bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intralesional bevacizumab in patients with Human immunodeficiency virus–associated Kaposi's sarcoma in the upper airway
Authors: Ablanedo‐Terrazas Yuria , Alvarado‐de la Barrera Claudia , Ormsby Christopher E. , Ruiz‐Cruz Matilde , Reyes‐Terán Gustavo
Published: October 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intralesional bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor, in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐associated Kaposi's sarcoma of the upper airway receiving antiretroviral therapy.

Study Design

A pilot randomized, open, phase II study.

Methods

HIV‐infected patients with Kaposi's sarcoma lesions of the upper airway in the T0 stage were randomized to receive antiretroviral therapy alone or antiretroviral therapy with intralesional bevacizumab. The primary end point was the assessment of changes in tumor size according to the Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST); the secondary end point was safety.

Results

Of the 14 patients with Kaposi's sarcoma included in the study, seven were assigned to the bevacizumab group and seven to the control group. The median age was 30.5 years (interquartile range [IQR], 24.7–38.2). Four patients (28.5%) had >150 CD4 T cells/mm3. Nine patients had lesions in the oral cavity; three patients had pharyngeal disease; one patient had laryngeal involvement; and one patient had oral cavity, pharyngeal, and laryngeal involvement. Four patients had complete response (28.5%), two had partial response, six had stable disease, and two had progressive disease. The median time to complete response was 13 weeks (IQR, 7.5–36.5). No statistical differences between groups were observed (P = .124). In the bevacizumab group, one patient had a grade I adverse event, and another patient had a grade II adverse event.

Conclusions

Intralesional administration of bevacizumab was well tolerated but had no impact on upper respiratory tract Kaposi's sarcoma lesions of HIV‐infected patients.

Level of Evidence

1b Laryngoscope, 125:E132–E137, 2015
Bayesian Design of Experiments Applied to a Complex Polymerization System: Nitrile Butadiene Rubber Production in a Train of CSTRs
Authors: Scott Alison J. , Nabifar Afsaneh , Madhuranthakam Chandra Mouli R. , Penlidis Alexander
Published: October 2014

Bayesian design of experiments can be very useful for complex polymerizations and other chemical engineering processes. The technique has many practical benefits; it incorporates prior information, allows for adjustment of design levels, increases the information content, and optimizes experimental resources. In this work, Bayesian design is applied to the simulated emulsion copolymerization of NBR in a series of CSTRs. Statistical comparisons show that the Bayesian design is as good as (or better than) standard design techniques. This makes the Bayesian design superior overall, as it provides the extra flexibility of designing sequences of fewer trials and an increased information content.
Numerical analysis for the mixed Navier–Stokes and Darcy Problem with the Beavers–Joseph interface condition
Authors: Zuo Liyun , Hou Yanren
Published: October 2014

In this article, we consider the coupled Navier–Stokes and Darcy problem with the Beavers–Joseph interface condition. With suitable restrictions of physical parameters α and ν, we prove the existence and local uniqueness of a weak solution. Then we propose a coupled finite element scheme and a decoupled and linearized scheme based on two‐grid finite element. Under suitable further restrictions, their optimal error estimates are obtained. Finally numerical experiments indicate the validity of the theoretical results as well as the efficiency and effectiveness of the decoupled and linearized two‐grid algorithm. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 31: 1009–1030, 2015
Acoustic emission characterization of damage in short hemp‐fiber‐reinforced polypropylene composites
Authors: Assarar Mustapha , Scida Daniel , Zouari Wajdi , Saidane El Hadi , Ayad Rezak
Published: October 2014

This article aims at investigating the effects of hygrothermal aging on the damage mechanisms of short white Hemp Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene (HFRP) composites with various fiber contents (10, 20, 30, and 40 wt%). Injected molded specimens were subjected to hygrothermal aging with a relative humidity of 80% and two temperatures, 25 and 50°C. The water absorption and its effect on tensile properties of HFRP composites were investigated. The Acoustic Emission (AE) technique combined with scanning electron microscopy observations was used to identify microstructural damage events leading to overall failure of the HFRP composites. This identification according to hemp‐fiber content and hygrothermal aging was made with an unsupervised method based on a statistical multi‐variable analysis (k‐means algorithm). The AE results indicate that the quality of fiber‐matrix interface plays a major role in the damage process of HFRP composites, shown by the number of AE signals induced by the interface failure and their amplitude ranges. POLYM. COMPOS. 37:1101–1112, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Proteomic analysis and genome annotation of Pichia pastoris, a recombinant protein expression host
Authors: Renuse Santosh , Madugundu Anil K. , Kumar Praveen , Nair Bipin G. , Gowda Harsha , Prasad T. S. Keshava , Pandey Akhilesh
Published: October 2014

Pichia pastoris is a widely used eukaryotic host for production of recombinant proteins. We performed a proteogenomic analysis using high resolution Fourier transform MS to characterize the proteome of the GS115 strain. Our analysis resulted in identification of 46 889 unique peptides mapping to 3914 unique protein groups, which corresponds to ∼80% of the predicted genes. In addition, our proteogenomic analysis led to the discovery of 64 novel genes and correction of 11 predicted gene models. The strategy used here demonstrates the utility of high resolution MS‐derived peptide sequence data to cover near complete proteomes of organisms. Given the popularity of P. pastoris as a protein expression host, this proteome map should provide a list of contaminants derived from the host to assist in optimization of heterologous protein production. All MS data have been deposited in the ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD000627 (http://proteomecentral.proteomexchange.org/dataset/PXD000627).
Effect of preterm birth on exercise capacity: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Edwards Martin O. , Kotecha Sarah J. , Lowe John , Watkins W. John , Henderson A. John , Kotecha Sailesh
Published: October 2014

Background

Survivors of preterm‐birth have increased prevalence of respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases in later life however, the overall impact of prematurity on cardiorespiratory exercise capacity is unclear.

Objective

We, therefore, systematically reviewed the literature on cardiorespiratory exercise capacity in survivors of preterm birth.

Methodology

Relevant studies up to March 2013 were searched using eight electronic health databases. Studies reporting exercise capacity in participants born preterm (<37 weeks) were included. The main outcome of interest was oxygen uptake () at maximal exercise. Data were categorized into four groups: (i) preterm‐born subjects including those with or without bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) but excluding study groups biased towards BPD; (ii) preterm‐born subjects (BPD excluded); (iii) preterm‐born subjects who had BPD28 (defined as oxygen dependency at 28 days of life) in infancy; (iv) preterm born subjects with BPD36 (oxygen dependency at 36 weeks post menstrual age) in infancy.

Results

From 9,341 abstracts, 22 included publications reported in ml/kg/min from 685 preterm and 680 term‐born subjects. Overall 20 studies reported results for preterm‐born subjects including BPD; 14 studies for the preterm group excluding BPD; 10 studies for the BPD28 group; and 8 studies for BPD36 group. The mean differences (95% CI) for the four groups were −2.20 (−3.70, −0.70) ml/kg/min; −2.26 (−4.44, −0.07 ml/kg/min; −3.04 (−5.48, −0.61) ml/kg/min, and −3.05 (−5.93, −0.18) ml/kg/min, respectively.

Conclusion

Despite marked deficits in spirometry, preterm‐born children have a marginally decreased , which is unlikely to be of great clinical significance. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:293–301. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Foehn warming distributions in nonlinear and linear flow regimes: a focus on the Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Elvidge Andrew D. , Renfrew Ian A. , King John C. , Orr Andrew , Lachlan‐Cope Tom A.
Published: October 2014

The structure of lee‐side warming during foehn events is investigated as a function of cross‐barrier flow regime linearity. Two contrasting cases of westerly flow over the Antarctic Peninsula (AP) are considered – one highly nonlinear, the other relatively linear. Westerly flow impinging on the AP provides one of the best natural laboratories in the world for the study of foehn, owing to its maritime setting and the Larsen C Ice Shelf (LCIS) providing an expansive, homogeneous and smooth surface on its east side. Numerical simulations with the Met Office Unified Model (at 1.5 km grid size) and aircraft observations are utilized. In case A, relatively weak southwesterly cross‐Peninsula flow and an elevated upwind inversion dictate a highly nonlinear foehn event, with mountain wave breaking observed. The consequent strongly accelerated downslope flow leads to high‐amplitude warming and ice‐shelf melt in the immediate lee of the AP. However this foehn warming diminishes rapidly downwind due to upward ascent of the foehn flow via a hydraulic jump. In case C, strong northwesterly winds dictate a relatively linear flow regime. There is no hydraulic jump and strong foehn winds are able to flow at low levels across the entire ice shelf, mechanically mixing the near‐surface flow, preventing the development of a strong surface inversion and delivering large fluxes of sensible heat to the ice shelf. Consequently, in case C ice‐melt rates are considerably greater over the LCIS as a whole than in case A. Our results imply that although nonlinear foehn events cause intense warming in the immediate lee of mountains, linear foehn events will commonly cause more extensive lee‐side warming and, over an ice surface, higher melt rates. This has major implications for the AP, where recent east‐coast warming has led to the collapse of two ice shelves immediately north of the LCIS.
Investigation of a recent extreme high‐temperature event in the Tokyo metropolitan area using numerical simulations: the potential role of a ‘hybrid’ foehn wind
Authors: Takane Yuya , Kusaka Hiroyuki , Kondo Hiroaki
Published: October 2014

A record‐breaking high temperature of 39.8 °C for June in Japan was observed at 1420 Japan Standard Time on 24 June 2011 60 km northwest of central Tokyo. In this extreme high‐temperature (EHT) event, surface air temperatures above 37.0 °C were recorded in and around Kumagaya, an area just north of the convergence line between westerly winds from the Chubu Mountains and a southwesterly wind from the Pacific Ocean. To determine the mechanism of this EHT event, we applied various analyses using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model and observational data. According to the heat budget analysis obtained from the WRF model, during the morning most of the sensible heat supply to the mixed layer came from the net heat input, due to surface sensible heat transported by subgrid‐scale turbulent diffusion. However, most of the net heat input came from advective heat transport after noon, when the westerly wind penetrated the EHT area. This westerly wind, according to backward trajectory, Lagrangian energy budget and Eulerian forward tracer analyses, arose from a combination of two kinds of foehn flow (‘hybrid’‐type foehn wind). Specifically, the westerly wind became a foehn wind that was caused by dry‐adiabatic heating and wet‐diabatic heating with water vapour condensation. This ‘hybrid’ foehn wind was an important factor in causing the present EHT event.
Memoryless variable structure control for affine nonlinear systems using only output information
Authors: Yan Xing‐Gang , Spurgeon Sarah K. , Zhu Quanmin , Zhang Qingling
Published: October 2014

In this paper, local stabilisation is considered for a class of affine nonlinear control systems with uncertainties involving time‐varying delay. It is not assumed that either the dimension of the inputs is equal to the dimension of the outputs or that the nominal system is linearisable or partially linearisable. The bounds on both the matched and mismatched uncertainties are nonlinear and time delayed. A static output feedback variable structure control is synthesized to stabilise the system uniformly asymptotically. A control strategy to enforce exponential stability is also derived. The Lyapunov–Razumikhin approach is used to deal with the effect of the time delay, and the bounds on the uncertainties are used in the control design to enhance the robustness. The designed control does not depend on the time delay, and thus, it is not required that the time delay is known. Finally, the obtained results are tested on a simple mechanical system through simulation. The simulation results show that the proposed approach is effective and feasible. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The MENAP region is developing, but can it keep its promise?
Authors: Raben Finn , Snip Eelco
Published: October 2014

IMF projects 4.8% economic growth for 2015, despite regional conflicts
Are you watching?
Authors: Partington Garry
Published: October 2014

Collecting and analysing real‐time mobile passive data is providing a unique and valuable asset to the researcher's toolbox whilst maintaining the balance between insight and privacy.
Analysis of liposome model systems by time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry
Authors: Lovrić Jelena , Keighron Jacqueline D. , Angerer Tina B. , Li Xianchan , Malmberg Per , Fletcher John S. , Ewing Andrew G.
Published: October 2014

Time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) is an important technique for studying chemical composition of micrometer scale objects because of its high spatial resolution imaging capabilities and chemical specificity. In this work, we focus on the application of ToF‐SIMS to gain insight into the chemistry of micrometer size liposomes as a potential model for neurotransmitter vesicles. Two models of giant liposomes were analyzed: histamine and aqueous two‐phase system‐containing liposomes. Characterization of the internal structure of single fixed liposomes was carried out both with the Bi3+ and C60+ ion sources. The depth profiling capability of ToF‐SIMS was used to investigate the liposome interior. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the evolution of Cs droplets in SIMS craters
Authors: Giordani Andrew , Tuggle Jay , Winkler Christopher , Hunter Jerry
Published: October 2014

The evolution of cesium droplets on silicon by Cs ion bombardment has been studied. For this work, a (100) Si substrate was sputtered with a 5 keV Cs+ primary ion beam at 45° until steady state was established. The evolution of Cs droplets was investigated under in situ O2 (oxygen jet) and ex situ atmospheric exposure conditions for controlled times. Additionally, the effect of sample heating on Cs droplets was also studied. The techniques used to characterize the Cs droplets were scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Our results indicate that Cs droplets evolve through a series of different morphologies before reaching their final form, and the rate of evolution depends strongly on environment (O2 or atmosphere) and the length of exposure. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical utility of third‐trimester uterine artery Doppler in the prediction of brain hemodynamic deterioration and adverse perinatal outcome in small‐for‐gestational‐age fetuses
Authors: Cruz‐Martinez R. , Savchev S. , Cruz‐Lemini M. , Mendez A. , Gratacos E. , Figueras F.
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACT

Objective

To assess the clinical value of third‐trimester uterine artery (UtA) Doppler ultrasound in the prediction of hemodynamic deterioration and adverse perinatal outcome in term small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) fetuses.

Methods

UtA Doppler parameters, cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) and fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA) pulsatility index (PI) were evaluated weekly, starting from the time of SGA diagnosis until 24 h before induction of labor, in a cohort of 327 SGA fetuses with normal umbilical artery PI (< 95th centile), delivered at > 37 weeks' gestation. Differences in the sequence of CPR and MCA‐PI changes < 5th centile, between the group with normal UtA Doppler indices at diagnosis and those with abnormal UtA indices, were analyzed by survival analysis. In addition, the use of UtA Doppler value, alone or in combination with a brain Doppler scan before delivery, to predict the risk of Cesarean section, Cesarean section for non‐reassuring fetal status (NRFS), neonatal acidosis and neonatal hospitalization was evaluated by logistic regression analysis, adjusted for gestational age at birth and birth‐weight percentile.

Results

Abnormal UtA Doppler at diagnosis of SGA was associated with a higher risk of developing abnormal brain Doppler indices before induction of labor than in those with a normal UtA at diagnosis (62.7% vs 34.6%, respectively; P < 0.01). Compared to those with normal UtA Doppler indices, those with abnormal UtA Doppler findings were associated with a higher risk of intrapartum Cesarean section (52.2% vs 37.3%, respectively; P = 0.03), Cesarean section for NRFS (35.8% vs 23.1%, respectively; P = 0.03), neonatal acidosis (10.4% vs 7.7%, respectively; P = 0.47) and neonatal hospitalization (23.9% vs 16.5%, respectively; P = 0.16). Logistic regression analysis indicated that UtA Doppler findings were not significantly associated with adverse perinatal outcome independent of brain Doppler findings.

Conclusion

UtA Doppler indices predict adverse perinatal outcome, but do not help to improve the predictive value of brain Doppler indices. However, at the time of SGA diagnosis they identify the subgroup of fetuses at highest risk of progression to abnormal brain Doppler findings. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
An overview of pre‐ribosomal RNA processing in eukaryotes
Authors: Henras Anthony K. , Plisson‐Chastang Célia , O'Donohue Marie‐Françoise , Chakraborty Anirban , Gleizes Pierre‐Emmanuel
Published: October 2014

Ribosomal RNAs are the most abundant and universal noncoding RNAs in living organisms. In eukaryotes, three of the four ribosomal RNAs forming the 40S and 60S subunits are borne by a long polycistronic pre‐ribosomal RNA. A complex sequence of processing steps is required to gradually release the mature RNAs from this precursor, concomitant with the assembly of the 79 ribosomal proteins. A large set of trans‐acting factors chaperone this process, including small nucleolar ribonucleoparticles. While yeast has been the gold standard for studying the molecular basis of this process, recent technical advances have allowed to further define the mechanisms of ribosome biogenesis in animals and plants. This renewed interest for a long‐lasting question has been fueled by the association of several genetic diseases with mutations in genes encoding both ribosomal proteins and ribosome biogenesis factors, and by the perspective of new anticancer treatments targeting the mechanisms of ribosome synthesis. A consensus scheme of pre‐ribosomal RNA maturation is emerging from studies in various kinds of eukaryotic organisms. However, major differences between mammalian and yeast pre‐ribosomal RNA processing have recently come to light. WIREs RNA 2015, 6:225–242. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1269

This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA–Protein Complexes

RNA Processing > rRNA Processing

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
Theoretical and Experimental Analysis of Structural Phase Transitions for ScF[SeO3] and YF[SeO3]
Authors: Chou Sheng‐Chun , Greiner Stefan , Magdysyuk Oxana V. , Dinnebier Robert E. , Schleid Thomas
Published: October 2014

Phase‐pure ScF[SeO3] and YF[SeO3] were synthesized via solid‐state reactions of the corresponding rare‐earth metal sesquioxides and trifluorides with selenium dioxide in excess of fluxing cesium bromide at 700 °C for 7 d. To avoid the formation of oxosilicates, these reactions took place in corundum crucibles embedded inside of evacuated fused silica ampoules. Upon cooling down below 13 °C, a pseudo‐second‐order phase transition (P21/m → P$\bar{1}$ or P1) for ScF[SeO3] occurs, which is similar to the high‐temperature phase transition of LuF[SeO3]. By heating YF[SeO3] above 319 °C, it undergoes a first‐order phase transition (P21/c → P21/m) without passing the intermediate P$\bar{1}$ modification in contrast to LuF[SeO3]. Both the high‐temperature phase transition of YF[SeO3] and the low‐temperature phase transition of ScF[SeO3] were characterized by in‐situ X‐ray powder diffraction, X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction, thermal analysis DSC, and distortion‐mode analysis. For both cases the driving forces for the symmetry‐breaking phase transitions from the high‐ to the low‐temperature phases are discussed.
A Comparison of Video Laryngoscopy to Direct Laryngoscopy for the Emergency Intubation of Trauma Patients
Authors: Michailidou Maria , O’Keeffe Terence , Mosier Jarrod M. , Friese Randall S. , Joseph Bellal , Rhee Peter , Sakles John C.
Published: October 2014

Background

Direct laryngoscopy (DL) has long been the gold standard for tracheal intubation in emergency and trauma patients. Video laryngoscopy (VL) is increasingly used in many settings and the purpose of this study was to compare its effectiveness to direct laryngoscopy in trauma patients. Our hypothesis was that the success rate of VL would be higher than that of DL.

Methods

Data were collected prospectively on all trauma patients, from January 2008 to June 2011, who were intubated emergently in an academic level I trauma center. After intubation, the physician that performed the intubation completed a structured data collection form that included demographics, complications, and the presence of difficult airway predictors. Our primary outcome measure was overall successful tracheal intubation, which was defined as successful intubation with the first device used.

Results

During the study period, 709 trauma patients were intubated by either VL or DL. VL was performed in 55 % of cases. The overall success rate of VL was 88 % compared to 83 % with DL (P = 0.05). Cervical (C‐Spine) immobilization was predictive of higher initial success with VL (87 %) than with DL (80 %) (P < 0.05). In multivariate regression analysis DL was associated with higher risk of intubation failure compared to VL (OR 1.82, CI: 1.15–2.86).

Conclusions

In trauma patients intubated emergently, VL had a significantly higher success rate than DL. These data suggest that, in select circumstances, VL is superior to DL for the intubation of trauma patients with difficult airways.
Uniqueness of gradient Gibbs measures with disorder
Authors: Cotar Codina , Külske Christof
Published: October 2014

We consider—in a uniformly strictly convex potential regime—two versions of random gradient models with disorder. In model (A) the interface feels a bulk term of random fields while in model (B) the disorder enters through the potential acting on the gradients. We assume a general distribution on the disorder with uniformly-bounded finite second moments. It is well known that for gradient models without disorder there are no Gibbs measures in infinite volume in dimension $$d = 2$$

d
=
2

, while there are shift-invariant gradient Gibbs measures describing an infinite-volume distribution for the gradients of the field, as was shown by Funaki and Spohn (Commun Math Phys 185:1–36, 1997). Van Enter and Külske proved in (Ann Appl Probab 18(1):109–119, 2008) that adding a disorder term as in model (A) prohibits the existence of such gradient Gibbs measures for general interaction potentials in $$d = 2$$

d
=
2

. In Cotar and Külske (Ann Appl Probab 22(5):1650–1692, 2012) we proved the existence of shift-covariant random gradient Gibbs measures for model (A) when $$d\ge 3$$

d
≥
3

, the disorder is i.i.d and has mean zero, and for model (B) when $$d\ge 1$$

d
≥
1

and the disorder has a stationary distribution. In the present paper, we prove existence and uniqueness of shift-covariant random gradient Gibbs measures with a given expected tilt$$u\in {\mathbb R}^{d}$$

u
∈

R

d

and with the corresponding annealed measure being ergodic: for model (A) when $$d\ge 3$$

d
≥
3

and the disordered random fields are i.i.d. and symmetrically-distributed, and for model (B) when $$d\ge 1$$

d
≥
1

and for any stationary disorder-dependence structure. We also compute for both models for any gradient Gibbs measure constructed as in Cotar and Külske (Ann Appl Probab 22(5):1650–1692, 2012), when the disorder is i.i.d. and its distribution satisfies a Poincaré inequality assumption, the optimal decay of covariances with respect to the averaged-over-the-disorder gradient Gibbs measure.
Tsunami impact on the population development of a critically endangered hummingbird species of a Pacific island
Authors: Hahn Ingo , Vergara Pablo M. , Baumeister Julia , Soto Gerardo E. , Römer Uwe
Published: October 2014

It is a long‐standing question how tsunamis can influence wild populations of animals and plants. Here, we assessed short‐term changes in the population of the critically endangered Juan Fernández Firecrown (Sephanoides fernandensis) by using abundance data recorded 1 year before and 1 year after the 2010 Chilean tsunami. We tested that the abundance of Firecrowns declined in the areas where the tsunami caused the massive loss of Cabbage Trees, an important seasonal nectar source for Firecrowns. The abundance of Juan Fernández Firecrowns decreased after the tsunami, but also was affected by the habitat type, altitude, and the abundance of Cabbage Trees. Firecrowns tended to be more abundant in settlement areas than in native forest whereas the reduction in Firecrown abundance after the tsunami was more intense in settlement areas than in native forest. As expected, this habitat effect was dependent on the massive loss of Cabbage Trees in settlement areas following the tsunami. In spite of the short‐term nature of our data, our results are conclusive in showing that the loss of an important food source causes short‐term changes in the distribution and abundance of Firecrowns, which, in turn, could contribute to population decline.
Genetic Counseling for Indigenous Australians: an Exploratory Study from the Perspective of Genetic Health Professionals
Authors: Kowal Emma , Gallacher Lyndon , Macciocca Ivan , Sahhar Margaret
Published: October 2014

Indigenous populations are thought to have particularly low levels of access to genetic health services, and cultural issues may be a contributing factor. This article presents the findings of the first study of genetic health service provision to Indigenous Australians. This qualitative study aimed to identify elements of culturally‐competent genetic health service provision in Indigenous Australian contexts. Twelve semi‐structured interviews were conducted with genetic counselors and clinical geneticists from around Australia who had delivered services to Indigenous Australians. Participants were asked to describe their experiences and identify any collective cultural needs of Indigenous clients, as well as comment on specific training and resources they had received or used. Interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed with thematic analysis conducted on the data. The findings show that participants were reluctant to generalize the needs of Indigenous peoples. Some participants asserted that Indigenous peoples have needs that differ from the general population, while others felt that there were no collective cultural needs, instead advocating an individualized approach. Being flexible and practical, taking time to build rapport, recognizing different family structures and decision‐making processes, as well as socio‐economic disadvantage were all identified as important factors in participants’ interactions with Indigenous clients. Indigenous support workers and hospital liaison officers were seen as valuable resources for effective service provision. The implications of this study for training and practice are discussed.
MiR‐92a inhibits porcine ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis by targeting Smad7 gene
Authors: Liu Jiying , Yao Wang , Yao Yong , Du Xing , Zhou Jilong , Ma Baiquan , Liu Honglin , Li Qifa , Pan Zengxiang
Published: October 2014

Smad7 has a key role in apoptosis of mammalian ovarian granulosa cells (GCs), as it antagonizes and fine‐tunes transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling. This study demonstrates that miR‐92a regulates GC apoptosis in pig ovaries by targeting Smad7 directly. The expression level of miR‐92a was down‐regulated in atretic porcine follicles, whereas miR‐92a expression led to inhibition of GC apoptosis. The Smad7 gene was identified as a direct target of miR‐92a using a dual‐luciferase reporter assay. Transfection of GCs with miR‐92a mimics decreased Smad7 mRNA and protein levels, whereas expression of an miR‐92a inhibitor in GCs had the opposite effect. In addition, knockdown of Smad7 prevented GC apoptosis in cells that expressed the miR‐92a inhibitor.
Supply network disruption and resilience: A network structural perspective
Authors: Kim Yusoon , Chen Yi‐Su , Linderman Kevin
Published: October 2014

Increasingly, scholars recognize the importance of understandingsupply network disruptions. However, the literature still lacks a clear conceptualization of a network‐level understanding of supply disruptions. Not having a network level understanding of supply disruptions prevents firms from fully mitigating the negative effects of a supply disruption. Graph theory helps to conceptualize a supply network and differentiate between disruptions at the node/arc level vs. network level. The structure of a supply network consists of a collection of nodes (facilities) and the connecting arcs (transportation). From this perspective, small events that disrupt a node or arc in the network can have major consequences for the network. A failure in a node or arc can potentially stop the flow of material across network. This study conceptualizes supply network disruption and resilience by examining the structural relationships among entities in the network. We compare four fundamental supply network structures to help understand supply network disruption and resilience. The analysis shows that node/arc‐level disruptions do not necessarily lead to network‐level disruptions, and demonstrates the importance of differentiating a node/arc disruption vs. a network disruption. The results also indicate that network structure significantly determines the likelihood of disruption. In general, different structural relationships among network entities have different levels of resilience. More specifically, resilience improves when the structural relationships in a network follow thepower‐law. This paper not only offers a new perspective of supply network disruption, but also suggests a useful analytical approach to assessing supply network structures for resilience.
Lagrangian chaos in confined two-dimensional oscillatory convection
Authors: Oteski L. , Duguet Y. , Pastur L. R.
Published: October 2014

The chaotic advection of passive tracers in a two-dimensional confined convection flow is addressed numerically near the onset of the oscillatory regime. We investigate here a differentially heated cavity with aspect ratio 2 and Prandtl number 0.71 for Rayleigh numbers around the first Hopf bifurcation. A scattering approach reveals different zones depending on whether the statistics of return times exhibit exponential or algebraic decay. Melnikov functions are computed and predict the appearance of the main mixing regions via the break-up of the homoclinic and heteroclinic orbits. The non-hyperbolic regions are characterised by a larger number of Kolmogorov–Arnold–Moser (KAM) tori. Based on the numerical extraction of many unstable periodic orbits (UPOs) and their stable/unstable manifolds, we suggest a coarse-graining procedure to estimate numerically the spatial fraction of chaos inside the cavity as a function of the Rayleigh number. Mixing is almost complete before the first transition to quasi-periodicity takes place. The algebraic mixing rate is estimated for tracers released from a localised source near the hot wall.
Coffee and beverages are the major contributors to polyphenol consumption from food and beverages in Japanese middle-aged women
Authors: Fukushima Yoichi , Tashiro Takeshi , Kumagai Akiko , Ohyanagi Hiroyuki , Horiuchi Takumi , Takizawa Kazuhiro , Sugihara Norie , Kishimoto Yoshimi , Taguchi Chie , Tani Mariko , Kondo Kazuo
Published: October 2014

Food and beverages rich in polyphenols have been shown to reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases. The present study estimated polyphenol levels and consumption from food and beverages in Japanese women. Randomly recruited housewives living in the area around Tokyo (n 109; aged 21–56 years; Group 1) recorded all beverages and foods they ingested for 7 d, and the total polyphenol (TP) consumption was estimated based on the TP content of each item measured with a modified Folin–Ciocalteu method. For Group 1, TP was consumed at 841 (sd 403) mg/d (range 113–1759 mg/d), and beverages were a larger source of TP (79 %) than food (21 %). The largest single source of TP was coffee at 47 %, followed by green tea, black tea, chocolate, beer and soya sauce, at 16, 5·7, 3·3, 3·2 and 3·1 %, respectively. In terms of food groups, cereals/noodles, vegetables, fruits, beans and seeds, and seasonings (except for soya sauce) contributed 5·0, 4·0, 1·4, 1·8 and 2·4 %, respectively. Another group of housewives who consumed at least one cup of coffee per d were separately recruited (n 100; Group 2) in the same area. Their consumption of TP was higher at 1187 (sd 371) mg/d (range 440–2435 mg/d) than Group 1 (P < 0·001), and the difference mostly came from the coffee consumption. We conclude that not food but beverages, especially coffee, may be the major contributor to TP consumption in Japanese women.
Impact of cocoa polyphenol extracts on the immune system and microbiota in two strains of young rats
Authors: Massot-Cladera Malen , Abril-Gil Mar , Torres Sandra , Franch Àngels , Castell Margarida , Pérez-Cano Francisco J.
Published: October 2014

A diet containing 10 % cocoa, a rich source of polyphenols and fibre, is able to modify intestinal immune status as well as microbiota composition. The present study was aimed at investigating whether cocoa flavonoid content is uniquely responsible for these modulatory effects of cocoa, and to establish whether these effects depend on the rat strain. To this end, 3-week-old Wistar and Brown Norway rats were fed, for 4 weeks, either a standard diet or the following three isoenergetic diets containing increasing proportions of cocoa flavonoids from different sources: one with 0·2 % polyphenols (from conventional defatted cocoa), and two others with 0·4 and 0·8 % polyphenols (from non-fermented cocoa, very rich in polyphenols). Serum Ig concentrations, faecal IgA levels, microbiota composition and IgA-coating bacterial proportion were evaluated at the beginning and at the end of the study. After the nutritional intervention, the composition of lymphocytes in Peyer's patches and mesenteric lymph nodes was evaluated. In some respects, the Wistar strain was more sensitive to the impact of the cocoa diets than the Brown Norway strain. After 4 weeks of dietary intervention, similar modulatory effects of the diets containing 0·2 and 0·8 % polyphenols on mucosal IgA levels and microbiota composition were found, although the 0·2 % diet, with a higher proportion of theobromine and fibre, had more impact, suggesting that polyphenols are not the only components involved in such effects.
Higher serum carotenoid concentrations associated with a lower prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in middle-aged and elderly Chinese adults
Authors: Liu Jun , Shi Wen-qi , Cao Yi , He Li-ping , Guan Ke , Ling Wen-hua , Chen Yu-ming
Published: October 2014

The association between serum carotenoids and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) remains uncertain, and little is known about this relationship in the Chinese population. The present study examined the association between serum carotenoid concentrations and the MetS in Chinese adults. We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study in which 2148 subjects (1547 women and 601 men) aged 50–75 years were recruited in urban Guangzhou, China. Dietary data and other covariates were collected during face-to-face interviews. Blood pressure, waist circumference, blood lipids, glucose and serum carotenoids (α-, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene and lutein/zeaxanthin) were examined. We found dose–response inverse relationships between individual serum carotenoid concentrations and total carotenoids and the prevalence of the MetS after adjusting for potential confounders (P for trend < 0·001). The OR of the MetS for the highest (v. lowest) quartile were 0·31 (95 % CI 0·20, 0·47) for α-carotene, 0·23 (95 % CI 0·15, 0·36) for β-carotene, 0·44 (95 % CI 0·29, 0·67) for β-cryptoxanthin, 0·39 (95 % CI 0·26, 0·58) for lycopene, 0·28 (95 % CI 0·18, 0·44) for lutein+zeaxanthin and 0·19 (95 % CI 0·12, 0·30) for total carotenoids. Higher concentrations of each individual carotenoid and total carotenoids were significantly associated with a decrease in the number of abnormal MetS components (P for trend < 0·001–0·023). Higher serum carotenoid levels were associated with a lower prevalence of the MetS and fewer abnormal MetS components in middle-aged and elderly Chinese adults.
A Sharp Height Estimate for Compact Hypersurfaces with Constant k-Mean Curvature in Warped Product Spaces
Authors: García-Martínez Sandra C. , Impera Debora , Rigoli Marco
Published: October 2014

In this paper we obtain a sharp height estimate concerning compact hypersurfaces immersed into warped product spaces with some constant higher-order mean curvature and whose boundary is contained in a slice. We apply these results to draw topological conclusions at the end of the paper.
Vertical Shift and Simultaneous Diophantine Approximation on Polynomial Curves
Authors: Adiceam Faustin
Published: October 2014

The Hausdorff dimension of the set of simultaneously τ-well-approximable points lying on a curve defined by a polynomial P(X) + α, where P(X) ∈ ℤ[X] and α ∈ ℝ, is studied when τ is larger than the degree of P(X). This provides the first results related to the computation of the Hausdorff dimension of the set of well-approximable points lying on a curve that is not defined by a polynomial with integer coefficients. The proofs of the results also include the study of problems in Diophantine approximation in the case where the numerators and the denominators of the rational approximations are related by some congruential constraint.
A Quantitative Approach to the Study of Railroads in American Economic Growth: A Report of Some Preliminary Findings
Authors: Fogel Robert William
Published: October 2014

Leland Jenks's article describing the pervasive impact of the railroad on the American economy first as an idea, then as a construction enterprise, and finally as a purveyor of cheap transportation, has become a classic of economic history. The particular contribution of the Jenks article was not the novelty of its viewpoint, but the neat way in which it summarized the conclusions both of those who lived during the “railroad revolution” and those who later analyzed it through the lens of elapsed time. Out of this summary the railroad emerges as the most important innovation of the last two thirds of the nineteenth century. It appears as thesine qua nonof American economic growth, the prime force behind the westward movement of agriculture, the rise of the corporation, the rapid growth of modern manufacturing industry, the regional location of industry, the pattern of urbanization, and die structure of interregional trade.
Higher harmonic generation by self-focused q-Gaussian laser beam in preformed collisionless plasma channel
Authors: Singh Arvinder , Gupta Naveen
Published: October 2014

This paper presents an investigation of self-focusing of a q-Gaussian laser beam and its effect on harmonic generation in a preformed collisionless parabolic plasma channel. In the presence of a q-Gaussian laser beam, the carriers get redistributed from high field region to low field region on account of ponderomotive force as a result of which a transverse density gradient is produced in the channel which in turn generates plasma wave at pump frequency. Generated plasma wave interacts with the incident laser beam and generate higher harmonics of the incident laser beam. Moment theory has been used to derive differential equation for the spot size of laser beam propagating through the channel. The differential equation so obtained has been solved numerically. The effect of the intensity of laser beam, deviation of intensity distribution of laser beam along its wave front from Gaussian distribution, plasma density and depth of channel on beam width of laser beam and harmonic yield has been investigated. The effect of order of higher harmonic on harmonic yield has been also investigated.
TESTING FOR STRUCTURAL CHANGE IN TIME-VARYING NONPARAMETRIC REGRESSION MODELS
Authors: Vogt Michael
Published: October 2014

In this paper, we consider a nonparametric model with a time-varying regression function and locally stationary regressors. We are interested in the question whether the regression function has the same shape over a given time span. To tackle this testing problem, we propose a kernel-based L2-test statistic. We derive the asymptotic distribution of the statistic both under the null and under fixed and local alternatives. To improve the small sample behavior of the test, we set up a wild bootstrap procedure and derive the asymptotic properties thereof. The theoretical analysis of the paper is complemented by a simulation study and a real data example.
PRICING KERNEL ESTIMATION: A LOCAL ESTIMATING EQUATION APPROACH
Authors: Cai Zongwu , Ren Yu , Sun Linman
Published: October 2014

This paper investigates a general semiparametric stochastic discount factor formulation that avoids functional form misspecification. A new semiparametric estimation procedure is proposed which combines orthogonality conditions and local linear fitting to give a semiparametric generalized estimating equation approach. Asymptotic properties of the estimators are established and we explore the empirical usefulness of the proposed approach to value-weighted stock returns.
A SIMPLE OMNIBUS OVERIDENTIFICATION SPECIFICATION TEST FOR TIME SERIES ECONOMETRIC MODELS
Authors: Domínguez Manuel A. , Lobato Ignacio N.
Published: October 2014

Despite their theoretical advantages, Integrated Conditional Moment (ICM) specification tests are not commonly employed in the econometrics practice. An important reason is that the employed test statistics are nonpivotal, and so critical values are not readily available. This article proposes an omnibus test in the spirit of the ICM tests of Bierens and Ploberger (1997, Econometrica 65, 1129–1151) where the test statistic is based on the minimized value of a quadratic function of the residuals of time series econometric models. The proposed test falls under the category of overidentification restriction tests started by Sargan (1958, Econometrica 26, 393–415). The corresponding projection interpretation leads us to propose a straightforward wild bootstrap procedure that requires only linear regressions to estimate the critical values irrespective of the model functional form. Hence, contrary to other existing ICM tests, the critical values are easily calculated while the test preserves the admissibility property of ICM tests.
Structural basis for functional diversity of animal toxins
Authors: Ménez André , Bontems François , Roumestand Christian , Gilquin Bernard , Toma Flavio
Published: October 2014

Synopsis:

The diversity of biological functions that are exerted by toxins from snake and scorpion venoms is associated with a limited number of structural frameworks. At present, one predominant basic fold has been observed among scorpion toxins whereas six folds have been found among snake toxins. Most toxin folds have the capacity to accept multiple insertions, deletions and mutations and to exert various recognition functions. We suggest that such folds may serve as guides to engineer new protein functions.
Modelling canine leishmaniasis spread to non-endemic areas of Europe
Authors: ESPEJO L. A. , COSTARD S. , ZAGMUTT F. J.
Published: October 2014

Expansion of sandflies and increasing pet travel have raised concerns about canine leishmaniasis (CanL) spread to new areas of Europe. This study aimed to estimate the probability of CanL introduction and persistence following movements of infected dogs. Stochastic modelling was used to estimate the probabilities of (1) CanL infection during travels or imports of infected dogs (PinfandPinfCA, respectively), (2) CanL persistence in a dog network with sandflies after introduction of an infected dog (Pper), and (3) persistence in a CanL-free region (Pper region) forNdogs moving between endemic and free regions. Different mitigation measures (MMs) were assessed.Pinf[7·8%, 95% predictive interval (PI) 2·6–16·4] andPper(72·0%, 95% PI 67·8–76·0) were reduced by use of repellent, vaccine, prophylactic medication, and insecticide, in decreasing order of effectiveness. Testing and exclusion of positive dogs was most effective in reducingPper regionfor a smallN. The spread of CanL to CanL-free areas with sandflies is thus likely, but can be reduced by MMs.
Flow-dependent regulation of genome-wide mRNA and microRNA expression in endothelial cells in vivo
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Kim Chan Woo , Son Dong Ju , Ni Chih Wen , Jo Hanjoong
Published: October 2014

Atherosclerosis preferentially occurs in arterial regions exposed to disturbed blood flow (d-flow), in part, due to alterations in gene expression in the endothelium. While numerous in vitro studies have shown how anti-atherogenic flow and pro-atherogenic flow differently regulate gene expression of cultured endothelial cells, similar in vivo studies have been scarce. Recently, we developed a mouse model of atherosclerosis that rapidly develops robust atherosclerosis by partially ligating the left carotid artery (LCA) branches, while using the contralateral right carotid (RCA) as control. We also developed a novel method to collect endothelial-enriched RNAs from the carotids of these animals, which enabled us to perform genome-wide expression analyses of mRNAs and miRNAs in the arterial endothelium exposed to either d-flow or s-flow. These microarray results were used to identify novel mechanosensitive genes such as DNA methyltransferase-1 and miR-712 that play key roles in atherosclerosis. Here, we report these endothelial mRNA and miRNA expression profiles with in-depth information on experimental procedures along with an example of usage of these data.
Dramatic improvement in genome assembly achieved using doubled-haploid genomes
Authors: Zhang Hong , Tan Engkong , Suzuki Yutaka , Hirose Yusuke , Kinoshita Shigeharu , Okano Hideyuki , Kudoh Jun , Shimizu Atsushi , Saito Kazuyoshi , Watabe Shugo , Asakawa Shuichi
Published: October 2014

Improvement in de novo assembly of large genomes is still to be desired. Here, we improved draft genome sequence quality by employing doubled-haploid individuals. We sequenced wildtype and doubled-haploid Takifugu rubripes genomes, under the same conditions, using the Illumina platform and assembled contigs with SOAPdenovo2. We observed 5.4-fold and 2.6-fold improvement in the sizes of the N50 contig and scaffold of doubled-haploid individuals, respectively, compared to the wildtype, indicating that the use of a doubled-haploid genome aids in accurate genome analysis.