bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Miniaturised printed slot antenna with multi‐ring technique for dual‐band and broadband operations
Authors: Chiang Meng‐Ju , Wang Sen , Hsu Chun‐Chieh
Published: December 2013

Miniaturised microstrip‐line‐fed slot antennas with ring‐shaped metallic strips for dual‐band and broadband operations are investigated and verified in this study. The proposed designs implemented on a 0.8‐mm FR‐4 substrate show that the ring‐shaped metallic strips and the feeding structure yield multiple resonant modes, achieving 66.3% size reduction. The proposed dual‐band design reveals two operating bandwidths (12.4 and 46.5%) at the central frequencies of 2445 and 4813 MHz, respectively. The broadband design indicates the maximum bandwidth of 2511 MHz (69.6%) at 3606 MHz. This large operating bandwidth is obtained by choosing suitable combinations of feeding structure and multi‐ring slot shapes. Simulated and experimental investigations are clearly conducted to understand their behaviours and optimise them for dual‐band and broadband operations.
Realisation of controllable transmission zeros by perturbation technique for designing dual‐mode filter using substrate integrated hexagonal cavity
Authors: Chongder Prasun , Srivastava Kumar Vaibhav , Biswas Animesh
Published: December 2013

Novel designs of dual‐mode substrate integrated hexagonal cavity (SIHC) bandpass filters are proposed in this study. Different filters responses in terms of switching transmission zeros are realised using perturbation technique. With the variation of perturbed length, the change of modal resonant characteristics and field patterns of the degenerate modes are also studied. Two pole and four pole filters with transmission zeros are designed and fabricated. All the theoretical analysis with the help of coupling matrix are verified with experimental results, showing good agreement between them.
Effects of wind generation intermittency and volatility on power system transient stability
Authors: Shi Libao , Sun Shuming , Yao Liangzhong , Ni Yixin , Bazargan Masoud
Published: December 2013

The transient stability analysis incorporating wind power intermittency and volatility is studied in this study. The wind turbines with doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) and direct‐driven permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) are considered, respectively, during analysis. In modelling of DFIG and PMSG, the default GE wind turbine model and the Western Electricity Coordinating Council generic wind turbine model are employed, respectively. Based on the Jensen model, which is applied to describe the wake effect in a wind farm located on flat terrain, an equivalent simplified model of a wind farm is established regarding wind farm layout. On the basis of the built wind farm model, the Monte Carlo simulation technique combined with two evaluation indices, namely angle‐based margin index and critical clearing time (CCT) is applied on the IEEE 10‐generator‐39‐bus test system and a real‐sized China‐Jiangxi power grid as a benchmark to exploit and explore the effects of wind power intermittency and volatility on power system transient stability. The frequency distributions of transient stability evaluation index, CCT, probability of system transient instability and the range of wind speeds causing system transient instability are simulated. In addition, the influence of wake effect on transient stability is discussed as well.
Parametric detector in the situation of mismatched signals
Authors: Liu Weijian , Xie Wenchong , Wang Yongliang
Published: December 2013

This study deals with the problem of adaptive detection in the presence of signal mismatch. An effective parametric detector is proposed, which encompasses Kelly's generalised likelihood ratio test (GLRT), adaptive matched filter (AMF) and adaptive beamformer orthogonal rejection test (ABORT) as its three special cases. The novel detector can control the degree to which the mismatched signals are rejected. A remarkable feature is that the novel detector can achieve slightly higher probability of detection, for matched signals than those of Kelly's GLRT, AMF and ABORT. Furthermore, it can also provide both improved robustness to the mismatched signals and enhanced rejection of the mismatched signals than its natural competitors.
Giant, Completely Calcified Lumbar Juxtafacet Cyst: Report of an Unusual Case
Authors: Huang Kevin T. , Owens Timothy R. , Wang Teresa S. , Moreno Jessica R. , Bagley Jacob H. , Bagley Carlos A.
Published: December 2013

Study Design

Case report.

Objective

To report the case of one patient who developed a giant, completely calcified, juxtafacet cyst.

Methods

A 57-year-old woman presented with a 2-year history of progressively worsening lower back pain, left leg pain, weakness, and paresthesias. Imaging showed a giant, completely calcified mass arising from the left L5–S1 facet joint, with coexisting grade I L5 on S1 anterolisthesis. The patient was treated with laminectomy, excision of the mass, and L5–S1 fixation and fusion.

Results

The patient had an uncomplicated postoperative course and had complete resolution of her symptoms as of 1-year follow-up.

Conclusions

When presented with a solid-appearing, calcified mass arising from the facet joint, a completely calcified juxtafacet cyst should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis.
Predictive mapping of soft-bottom benthic biodiversity using a surrogacy approach
Authors: Huang Zhi , McArthur Matthew , Przeslawski Rachel , Siwabessy Justy , Nichol Scott , Brooke Brendan
Published: December 2013

A key requirement for informed marine-zone management is an understanding of the spatial patterns of marine biodiversity, often measured as species richness, total abundance or presence of key taxa. In the present study, we focussed on the diversity of benthic infauna and applied a predictive modelling approach to map biodiversity patterns for three study sites on the tropical Carnarvon shelf of Western Australia. A random forest decision tree model was used to generate spatial predictions of two measures of infaunal diversity, namely, species richness and total abundance. Results explained between 20% and 37% of the variance of each measure. The modelling process also identified potential physical surrogates for species richness and abundance, with sediment physical properties ranked as most important across the study region. Specifically, coarse-grained heterogeneous sediments were associated with higher infaunal species richness and total abundance. Seabed topographic properties were also important at the local scale. The study demonstrated the value of a surrogacy approach to the prediction of biodiversity patterns, particularly when the number of biological samples was limited. Such an approach may facilitate an understanding of ecosystem processes in the region and contribute to integrated marine management.
Physiological tools to predict invasiveness and spread via estuarine bridges: tolerance of Brazilian native and worldwide introduced freshwater fishes to increased salinity
Authors: Gutierre Silvia Maria Millan , Vitule Jean Ricardo Simões , Freire Carolina Arruda , Prodocimo Viviane
Published: December 2013

Non-native freshwater fishes may spread via estuaries, invading nearby basins. The Brazilian natives Rhamdia quelen and Geophagus brasiliensis, and the worldwide introduced Clarias gariepinus, Ictalurus punctatus, Oreochromis niloticus and Cyprinus carpio were acutely exposed (6 h) to salinities 15 and 30. Hypothetically, the introduced species display greater physiological plasticity than do the natives. Exposure to salinity 30 was lethal after 1.5–3 h to all species except for O. niloticus and G. brasiliensis. Increase in plasma osmolality was inversely related to muscle water content, mainly in salinity 30 for all species. R. quelen and C. gariepinus displayed increased expression of heat-shock protein 70 (HSP70) on salinity increase; differently, I. punctatus, O. niloticus and C. carpio showed high constitutive levels already in freshwater. Species with high constitutive expression of HSP and/or high degree of euryhalinity (cichlids) could potentially use estuaries as bridges, especially through areas of salinity <15.
Allocation into soil organic matter fractions of 14C captured via photosynthesis by two perennial grass pastures
Authors: Roper M. M. , Fillery I. R. P. , Jongepier R. , Sanford P. , Macdonald L. M. , Sanderman J. , Baldock J. A.
Published: December 2013

Perennial grass pastures are being increasingly adopted, but little is known about the flows of carbon (C) from photosynthesis into soil organic matter (SOM) that could be used for calculations in carbon accounting. Repeat-pulse labelling of perennial grass pastures (kikuyu and Rhodes grass) with 14C in the field in Western Australia was used to trace the allocation of C to SOM fractions and to determine the stability of each fraction over an extended period. For kikuyu, >40% of the 14C fed to the plants was allocated belowground within 10 days of labelling, and after 1 year half of this remained. Allocation of 14C belowground under Rhodes grass ranged between 20 and 24% of 14C applied and remained constant for up to 6 months. At least 90% of the 14C belowground was found in the surface 300 mm of soil. The allocation of 14C to the coarse (50 µm–2 mm) and fine (<50 µm) SOM fractions was similar in magnitude for the two grasses and remained stable through time. It was estimated that in 1 year ~1 t C ha–1 was assimilated into the coarse + fine SOM fractions under kikuyu. However, Rhodes grass was not uniformly distributed across the paddock, thereby reducing the estimates of assimilation of C belowground in these systems to one-tenth of that under kikuyu. Data obtained will help validate plant–soil models for assessing rates of C sequestration under perennial pastures.
How useful are MIR predictions of total, particulate, humus, and resistant organic carbon for examining changes in soil carbon stocks in response to different crop management? A case study
Authors: Page K. L. , Dalal R. C. , Dang Y. P.
Published: December 2013

Measures of particulate organic carbon (POC), humus organic carbon (HOC), and resistant organic carbon (ROC) (primarily char) are often used to represent the active, slow, and inert carbon pools used in soil carbon models. However, these fractions are difficult to measure directly, and mid infrared (MIR) spectroscopic techniques are increasingly being investigated to quantify these fractions and total organic carbon (TOC). This study examined the change in MIR-predicted pools of TOC, POC, HOC, and ROC in response to different crop management between two time periods (1981 and 2008) in a long-term wheat cropping trial in Queensland, Australia. The aims were (i) to assess the ability of MIR to detect changes in carbon stocks compared with direct measurements of TOC (LECO-TOC); and (ii) to assess how well the behaviour of POC, HOC, and ROC corresponded with the active, slow, and inert conceptual carbon pools. Significant declines in carbon stocks were observed over time using both LECO-TOC and MIR-predicted stocks of TOC, POC, HOC, and ROC, although MIR-TOC under-estimated loss by 27–30% compared with LECO-TOC. The decline in MIR-POC and MIR-HOC was consistent with the expected behaviour of the active and slow conceptual pools; however, the decline in ROC was not consistent with that of the inert pool. In addition, MIR measurements did not accurately detect differences in the rate of carbon loss under different crop management practices.
Carbon sequestration under subtropical perennial pastures I: Overall trends
Authors: Sanderman Jonathan , Fillery I. R. P. , Jongepier R. , Massalsky A. , Roper M. M. , Macdonald L. M. , Maddern T. , Murphy D. V. , Wilson B. R. , Baldock J. A.
Published: December 2013

The use of subtropical perennial grasses in temperate grazing systems is increasingly being promoted for production and environmental benefits. This study employed a combination of elemental and stable isotope analyses to explore whether pastures sown to either kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) or a combination of panic (Panicum maximum) and Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) could increase soil organic carbon (SOC) levels in five regions across southern Australia. Carbon was sequestered under kikuyu at a rate of 0.90 ± 0.25 Mg C ha–1 year–1 along the south coast of Western Australia. Lower but still significant sequestration rates were found for kikuyu in South Australia (0.26 ± 0.13 Mg C ha–1 year–1). No changes in SOC were found for panic–Rhodes grass pasture systems in the northern district of Western Australia. Additionally, we found no changes in SOC when kikuyu-based pastures were established on formerly cropped paddocks in the Namoi Catchment of New South Wales. Stable isotope results corroborated these findings and suggested that, where SOC has accumulated, the gains have been dominated by SOC derived from the perennial vegetation and have been concentrated in the upper 10 cm of soil.
Air tanker drop patterns
Authors: Legendre Dominique , Becker Ryan , Alméras Elise , Chassagne Amélie
Published: December 2013

Ground patterns of liquid aerial drops for combating wildfires are considered. Based on a significant number of drop tests performed using different airplanes and helicopters, a simple model for the length, the width and the coverage distribution is presented. At first order both the length and the width of the drop pattern can be described using simple relations despite the significant difference between the conditions of the drop tests considered. These relations include factors that can be manipulated during aircraft and release system design, as well as during aerial firefighting operations. The liquid on the ground follows a Gaussian distribution that makes possible an original prediction of the maximum coverage level on the pattern centreline confirmed by the experiments. The difference between gravity systems and recent pressurised systems is also discussed. We show a clear difference between gravity systems and pressurised systems. The width is larger for pressurised systems, resulting in a smaller coverage for the same condition of drop.
Types of feeding studies for nutritional and safety assessment of feeds from GM plants.
Authors: Flachowsky G.
Published: December 2013

This chapter presents and advantages and disadvantages of the different types of laboratory and domestic animal feeding studies for the nutritional and safety assessment of feed from transgenic plants.
A short proof of the localic groupoid representation of Grothendieck toposes
Authors: Townsend Christopher
Published: December 2013

It is known that each Grothendieck topos is the category of

G

\mathbb {G}

-equivariant sheaves for some localic groupoid

G

\mathbb {G}

. A simple proof of this is given which relies on the recently observed fact that the pullback adjunction between locales induced by any geometric morphism satisfies Frobenius reciprocity.
CAPS and Munc13 utilize distinct PIP2-linked mechanisms to promote vesicle exocytosis
Authors: Kabachinski Greg , Yamaga Masaki , Kielar-Grevstad D. Michelle , Bruinsma Stephen , Martin Thomas F. J.
Published: December 2013

Phosphoinositides provide compartment-specific signals for membrane trafficking. Plasma membrane phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) is required for Ca2+-triggered vesicle exocytosis, but whether vesicles fuse into PIP2-rich membrane domains in live cells and whether PIP2 is metabolized during Ca2+-triggered fusion were unknown. Ca2+-dependent activator protein in secretion 1 (CAPS-1; CADPS/UNC31) and ubMunc13-2 (UNC13B) are PIP2-binding proteins required for Ca2+-triggered vesicle exocytosis in neuroendocrine PC12 cells. These proteins are likely effectors for PIP2, but their localization during exocytosis had not been determined. Using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy in live cells, we identify PIP2-rich membrane domains at sites of vesicle fusion. CAPS is found to reside on vesicles but depends on plasma membrane PIP2 for its activity. Munc13 is cytoplasmic, but Ca2+-dependent translocation to PIP2-rich plasma membrane domains is required for its activity. The results reveal that vesicle fusion into PIP2-rich membrane domains is facilitated by sequential PIP2-dependent activation of CAPS and PIP2-dependent recruitment of Munc13. PIP2 hydrolysis only occurs under strong Ca2+ influx conditions sufficient to activate phospholipase Cη2 (PLCη2). Such conditions reduce CAPS activity and enhance Munc13 activity, establishing PLCη2 as a Ca2+-dependent modulator of exocytosis. These studies provide a direct view of the spatial distribution of PIP2 linked to vesicle exocytosis via regulation of lipid-dependent protein effectors CAPS and Munc13.
Uncovering the role of APC-Cdh1 in generating the dynamics of S-phase onset
Authors: Yuan Xi , Srividhya Jeyaraman , De Luca Thomas , Lee Ju-hyong E. , Pomerening Joseph R.
Published: December 2013

Cdh1, a coactivator of the anaphase-promoting complex (APC), is a potential tumor suppressor. Cdh1 ablation promotes precocious S-phase entry, but it was unclear how this affects DNA replication dynamics while contributing to genomic instability and tumorigenesis. We find that Cdh1 depletion causes early S-phase onset in conjunction with increase in Rb/E2F1-mediated cyclin E1 expression, but reduced levels of cyclin E1 protein promote this transition. We hypothesize that this is due to a weakened cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (CKI)–cyclin-dependent kinase 2 positive-feedback loop, normally generated by APC-Cdh1–mediated proteolysis of Skp2. Indeed, Cdh1 depletion increases Skp2 abundance while diminishing levels of the CKI p27. This lowers the level of cyclin E1 needed for S-phase entry and delays cyclin E1 proteolysis during S-phase progression while corresponding to slowed replication fork movement and reduced frequency of termination events. In summary, using both experimental and computational approaches, we show that APC-Cdh1 establishes a stimulus–response relationship that promotes S phase by ensuring that proper levels of p27 accumulate during G1 phase, and defects in its activation accelerate the timing of S-phase onset while prolonging its progression.
Rab11 facilitates cross-talk between autophagy and endosomal pathway through regulation of Hook localization
Authors: Szatmári Zsuzsanna , Kis Viktor , Lippai Mónika , Hegedűs Krisztina , Faragó Tamás , Lőrincz Péter , Tanaka Tsubasa , Juhász Gábor , Sass Miklós
Published: December 2013

During autophagy, double-membrane autophagosomes deliver sequestered cytoplasmic content to late endosomes and lysosomes for degradation. The molecular mechanism of autophagosome maturation is still poorly characterized. The small GTPase Rab11 regulates endosomal traffic and is thought to function at the level of recycling endosomes. We show that loss of Rab11 leads to accumulation of autophagosomes and late endosomes in Drosophila melanogaster. Rab11 translocates from recycling endosomes to autophagosomes in response to autophagy induction and physically interacts with Hook, a negative regulator of endosome maturation. Hook anchors endosomes to microtubules, and we show that Rab11 facilitates the fusion of endosomes and autophagosomes by removing Hook from mature late endosomes and inhibiting its homodimerization. Thus induction of autophagy appears to promote autophagic flux by increased convergence with the endosomal pathway.
Estimating Endangered Species Interaction Risk With the Kalman Filter
Authors: Kvamsdal Sturla Furunes , Stohs Stephen Milton
Published: December 2013

To address the tradeoff between biodiversity conservation in marine ecosystems and fishing opportunity, it is important to quantify the risk of endangered species interactions in commercial fisheries. We propose a Kalman filter suitable for rare events to estimate the endangered leatherback turtle take risk in the California drift gillnet fishery in the years 1990–2010, conditional on spatiotemporal factors that affect take rates. Results suggest interaction risk has remained stable, but with substantial variation over the spatiotemporal distribution of effort. Our methods might also apply to recreation demand analysis with rare event risk, or to applications involving irregularly spaced observations, like trade‐level stock market data.
Virulence Factors and Antibiotic Resistance in Children With Helicobacter pylori Gastritis
Authors: Karabiber Hamza , Selimoglu Mukadder A. , Otlu Baris , Yildirim Ozge , Ozer Ali
Published: December 2013

Objectives:

There are limited data regarding the pattern of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) antibiotic resistance and virulence factors in children. Evaluation of prevalence of drug resistance and virulence‐factor genotype in children with Hp gastritis and to investigate whether there is any relation between drug resistance and genotype were our aims in this study.

Methods:

Ninety‐eight children with polymerase chain reaction–positive Hp gastritis were included. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested by disc diffusion method and polymerase chain reaction assays were used for the determination of virulence factors.

Results:

The resistance rates to clarithromycin, metronidazole, and amoxicillin were 23.5%, 11.7%, and 3.9%, respectively. All strains carried vacA genotype, and 51%, 70.4%, 49%, 34.7%, and 25.5% were cagA‐, cagE‐, babA2‐, iceA1‐, and iceA2‐positive, respectively. Of those 98 specimens, 81.6%, 19.4%, 38.8%, and 63.3% carried vacAs1, vacAs2, vacAm1, and vacAm2, respectively. Dominant vacA type was s1am2 (32.7%), followed by s1am1 (14.3%) and s2m2 (12.2%). Significant rates of clarithromycin resistance were observed in cagE‐, iceA1‐, babA2‐, and vacAs1c‐positive groups. In those with metronidazole resistance, vacAs1 and vacAs1c were more common (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

The cagE‐positive and vacA s1a/m2 genotypes, which are correlated with increased antibiotic resistance, were predominant in our population. In countries where Hp infection is prevalent, studies focusing on virulence factors and antibiotic susceptibility may provide anticipation of the prognosis and may be helpful to reduce morbidity and mortality.
Interleukin 28B rs12979860 Single‐Nucleotide Polymorphism Predicts Spontaneous Clearance of Hepatitis C Virus in Children
Authors: Indolfi Giuseppe , Mangone Giusi , Calvo Pier Luigi , Bartolini Elisa , Regoli Marta , Serranti Daniele , Calitri Carmelina , Tovo Pier‐Angelo , de Martino Maurizio , Azzari Chiara , Resti Massimo
Published: December 2013

Objective:

Recent genome‐wide association studies performed in adults correlated single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs rs12979860 and rs8099917) located on chromosome 19, upstream of the interleukin 28B gene, with spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus and with response to treatment with paginated interferon and ribavirin. The aim of the present collaborative study was to evaluate the rs12979860 SNP in a large cohort of Italian children with perinatal acquisition of hepatitis C.

Methods:

Children were prospectively enrolled in 2 Italian centers. The interleukin 28B rs12979860 SNP was studied according to the diagnosis of chronic infection or spontaneous clearance.

Results:

One hundred thirty children (86.7%) with chronic infection and 23 (13.3%) with spontaneous clearance of the virus were enrolled. Overall, the interleukin 28B C/C and C/T‐T/T genotypes were found in 57 (37.3%) and 96 (62.7%) children, respectively. The proportion of C/C genotype was higher among children who cleared infection (14/23; 60.9%) compared with children with chronic infection (43/130; 33.1%; P = 0.01; odds ratio 3.15; 90% confidence intervals 1.34–7.53).

Conclusions:

The present study showed that, as already demonstrated in adults, children with the rs12979860 C/C SNP of the interleukin 28B gene have a higher probability of spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus.
Polyurethane-based scaffolds for myocardial tissue engineering
Authors: Chiono Valeria , Mozetic Pamela , Boffito Monica , Sartori Susanna , Gioffredi Emilia , Silvestri Antonella , Rainer Alberto , Giannitelli Sara Maria , Trombetta Marcella , Nurzynska Daria , Di Meglio Franca , Castaldo Clotilde , Miraglia Rita , Montagnani Stefania , Ciardelli Gianluca
Published: December 2013

Bi-layered scaffolds with a 0°/90° lay-down pattern were prepared by melt-extrusion additive manufacturing (AM) using a poly(ester urethane) (PU) synthesized from poly(ε-caprolactone) diol, 1,4-butandiisocyanate and
l
-lysine ethyl ester dihydrochloride chain extender. Rheological analysis and differential scanning calorimetry of the starting material showed that compression moulded PU films were in the molten state at a higher temperature than 155°C. The AM processing temperature was set at 155°C after verifying the absence of PU thermal degradation phenomena by isothermal thermogravimetry analysis and rheological characterization performed at 165°C. Scaffolds highly reproduced computer-aided design geometry and showed an elastomeric-like behaviour which is promising for applications in myocardial regeneration. PU scaffolds supported the adhesion and spreading of human cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs), whereas they did not stimulate CPC proliferation after 1–14 days culture time. In the future, scaffold surface functionalization with bioactive peptides/proteins will be performed to specifically guide CPC behaviour.
Mechanical properties and
in vitro
characterization of polyvinyl alcohol-nano-silver hydrogel wound dressings
Authors: Oliveira R. N. , Rouzé R. , Quilty B. , Alves G. G. , Soares G. D. A. , Thiré R. M. S. M. , McGuinness G. B.
Published: December 2013

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels are materials for potential use in burn healing. Silver nanoparticles can be synthesized within PVA hydrogels giving antimicrobial hydrogels. Hydrogels have to be swollen prior to their application, and the common medium available for that in hospitals is saline solution, but the hydrogel could also take up some of the wound's fluid. This work developed gamma-irradiated PVA/nano-Ag hydrogels for potential use in burn dressing applications. Silver nitrate (AgNO
3
) was used as nano-Ag precursor agent. Saline solution, phosphate-buffered solution (PBS) pH 7.4 and solution pH 4.0 were used as swelling media. Microstructural evaluation revealed an effect of the nanoparticles on PVA crystallization. The swelling of the PVA-Ag samples in solution pH 4.0 was low, as was their silver delivery, compared with the equivalent samples swollen in the other media. The highest swelling and silver delivery were related to samples prepared with 0.50% AgNO
3
, and they also presented lower strength in PBS pH 7.4 and solution pH 4.0. Both PVA-Ag samples were also non-toxic and presented antimicrobial activity, confirming that 0.25% AgNO
3
concentration is sufficient to establish an antimicrobial effect. Both PVA-Ag samples presented suitable mechanical and swelling properties in all media, representative of potential burn site conditions.
Protocol and cell responses in three-dimensional conductive collagen gel scaffolds with conductive polymer nanofibres for tissue regeneration
Authors: Sirivisoot Sirinrath , Pareta Rajesh , Harrison Benjamin S.
Published: December 2013

It has been established that nerves and skeletal muscles respond and communicate via electrical signals. In regenerative medicine, there is current emphasis on using conductive nanomaterials to enhance electrical conduction through tissue-engineered scaffolds to increase cell differentiation and tissue regeneration. We investigated the role of chemically synthesized polyaniline (PANI) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) conductive polymer nanofibres for conductive gels. To mimic a naturally derived extracellular matrix for cell growth, type I collagen gels were reconstituted with conductive polymer nanofibres and cells. Cell viability and proliferation of PC-12 cells and human skeletal muscle cells on these three-dimensional conductive collagen gels were evaluated
in vitro
. PANI and PEDOT nanofibres were found to be cytocompatible with both cell types and the best results (i.e. cell growth and gel electrical conductivity) were obtained with a low concentration (0.5 wt%) of PANI. After 7 days of culture in the conductive gels, the densities of both cell types were similar and comparable to collagen positive controls. Moreover, PC-12 cells were found to differentiate in the conductive hydrogels without the addition of nerve growth factor or electrical stimulation better than collagen control. Importantly, electrical conductivity of the three-dimensional gel scaffolds increased by more than 400% compared with control. The increased conductivity and injectability of the cell-laden collagen gels to injury sites in order to create an electrically conductive extracellular matrix makes these biomaterials very conducive for the regeneration of tissues.
Massively differential bias between two widely used Illumina library preparation methods for small RNA sequencing
Authors: Baran-Gale Jeanette , Erdos Michael R. , Sison Christina , Young Alice , Fannin Emily E. , Chines Peter S. , Sethupathy Praveen
Published: December 2013

Recent advances in sequencing technology have helped unveil the unexpected complexity and diversity of small RNAs. A critical step in small RNA library preparation for sequencing is the ligation of adapter sequences to both the 5’ and 3’ ends of small RNAs. Two widely used protocols for small RNA library preparation, Illumina v1.5 and Illumina TruSeq, use different pairs of adapter sequences. In this study, we compare the results of small RNA-sequencing between v1.5 and TruSeq and observe a striking differential bias. Nearly 100 highly expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) are >5-fold differentially detected and 48 miRNAs are >10-fold differentially detected between the two methods of library preparation. In fact, some miRNAs, such as miR-24-3p, are over 30-fold differentially detected. The results are reproducible across different sequencing centers (NIH and UNC) and both major Illumina sequencing platforms, GAIIx and HiSeq. While some level of bias in library preparation is not surprising, the apparent massive differential bias between these two widely used adapter sets is not well appreciated. As increasingly more laboratories transition to the newer TruSeq-based library preparation for small RNAs, researchers should be aware of the extent to which the results may differ from previously published results using v1.5.
Nickel(II) uranium(IV) trisulfide
Authors: Ward Matthew D. , Ibers James A.
Published: December 2013

Crystals of NiUS3 were obtained from the reaction of the elements Ni, U, S, and of GeI2 in a CsCl flux at 1173 K. Nickel(II) uranium(IV) trisulfide, NiUS3, has orthorhombic (Pnma) symmetry and crystallizes in the GdFeO3 structure type. The compound has a perovskite ABQ
3-like structure, with U occupying the interstitial sites of a NiS6 framework. The U atoms are coordinated by eight S atoms in a distorted bicapped trigonal–prismatic arrangement. The Ni atoms are coordinated by six S atoms in a slightly distorted octahedral arrangement. The asymmetric unit comprises one U site (site symmetry .m.), one Ni site (-1), and two S sites (1 and .m.).
4-Nitrobenzoic acid–sulfathiazole (1/1)
Authors: Oruganti Madhavi , Trivedi Darshak R.
Published: December 2013

In the crystal structure of the title compound, C7H5NO4·C9H9N3O2S2, the sulfathiazole and 4-nitrobenzoic acid molecules are held together by short π–π contacts between the thiazole and nitrobenzene rings, with a centroid–centroid distance of 3.8226 (7) Å. The sulfathiazole molecules form dimers via N—H...N hydrogen bonds involving the thiazole and sulfonamide moieties, owing to the fact that sulfathizole exhibits amide–imide tautomerism. The N—H (amine) groups of two sulfathiazole molecules are linked to the two S=O groups of a sulfathiazole via N—H...O hydrogen bonds. Two molecules of coformer are held together by O—H...O hydrogen bonds. These units self-assemble, forming a three-dimensional network stabilized by (acid)C—H...π(sulfathiazole benzene ring) interactions.
The isotypic hydrogen phosphate and arsenate dihydratesM2HXO4·2H2O (M= Rb, Cs;X= P, As)
Authors: Stöger Berthold , Weil Matthias
Published: December 2013

The four isotypic alkaline metal monohydrogen arsenate(V) and phosphate(V) dihydratesM2HXO4·2H2O (M= Rb, Cs;X = P, As) [namely dicaesium monohydrogen arsenate(V) dihydrate, Cs2HAsO4·2H2O, dicaesium monohydrogen phosphate(V) dihydrate, Cs2HPO4·2H2O, dirubidium monohydrogen arsenate(V) dihydrate, Rb2HAsO4·2H2O, and dirubidium monohydrogen phosphate(V) dihydrate, Rb2HPO4·2H2O] were synthesized by reaction of an aqueous H3XO4solution with one equivalent of aqueousM2CO3. Their crystal structures are made up of undulating chains extending along [001] of tetrahedral [XO3(OH)]−anions connectedviastrong O—H...O hydrogen bonds. These chains are in turn connected into a three-dimensional networkviamedium-strength hydrogen bonding involving the water molecules. Two crystallographically differentM+cations are located in channels running along [001] or in the free space of the [XO3(OH)]−chains, respectively. They are coordinated by eight and twelve O atoms forming irregular polyhedra. The structures possess pseudosymmetry. Due to the ordering of the protons in the [XO3(OH)]−chains in the actual structures, the symmetry is reduced fromC2/ctoP21/c. Nevertheless, the deviation fromC2/csymmetry is minute.
Expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α, vascular endothelial growth factor and prolyl hydroxylase domain protein 2 in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and precursor lesions and their relationship with histological stages and clinical features
Authors: An Xiangjie , Xu Guangfen , Yang Liu , Wang Yuejue , Li Yan , Mchepange Uwesu O. , Shen Guanxin , Tu Yating , Tao Juan
Published: December 2013

The hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1α) pathway is associated with tumor growth, angiogenesis and metastasis in various carcinomas. Little is known regarding the role of the HIF‐1α signaling pathway in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). We investigated the expression of HIF‐1α, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the HIF negative regulator, prolyl hydroxylase domain protein 2 (PHD2), in cutaneous SCC, Bowen's disease, seborrheic keratosis (SK) and normal skin by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Additionally, we explored the relationships between these factors and the clinical and histological characteristics of each disease. Our study indicated that the expression of HIF‐1α and VEGF was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in cutaneous SCC than in Bowen's disease, SK or normal skin. In contrast, PHD2 showed significantly higher expression in normal skin compared with SK, Bowen's disease and cutaneous SCC (P < 0.05). Grade II–IV cutaneous SCC had higher expression levels of nuclear HIF‐1α and cytoplasm VEGF protein but less nuclear PHD2 protein than grade Ι cutaneous SCC (P < 0.05). Overexpression of HIF‐1α and VEGF, as well as the decreased expression of PHD2, may play important roles in the development of cutaneous SCC.
Effect of moxifloxacin on survival, lipid peroxidation and inflammation in immunosuppressed rats with soft tissue infection caused by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
Authors: Ioannidis Orestis , Papaziogas Basilios , Tsiaousis Panagiotis , Paraskevas George , Giamarellos‐Bourboulis Evangelos J. , Koutelidakis Ioannis
Published: December 2013

In order to investigate the effect of moxifloxacin on survival, lipid peroxidation and inflammation in immunosuppressed rats with soft tissue infection caused by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, 144 white male Wistar rats were randomized into six groups: Groups A and B received saline or moxifloxacin once per day, respectively; Groups C and D received saline or moxifloxacin twice per day, respectively, and Groups E and F received saline or moxifloxacin three times per day, respectively. Blood samples were taken at 6 and 30 hr after administration of S. maltophilia. Malonodialdehyde (MDA), WBC counts, bacterial tissue overgrowth, serum concentrations of moxifloxacin and survival were assessed. Survival analysis proved that treatment with moxifloxacin every 8 hr was accompanied by longer survival than occurred in any other group. Tissue cultures 30 hr after bacterial challenge showed considerably less bacterial overgrowth in the spleens and lungs of moxifloxacin‐treated than in saline‐treated animals, but not in their livers. At 6 hr there were no statistically significant differences between groups. However, at 30 hr, MDA concentrations were significantly greater (P = 0.044) and WBC counts significantly lower (P = 0.026) in group D than in group C. No statistically significant variations were observed between the other groups. Moxifloxacin possibly stimulates lipid peroxidation and enhances phagocytosis, as indicated by MDA production and survival prolongation, without being toxic, as indicated by WBC count. Therefore, under the appropriate conditions, moxifloxacin has a place in treatment of infections in immunosuppressed patients and of infections caused by S. maltophilia.
Variation of biomass and morphology of the cushion plant Androsace tapete along an elevational gradient in the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: He Yongtao , Kueffer Christoph , Shi Peili , Zhang Xianzhou , Du Mingyuan , Yan Wei , Sun Wei
Published: December 2013

Alpine ecosystems are among those biomes that are most vulnerable to climate change. Cushion plants are an important life form of alpine ecosystems and will likely play a critical role for the resilience of these habitats to climate change. We studied cushion size distribution and different measures of the compactness of cushions (biomass and rosette density, leaf area index) of the cushion plant, Androsace tapete along an elevational gradient from 4500 to 5200 m a.s.l. in the Nyainqentanglha Mountains of the central Tibetan Plateau. Cushion size distribution, total cover, and compactness of cushions varied substantially along the elevational gradient. At the driest site at low elevation we found the lowest total cushion cover, a particularly high proportion of very small cushions, and the most compact cushions (highest rosette and biomass densities, and leaf area index (LAI) per cushion). Our results indicate that in the semi‐arid Tibetan Plateau water availability is the more important climate factor than temperature affecting cushion plant traits and morphology.
Patents, Transaction Costs and Academic Research Project Choice
Authors: Jensen Paul H. , Webster Elizabeth
Published: December 2013

Survey data from over 3,000 academic scientists show that nearly half of these scientists report that their choice of research projects has been affected (to some degree) by the presence of third‐party patents. Our evidence suggests that the operation of this patent‐induced effect is through (i) restrictions patent owners place on the timing of follow‐on publications and (ii) disincentives for open exchange of information between scientists. While the need to translate science into commercial use is potentially a valuable source of productivity growth, this should be balanced against the need for openness and information sharing in the scientific realm.
Characteristics and Performance of Minority‐Serving Dialysis Facilities
Authors: Hall Yoshio N. , Xu Ping , Chertow Glenn M. , Himmelfarb Jonathan
Published: December 2013

Objective

To examine the structure, processes, and outcomes of American dialysis facilities that predominantly treat racial‐ethnic minority patients.

Data Sources/Study Setting

Secondary analysis of data from all patients who initiated dialysis during 2005–2008 in the United States.

Study Design

In this retrospective cohort study, we examined the associations of the racial‐ethnic composition of the dialysis facility with facility‐level survival and achievement of performance targets for anemia and dialysis adequacy.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

We obtained dialysis facility‐ and patient‐level data from the national data registry of patients with end‐stage renal disease. We linked these data with clinical performance measures from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Principal Findings

Overall, minority‐serving facilities were markedly larger, more often community based, and less likely to offer home dialysis than facilities serving predominantly white patients. A significantly higher proportion of minority‐serving dialysis facilities exhibited worse than expected survival as compared with facilities serving predominantly white patients (p < .001 for each). However, clinical performance measures for anemia and dialysis adequacy were similar across minority‐serving status.

Conclusions

While minority‐serving facilities generally met dialysis performance targets mandated by Medicare, they exhibited worse than expected patient survival.
Behcet's disease associated with malignancy: a report of 41 Chinese cases
Authors: Lin Yi , Li Guohua , Zheng Wenjie , Tian Xinping , Zhang Fengchun
Published: December 2013

Objective

To identify the clinical characteristics of Behcet's disease (BD) associated with malignancies.

Method

Among 651 BD patients sequentially hospitalized in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 1995 to 2012, 41 patients developed malignancies. Clinical characteristics were compared between patients with and without malignancies, as well as between patients with hematological and solid malignancies.

Results

The numbers of patients with various types of malignancies were listed as follows: (i) 29 cases developed hematologic malignancies which included myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) as the most common diagnosis in 20 cases, leukemia in seven cases, anaplastic anemia in two cases and lymphoma in one case; (ii) 13 cases developed malignant solid neoplasms which included colorectal cancer in three cases, urothelial carcinoma of bladder in two cases, esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, renal cell carcinoma and metastatic adenocarcinoma of unknown primary in one case each. Female gender, older age and gastrointestinal tract involvement were more frequently observed among patients with malignancy than those without. Older age, longer disease duration were more commonly seen in BD patients with solid neoplasms than in those with hematologic malignancies. Exacerbation of BD manifestations during the emergence of malignancy was more frequently observed among patients with hematologic malignancies than among those with malignant solid neoplasms.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that MDS and colorectal cancer were the most common hematologic malignancy and malignant solid neoplasm associated with BD, respectively. Gastrointestinal involvement is likely to be a risk factor for BD patients to develop malignancy. Further studies will be required to ascertain the pathogenic link between these two entities.
Long‐term manure exposure increases soil bacterial community potential for plasmid uptake
Authors: Musovic Sanin , Klümper Uli , Dechesne Arnaud , Magid Jakob , Smets Barth F.
Published: December 2013

Microbial communities derived from soils subject to different agronomic treatments were challenged with three broad host range plasmids, RP4, pIPO2tet and pRO101, via solid surface filter matings to assess their permissiveness. Approximately 1 in 10 000 soil bacterial cells could receive and maintain the plasmids. The community permissiveness increased up to 100% in communities derived from manured soil. While the plasmid transfer frequency was significantly influenced by both the type of plasmid and the agronomic treatment, the diversity of the transconjugal pools was purely plasmid dependent and was dominated by β‐ and γ‐Proteobacteria.
Efficacy of stimulants for cognitive enhancement in non‐attention deficit hyperactivity disorder youth: a systematic review
Authors: Bagot Kara Simone , Kaminer Yifrah
Published: December 2013

Background and Aims

Increasing prescription stimulant abuse among youth without diagnoses of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is of concern. The most frequently cited motive for abuse is improved academic achievement via neurocognitive enhancement. Our aim in reviewing the literature was to identify neurocognitive effects of prescription stimulants in non‐ADHD youth.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted for youth aged 12–25 years using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Fourteen papers were included.

Results

Modafinil appears to improve reaction time (P ≤ 0.04), logical reasoning (P ≤ 0.05) and problem‐solving. Methylphenidate appears to improve performance in novel tasks and attention‐based tasks (P ≤ 0.05), and reduces planning latency in more complex tasks (P ≤ 0.05). Amphetamine has been shown to improve consolidation of information (0.02 ≥ P ≤ 0.05), leading to improved recall. Across all three types of prescription stimulants, research shows improved attention with lack of consensus on whether these improvements are limited to simple versus complex tasks in varying youth populations.

Conclusions

The heterogeneity of the non‐attention deficit hyperactivity disorder youth population, the variation in cognitive task characteristics and lack of replication of studies makes assessing the potential global neurocognitive benefits of stimulants among non‐attention deficit hyperactivity disorder youth difficult; however, some youth may derive benefit in specific cognitive domains.
Free Trade Agreements and Domestic Politics: The Case of the Trans‐Pacific Partnership Agreement
Authors: Naoi Megumi , Urata Shujiro
Published: December 2013

What is the role of domestic politics in facilitating or constraining a government's decision to participate in free trade agreements (FTAs)? This paper seeks to answer this question by focusing on the domestic politics inJapan over theTrans‐PacificPartnershipAgreement (TPP). In particular, we ask why the opposition to theTPPencompasses a much broader segment of society than is predicted by trade theorems. We show that a broader protectionist coalition can emerge through persuasion and policy campaigns by the elites, in particular, powerful protectionist interests expending resources to persuade the uncertain public.
Toward a consumer economy in China: implications of changing wage policies for U.S. cotton exports
Authors: Macdonald Stephen , Pan Suwen , Hudson Darren , Tuan Francis
Published: December 2013

The effect of a Chinese minimum wage increase on China's textile market as well as on the world cotton market is evaluated. Based on a Nonlinear Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System (NQAIDS) model of China's textile demand, the results suggest that the income elasticity for textiles is around 0.6 in China, and that apparel is less price responsive than home textiles and other textile products. Simulation results suggest that a minimum wage increase would raise Chinese domestic textile consumption and lower Chinese textile exports. Most of the decline in textile exports by China is offset by expansion in other countries’ domestic textile production and results in a slight increase in world cotton mill utilization and higher clothing prices.