6) ring. The Cl atom and the N atom aresyn. No directional interactions beyond van der Waals contacts are observed in the crystal.
Crystal structure offac-trichlorido[tris(pyridin-2-yl-N)amine]chromium(III)
Authors: Yamaguchi-Terasaki Yukiko , Fujihara Takashi , Nagasawa Akira , Kaizaki Sumio
Published: December 2014

In the neutral complex molecule of the title compound,fac-[CrCl3(tpa)] [tpa is tris(pyridin-2-yl)amine; C15H12N4], the CrIIIion is bonded to three N atoms that are constrained to afacialarrangement by the tpa ligand and by three chloride ligands, leading to a distorted octahedral coordination sphere. The average Cr—N and Cr—Cl bond lengths are 2.086 (5) and 2.296 (4) Å, respectively. The complex molecule is located on a mirror plane. In the crystal, a combination of C—H...N and C—H...Cl hydrogen-bonding interactions connect the molecules into a three-dimensional network.
Crystal structure of (1S,2R,4S)-1-[(morpholin-4-yl)methyl]-4-(prop-1-en-2-yl)cyclohexane-1,2-diol
Authors: Outouch Rachid , Oubaassine Saadia , Ait Ali Mustapha , El Firdoussi Larbi , Spannenberg Anke
Published: December 2014

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C14H25NO3, contains two independent molecules with similar geometry. The morpholine and cyclohexane rings of both molecules adopt a chair conformation. Intramolecular O—H...N hydrogen bonds are observed. In the crystal, molecules are linked by O—H...O hydrogen bonds into chains parallel to the [101] direction. The chains are further connected through C—H...O hydrogen bonds forming undulating layers parallel to the (-101) plane. The absolute configuration was assigned by reference to an unchanging chiral centre in the synthetic procedure.
Case of Merkel cell carcinoma with squamous cell carcinoma possibly arising in chronic radiodermatitis of the hand
Authors: Ansai Shin‐ichi , Noro Sachiko , Ogita Azusa , Fukumoto Hitomi , Katano Harutaka , Kawana Seiji
Published: December 2014

We report a case of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) on the dorsal aspect of the right middle finger associated with multiple squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) possibly arising in chronic radiation dermatitis of the hand of an 80‐year‐old surgeon. In spite of resection of the primary lesion and right axillary lymph nodes, he died of the tumor 5 months after the first visit. Cutaneous and lymph node lesions of MCC were negative for Merkel cell polyoma virus (MCPyV) by immunostaining using monoclonal antibody (CM2B4) and anti‐large T antigen of MCPyV polyclonal antibody, and real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Several differences in clinicopathological findings have been found between MCPyV‐positive cases and negative ones. Several authors have reported that MCPyV‐negative cases have a worse prognosis than MCPyV‐positive ones. Furthermore, in cases of MCC associated with SCC, most tumors have been reported to be MCPyV‐negative. We should pay more attention to the relationship between the carcinogenesis of MCC and ionizing irradiation.
Towards an Embodied Sociology of War
Authors: McSorley Kevin
Published: December 2014

While sociology has historically not been a good interlocutor of war, this paper argues that the body has always known war, and that it is to the corporeal that we can turn in an attempt to develop a language to better speak of its myriad violences and its socially generative force. It argues that war is a crucible of social change that is prosecuted, lived and reproduced via the occupation and transformation of myriad bodies in numerous ways from exhilaration to mutilation. War and militarism need to be traced and analysed in terms of their fundamental, diverse and often brutal modes of embodied experience and apprehension. This paper thus invites sociology to extend its imaginative horizon to rethink the crucial and enduring social institution of war as a broad array of fundamentally embodied experiences, practices and regimes.
Mainstreaming Domestic and Gender-Based Violence into Sociology and the Criminology of Violence
Authors: Walby Sylvia , Towers Jude , Francis Brian
Published: December 2014

Sociological and criminological views of domestic and gender-based violence generally either dismiss it as not worthy of consideration, or focus on specific groups of offenders and victims (male youth gangs, partner violence victims). In this paper, we take a holistic approach to violence, extending the definition from that commonly in use to encompass domestic violence and sexual violence. We operationalize that definition by using data from the latest sweep of the Crime Survey for England and Wales. By so doing, we identify that violence is currently under-measured and ubiquitous; that it is gendered, and that other forms of violence (family violence, acquaintance violence against women) are equally of concern. We argue that violence studies are an important form of activity for sociologists.
A European Culture War in the Twentieth Century? Anti‐Catholicism and Anti‐Bolshevism between Moscow, Berlin, and the Vatican 1922 to 1933
Authors: Weir Todd H.
Published: December 2014

The term “culture war” has become a generic expression for secular–Catholic conflicts across nineteenth‐century Europe. Yet, if measured by acts of violence, anticlericalism peaked in the years between 1927 and 1939, when thousands of Catholic priests and believers were imprisoned or executed and hundreds of churches razed in Mexico, Spain, and Russia. This article argues that not only in these three countries, but indeed across Europe a culture war raged in the interwar period. It takes, as a case study, the interaction of communist and Catholic actors located in the Vatican, the Soviet Union, and Germany in the period between the beginning of the Pontificate of Pius XI in 1922 and Hitler's appointment as chancellor of Germany in 1933. As revealed in Vatican and Comintern correspondence, Papal officials and communist leaders each sought to mobilise the German populace to achieve their own diplomatic ends. German Catholics and communists gladly responded to the call to arms that sounded from Rome and Moscow in 1930, but they did so also to further their own domestic goals. The case study shows how national contexts inflected the transnational dynamics of radical anti‐Catholicism in interwar Europe. In the end, agitation against “godlessness” did not lead to the return of a “Christian State” desired by many conservative Christians. Instead, the culture war further destabilised the republic and added a religious dimension to a landscape well suited to National Socialist efforts to reach a Christian population otherwise mistrustful of its völkisch and anticlerical elements.
Production Risks and Food Security under Alternative Technology Choices in Malawi: Application of a Multinomial Endogenous Switching Regression
Authors: Kassie Menale , Teklewold Hailemariam , Marenya Paswel , Jaleta Moti , Erenstein Olaf
Published: December 2014

Employing nationally representative data, we investigate the impact of Sustainable Intensification Practices (SIPs) on farm households’ food security, downside risk and the cost of risk in Malawi. The analysis relies on a flexible moment‐based specification of a stochastic production function in a multinomial endogenous switching regression framework to correct for the selection bias stemming both from observed and unobserved heterogeneity. A quantile moment approach is used to estimate the cost of risk. After controlling for the effects of unobserved heterogeneity and several observable variables on maize production and downside risk functions, estimation results show that the adoption ofSIPs increases food security and reduces downside risk exposure and the cost of risk. We estimate greater food security and larger reduction in downside risk from simultaneous adoption of both crop diversification (maize–legume intercropping and rotations) and minimum tillage, suggesting that there are complementary benefits from these practices. We find most of the cost of risk comes from exposure to downside risk. Our findings imply that in dealing with production risks development agents should encourage the adoption of agronomic and resource‐management practices along with other risk mitigation and food security improving strategies.
Liver cancer in Malaysia: Epidemiology and clinical presentation in a multiracial Asian population
Authors: Goh Khean‐Lee , Razlan Hamizah , Hartono Juanda Leo , Qua Choon‐Seng , Yoong Boon‐Koon , Koh Peng‐Soon , Abdullah Basri Johan Jeet
Published: December 2014

Objective

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an important cancer in Malaysia. This study aimed to determine the epidemiological characteristics and clinical presentations of patients in a multiracial population consisting of three major Asian races: Malays, Chinese and Indians.

Methods

Consecutive patients with HCC were prospectively studied from 2006 to 2009. HCC was diagnosed principally on multiphasic computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans of the liver. The tumor was staged according to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) classification.

Results

Altogether, 348 patients were diagnosed with HCC. There were 239 (68.7%) Chinese patients, 71 (20.4%) Malays and 38 (10.9%) Indians, with the median age of 62.5 years and the male to female ratio of 3.4:1. The predominant etiology in Malay and Chinese patients was hepatitis B virus infection (>60%) and in Indian patients was alcohol intake (26.3%) and cryptogenic cause (29.0%). Hepatitis C was seen in 18.3% of Malays, but less than 10% in Chinese and Indians. BCLC staging was: Stage A, 120 (34.5%); Stage B, 75 (21.6%); Stage C, 84 (24.1%); and Stage D, 69 (19.8%). A larger proportion of Indian than Chinese and Malays patients (44.7%) presented with stage D disease. Portal vein invasion was noted in 124 patients (35.6%) and extrahepatic metastases in 68 (19.5%). Surgical resection and radiofrequency ablation with curative intent was carried out in >90% of stage A patients and transarterial chemoembolization in 49.3% and 21.4% of stages B and C patients, respectively.

Conclusions

HCC is most common among Chinese, followed by Malays and Indians in Malaysia. The etiology of HCC shows a peculiar racial pattern.
Alcohol‐Induced Changes in Opioid Peptide Levels in Adolescent Rats Are Dependent on Housing Conditions
Authors: Palm Sara , Nylander Ingrid
Published: December 2014

Background

Endogenous opioids are implicated in the mechanism of action of alcohol and alcohol affects opioids in a number of brain areas, although little is known about alcohol's effects on opioids in the adolescent brain. One concern, in particular when studying young animals, is that alcohol intake models often are based on single housing that may result in alcohol effects confounded by the lack of social interactions. The aim of this study was to investigate short‐ and long‐term alcohol effects on opioids and the influence of housing conditions on these effects.

Methods

In the first part, opioid peptide levels were measured after one 24‐hour session of single housing and 2‐hour voluntary alcohol intake in adolescent and adult rats. In the second part, a model with a cage divider inserted during 2‐hour drinking sessions was tested and the effects on opioids were examined after 6 weeks of adolescent voluntary intake in single‐and pair‐housed rats, respectively.

Results

The effects of single housing were age specific and affected Met‐enkephalin‐Arg6Phe7 (MEAP) in particular. In adolescent rats, it was difficult to distinguish between effects induced by alcohol and single housing, whereas alcohol‐specific effects were seen in dynorphin B (DYNB), beta‐endorphin (BEND), and MEAP levels in adults. Voluntary drinking affected several brain areas and the majority of alcohol‐induced effects were not dependent on housing. However, alcohol effects on DYNB and BEND in the amygdala were dependent on housing. Housing alone affected MEAP in the cingulate cortex.

Conclusions

Age‐specific housing‐ and alcohol‐induced effects on opioids were found. In addition, prolonged voluntary alcohol intake under different housing conditions produced several alcohol‐induced effects independent of housing. However, housing‐dependent effects were found in areas implicated in stress, emotionality, and alcohol use disorder. Housing condition and age may therefore affect the reasons and underlying mechanisms for drinking and could potentially affect the outcome of a number of end points in research on alcohol intake.
Comparison of whole‐genome (13X) and capture (87X) resequencing methods for SNP and genotype callings
Authors: Roux P. F. , Marthey S. , Djari A. , Moroldo M. , Esquerré D. , Estellé J. , Klopp C. , Lagarrigue S. , Demeure O.
Published: December 2014

The number of polymorphisms identified with next‐generation sequencing approaches depends directly on the sequencing depth and therefore on the experimental cost. Although higher levels of depth ensure more sensitive and more specific SNP calls, economic constraints limit the increase of depth for whole‐genome resequencing (WGS). For this reason, capture resequencing is used for studies focusing on only some specific regions of the genome. However, several biases in capture resequencing are known to have a negative impact on the sensitivity of SNP detection. Within this framework, the aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of WGS and capture resequencing on SNP detection and genotype calling, which differ in terms of both sequencing depth and biases. Indeed, we have evaluated the SNP calling and genotyping accuracy in a WGS dataset (13X) and in a capture resequencing dataset (87X) performed on 11 individuals. The percentage of SNPs not identified due to a sevenfold sequencing depth decrease was estimated at 7.8% using a down‐sampling procedure on the capture sequencing dataset. A comparison of the 87X capture sequencing dataset with the WGS dataset revealed that capture‐related biases were leading with the loss of 5.2% of SNPs detected with WGS. Nevertheless, when considering the SNPs detected by both approaches, capture sequencing appears to achieve far better SNP genotyping, with about 4.4% of the WGS genotypes that can be considered as erroneous and even 10% focusing on heterozygous genotypes. In conclusion, WGS and capture deep sequencing can be considered equivalent strategies for SNP detection, as the rate of SNPs not identified because of a low sequencing depth in the former is quite similar to SNPs missed because of method biases of the latter. On the other hand, capture deep sequencing clearly appears more adapted for studies requiring great accuracy in genotyping.
Income, Democracy, and Leader Turnover
Authors: Treisman Daniel
Published: December 2014

While some believe that economic development prompts democratization, others contend that both result from distant historical causes. Using the most comprehensive estimates of national income available, I show that development is associated with more democratic government—but mostly in the medium run (10 to 20 years). This is because higher income tends to induce breakthroughs to more democratic politics only after an incumbent dictator leaves office. And in the short run, faster economic growth increases the ruler's survival odds. Leader turnover appears to matter because of selection: In authoritarian states, reformist leaders tend to either democratize or lose power relatively quickly, so long‐serving leaders are rarely reformers. Autocrats also become less activist after their first year in office. This logic helps explain why dictators, concerned only to prolong their rule, often inadvertently prepare their countries for jumps to democracy after they leave the scene.
Pepsin and bile acids in saliva in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux – a prospective comparative study
Authors: Sereg‐Bahar M. , Jerin A. , Jansa R. , Stabuc B. , Hocevar‐Boltezar I.
Published: December 2014

Objectives

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and biliary duodenogastric reflux can cause damage to the laryngeal mucosa and voice disorders. The aim of this study was to find out whether levels of pepsin and bile acids in the saliva can serve as diagnostic markers of LPR.

Setting

A prospective comparative study.

Participants

Twenty‐eight patients with LPR proven via high‐resolution manometry and combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and 24‐h pH monitoring and 48 healthy controls without symptoms of LPR were included in the study.

Main outcome measures

In the patients with LPR symptoms, oesophagogastroscopy with oesophageal biopsy was performed. The levels of total pepsin, active pepsin, bile acids and the pH of the saliva were determined in all participants and compared between the groups. Reflux symptom index (RSI) and reflux finding score (RFS) were also obtained and compared. The groups differed significantly in RSI (P = 0.00), RFS (P = 0.00), the levels of bile acids (P = 0.005) and total pepsin in saliva (P = 0.023). The levels of total pepsin and bile acids were about three times higher in the patients with LPR than in the healthy controls. There was a significant correlation between the RSI and RFS score and the level of total pepsin and bile acids in the saliva. Histopathological examination of the oesophageal biopsy taken 5 cm above the lower oesophageal sphincter confirmed reflux in almost 93% of patients with symptoms.

Conclusions

The study results show that the levels of total pepsin and bile acids in saliva are significantly higher in patients with LPR than in the controls, thus suggesting this as a useful tool in the diagnosis of LPR and particularly biliary LPR.