bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bovine sperm plasma membrane proteomics through biotinylation and subcellular enrichment
Authors: Kasvandik Sergo , Sillaste Gerly , Velthut‐Meikas Agne , Mikelsaar Aavo‐Valdur , Hallap Triin , Padrik Peeter , Tenson Tanel , Jaakma Ülle , Kõks Sulev , Salumets Andres
Published: January 2015

A significant proportion of mammalian fertilization is mediated through the proteomic composition of the sperm surface. These protein constituents can present as biomarkers to control and regulate breeding of agricultural animals. Previous studies have addressed the bovine sperm cell apical plasma membrane (PM) proteome with nitrogen cavitation enrichment. Alternative workflows would enable to expand the compositional data more globally around the entire sperm's surface. We used a cell surface biotin‐labeling in combination with differential centrifugation to enrich sperm surface proteins. Using nano‐LC MS/MS, 338 proteins were confidently identified in the PM‐enriched proteome. Functional categories of sperm–egg interaction, protein turnover, metabolism as well as molecular transport, spermatogenesis, and signal transduction were represented by proteins with high quantitative signal in our study. A highly significant degree of enrichment was found for transmembrane and PM‐targeted proteins. Among them, we also report proteins previously not described on bovine sperm (CPQ, CD58, CKLF, CPVL, GLB1L3, and LPCAT2B) of which CPQ and CPVL cell surface localization was further validated. A descriptive overview of the bovine sperm PM integral and peripheral proteins is provided to complement future studies on animal reproduction and its relation to sperm cell surface. All MS data have been deposited in the ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD001096 (http://proteomecentral.proteomexchange.org/dataset/PXD001096).
Proteome analysis of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV)‐infected Vero cells
Authors: Zeng Songlin , Zhang Huan , Ding Zhen , Luo Rui , An Kang , Liu Lianzeng , Bi Jing , Chen Huanchun , Xiao Shaobo , Fang Liurong
Published: January 2015

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) causes an acute, highly contagious, and devastating viral enteric disease with a high mortality rate in suckling pigs. A large‐scale outbreak of PED occurred in China in 2010, with PEDV emerging in the United States in 2013 and spreading rapidly, posing significant economic and public health concerns. In this study, LC–MS/MS coupled to iTRAQ labeling was used to quantitatively identify differentially expressed cellular proteins in PEDV‐infected Vero cells. We identified 49 differentially expressed cellular proteins, of which 8 were upregulated and 41 downregulated. These differentially expressed proteins were involved in apoptosis, signal transduction, and stress responses. Based on these differentially expressed proteins, we propose that PEDV might utilize apoptosis and extracellular signal regulated kinases pathways for maximum viral replication. Our study is the first attempt to analyze the protein profile of PEDV‐infected cells by quantitative proteomics, and we believe our findings provide valuable information with respect to better understanding the host response to PEDV infection.
Maintaining remission from ulcerative colitis
Authors: Chaplin Steve , Johnston Emma , Irving Peter
Published: January 2015

Choosing which of the various formulations of mesalazine to prescribe comes down to the most suitable mode of delivery for the individual patient.
A medication review in the home can be revealing
Authors: Standage Claire , Petty Duncan , Wood Su
Published: January 2015

Medication non‐adherence may be well documented but lacks a definitive solution. One group of pharmacists in Bradford is attempting to tackle it with home visits.
Morphological dependence of light backscattering from metallic back reflector films: Application in dye‐sensitized solar cells
Authors: Sharifi Nafiseh , Ghazyani Nahid , Taghavinia Nima
Published: January 2015

Conventionally, a film of TiO2 particles of ∼300 nm size is employed in Dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSCs) as the back reflector film to enhance the light harvesting. Perfect reflectance of silver in visible and near infrared motivates to investigate its potential as the material for the light back reflector film in DSCs. In this study, light back reflector films consisting of 300 nm‐sized silver particles, as well as vacuum evaporated silver flat film, were fabricated and compared to 300 nm‐sized rutile‐type TiO2 particulate reflector film to study their optical aspects. Conventional TiO2 rutile‐type particulate film demonstrates slightly lower performance compared to silver flat films. It is also found that for silver, the morphology is critically important. Iodide‐based and cobalt‐based electrolytes with different transparencies in the visible range were used to compare the effect of electrolyte transparency on light back reflection. In cobalt‐based cell, 26%, 21%, and 13% enhancement in photocurrent is observed when the cells are modified with silver flat film, TiO2 particulate, and silver particulate films, respectively in which external quantum efficiency measurement confirms this trend. In addition, optical calculations demonstrate that in the range of 400–500 nm, absorption loss is 40% and 30% for iodide‐based and cobalt‐based electrolytes, respectively.
Photocatalytic activity of anatase–nickel ferrite heterostructures
Authors: Šutka Andris , Millers Martins , Döbelin Nicola , Pärna Rainer , Vanags Martins , Maiorov Mihael , Kleperis Janis , Käämbre Tanel , Joost Urmas , Nõmmiste Ergo , Kisand Vambola , Knite Maris
Published: January 2015

The simple co‐precipitation route was used to couple commercial TiO2 anatase nanopowder with nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4). The morphology and the crystalline structure of composite nanoparticles were characterised by TEM, N2 adsorption‐desorption, XRD and Rietveld refinement, XPS and XAS. The optical and magnetic properties were investigated. After co‐precipitation NiFe2O4 nanoparticles, composed of spinel ferrite crystal phase, were formed on the surface of TiO2 anatase nanopowder. The TiO2/NiFe2O4 composite oxide demonstrated large specific surface area, high visible light absorption efficiency and efficient charge carrier separation, compared to pristine anatase TiO2 or pristine NiFe2O4, representatively. The obtained TiO2/NiFe2O4 composite oxides, with different nickel ferrite contents (5, 10, 25, 50 and 75 wt%) showed decent visible light photocatalytic efficiency, up to three times higher than pure anatase or pure NiFe2O4. However, TiO2/NiFe2O4 composite oxides did not demonstrate high magnetic properties.
GaInN‐based tunnel junctions with high InN mole fractions grown by MOVPE
Authors: Minamikawa Daichi , Ino Masataka , Kawai Shunsuke , Takeuchi Tetsuya , Kamiyama Satoshi , Iwaya Motoaki , Akasaki Isamu
Published: January 2015

We demonstrated low‐resistive GaInN‐based tunnel junctions with high In mole fractions (over 0.35) grown by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE). A 2 nm heavily Mg‐doped Ga0.6In0.4N/15 nm heavily Si‐doped GaN tunnel junction was grown on a standard‐sized (310 × 310 µm2) LED. The tunnel junction showed 0.06 V drop at 20 mA (26 A/cm2), corresponding to 4 × 10−3 Ωcm2 as the resistivity. This result indicates that MOVPE‐grown tunnel junctions showed an almost comparable resistivity as conventional p‐contact. We also found that the tunnel junction resistivity is decreased to 4 × 10−4 Ω cm2 with an increase of current density up to 5 kA/cm2. A tunneling through midgap states was suggested from forward‐biased I–V characteristics of transmission line model test structures with the tunnel junctions.
Carrier dynamics in blue and green emitting InGaN MQWs
Authors: Aleksiejūnas R. , Nomeika K. , Miasojedovas S. , Nargelas S. , Malinauskas T. , Jarašiūnas K. , Tuna Ö. , Heuken M.
Published: January 2015

Spectrally and spatially‐resolved nonlinear optical techniques were combined with the photoluminescence spectroscopy to study carrier dynamics and photoluminescence efficiency in highly excited blue‐ and green‐emitting InGaN/GaN quantum wells. The differential transmission and transient grating techniques provided carrier lifetimes and diffusivity in the extended states with energies above the photoluminescence emission band and revealed their dependences on excess carrier density. At high excitation conditions, an increase of diffusivity led to the increase of nonradiative recombination rate, being more pronounced in the green QW structures with respect to the blue ones. Enhancement of these processes in the extended states has a strong impact on diminishing the photoluminescence efficiency in the localized states.
Development and preliminary assessment of a robotic platform for neuroendoscopy based on a lightweight robot
Authors: Niccolini Marta , Castelli Virginia , Diversi Costanza , Kang Byungjeon , Mussa Federico , Sinibaldi Edoardo
Published: January 2015

Background

Ventriculostomy is a widely performed neurosurgical procedure; some risk factors can be mitigated by computer/robot‐assisted approaches. Platforms fostering synergistic robot–surgeon integration are pursued, for which lightweight robots with compliant controlled joints must be assessed (because compliance hampers accuracy).

Methods

We developed a platform encompassing, in particular, a lightweight robot and an optical tracker also used to enhance robot accuracy. Based on specifications by neurosurgeons, we designed a neuroendoscope‐handling interface and assessed targeting accuracy in a model ventriculostomy where the robot was operated both autonomously and in hands‐on (i.e. co‐operative) mode.

Results

Targeting errors were systematically below the procedure accuracy threshold (1 mm); the rms targeting errors were 0.51 and 0.54 mm for autonomous and hands‐on control, respectively. No significant difference was observed between the considered control modes. Very positive feedback was gathered from neurosurgeons.

Conclusions

Accurate tool targeting under both autonomous and hands‐on control was achieved. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strongly Nonlinear Dynamics of Torsional Vibration for Rolling Mill's Electromechanical Coupling System
Authors: Liu Shuang , Sun Baoping , Zhao Shuangshuang , Li Jianxiong , Zhang Wenming
Published: January 2015

The torsional vibration often occurs during the rolling process, which will affect the production equipment. Based on electromagnetic field theory, the air gap magnetic field energy of salient pole synchronous motor was given, and the expression of electromagnetic torque was derived using the energy analysis method. In order to study the electromechanical coupling characteristics of the main drive system in rolling mill, a torsional vibration model with strongly nonlinear terms was established on the basis of mechanical dynamic principle. The periodic solutions of the strongly nonlinear torsional vibration system were obtained using the incremental harmonic balance (IHB) method. When the excitation force amplitude and the electromagnetic stiffness changed, the influence law on the torsional vibration characteristics of electromechanical coupling system under strongly nonlinear conditions was found. The effects of different electrical and mechanical parameters on the system amplitude‐frequency property and vibration displacement characteristics were analyzed. All these research results are significant to structure design, parameter optimization and vibration control for the mill drive system.
Experimental Study on Burden Descending Behavior in COREX Shaft Furnace with AGD Beams
Authors: Zhou Heng , Luo Zhigou , Zou Zongshu , Zhang Tao , You Yang
Published: January 2015

COREX is an industrially and commercially proven smelting reduction process. It consists of two reactors, the shaft furnace (SF) and the melter gasifier and the SF is placed above the melter gasifier. In the new design of COREX‐3000 in Baosteel, China, a new technique called Areal Gas Distribution (AGD) has been adopted. With the installation of two AGD beams, the cross‐sectional area varies in a complicated manner which will affect the burden descending behaviour. This work uses a cold model to investigate solid particle behaviour in the SF of COREX‐3000. The effect of gas flow, discharging rate and abnormal conditions are characterised in terms of solid flow pattern. The results show that gas flow has a minor effect on burden descending behaviour. Increasing the discharging rate has an effect of reducing the quasi‐stagnant zone. A gas channel is observed downstream of AGD beam and the triangle shaped free area increase with the increase of burden discharging rate. For asymmetric flow, particles descend from the top and move to the discharging outlet and a very big stagnant zone is formed on the opposite side of the discharging outlet. The effect of AGD beams on solid flow is evaluated under normal and abnormal conditions. The investigation reveals that the AGD beams affect the solid flow significantly and lead to poor adaptability of furnace to abnormal operations.
Are the World's Largest Firms Regional or Global?
Authors: Berrill Jenny
Published: January 2015

There has been vigorous debate about whether the world's largest firms are regional or global in their operations and strategy. Some authors argue that global vision and strategy are essential for most firms in today's interconnected world, while others claim that even the largest multinational firms are mostly confined to their home regions—and that global strategy is a myth. Using a novel data set of over 1,000 of the world's largest firms, we provide a new perspective on this debate. We show that these firms range from domestic to regional, transregional, and global, with the implication that global strategy is alive and well in international business. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Surprising Stability of an Al/P‐Based Frustrated Lewis‐Pair Towards Protolysis: HX Adducts (X = F, Cl) with Intramolecular H···X Hydrogen Bonds
Authors: Uhl Werner , Appelt Christian , Lange Merten
Published: January 2015

The Al/P‐based Frustrated Lewis Pair (FLP) Mes2P‐C(=CH‐Ph)‐Al(CMe3)2 (1) reacted with anhydrous HF and HCl as an ion pair receptor by coordination of the proton to phosphorus and the halide anion to aluminum. Short intramolecular distances and the molecular conformation indicate the presence P–H···X–Al hydrogen bonds (X = F, Cl) and an approach of the phosphorus and halogen atoms with a possible weak P···X interaction.
The Crystal Structure of the THF Adduct of Monolithioferrocene
Authors: Förster Christoph , Heinze Katja
Published: January 2015

Single crystals of [Fe(η5‐C5H4)(η5‐C5H5)]2Li2(thf)4 (1) were obtained from a tetrahydrofuran solution containing monolithioferrocene. The title compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21 with a = 9.6589(5) Å, b = 17.4285(9) Å, c = 30.3116(15) Å, β = 91.911(2)° and V = 5099.8(5) Å3 with three independent molecules of 1. All individual molecules feature a non‐ symmetric almost planar Li2C2 four‐membered ring with two shorter (2.118–2.215 Å) and two longer Li–C distances (2.257–2.309 Å). The lithium cations are each coordinated by two carbanionic atoms of two ferrocenyl substituents and two tetrahydrofuran molecules in a distorted tetrahedral fashion. All ferrocenyl moieties display an eclipsed conformation of the C5 rings.
A conservative finite difference scheme for the Falk model system of shape memory alloys
Authors: Yoshikawa Shuji
Published: January 2015

In this article we propose a new finite difference scheme for the Falk model system. The Falk model system is a thermoelastic system describing the phase transition occurring on shape memory alloys. Our scheme inherits three important properties: the energy conservative law, the momentum conservation law and the law of increasing entropy. In addition, we show the existence of solution for the scheme and positivity of temperature under some conditions.
Effect of scale parameter on the deflection of a nonlocal beam and application to energy release rate of a crack
Authors: Peng X.‐L. , Li X.‐F. , Tang G.‐J. , Shen Z.‐B.
Published: January 2015

This article studies the influence of the nonlocal scale parameter on the deflection of a nonlocal nanobeam and crack growth. Using the Timoshenko hypothesis, a single governing equation is derived and its exact solution can be determined through appropriate end‐support conditions. Numerical calculations are carried out for a cantilever microtubule in solution at a given flow speed. The effects of nonlocal scale parameter on the deflection are discussed. Based on the obtained solutions, the double cantilever beam model is utilized to determine energy release rate near a crack tip for an edge crack and a central crack, respectively. It is found that the scale parameter plays different roles in determining stress intensity factors and energy release rates, depending on crack constraints. When neglecting shear deformation, the results for nonlocal Euler‐Bernoulli beams can be directly obtained.
Aberrant Loss of Dickkopf‐3 in Gastric Cancer: Can It Predict Lymph Node Metastasis Preoperatively?
Authors: Park Joong‐Min , Kim Mi Kyung , Chi Kyong‐Choun , Kim Jae Hyung , Lee Sang‐Hoon , Lee Eun‐Ju
Published: January 2015

Background

Dickkopf‐3 (DKK3) may act as a tumor suppressor as it is down‐regulated in various types of cancer. This study assessed the DKK3 protein expression in gastric cancer and its potential value as a prognostic marker.

Methods

DKK3 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 158 gastric cancer samples from patients who underwent gastrectomy from 2002 to 2008. Clinicopathological parameters and survival data were analyzed.

Results

Loss of DKK3 expression was found in 64 of 158 (40.5 %) samples, and it was associated with advanced T stage (p < 0.001), lymph node metastasis (p < 0.001), UICC TNM stage (p < 0.001), tumor location (p = 0.029), lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.035), and perineural invasion (p = 0.032). Patients without DKK3 expression in tumor cells had a significantly worse disease‐free and overall survival than those with DKK3 expression (p < 0.001, and p = 0.001, respectively). TNM stage (p = 0.028 and p < 0.001, respectively) and residual tumor (p < 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively) were independent predictors of disease‐free and overall survival. Based on the preoperative clinical stage assessed by computed tomography (CT), loss of DKK3 expression was predominantly associated with worse prognosis in patients with clinically node‐negative advanced gastric cancer (AGC). The combination of DKK3 expression status and CT increased the accuracy of CT staging for predicting lymph node involvement from 71.5 to 80.0 % in AGC patients.

Conclusion

Loss of DKK3 protein expression was significantly associated with poor survival in patients with gastric cancer and was strongly correlated with the TNM stage. DKK3 might be a potential biomarker of lymph node involvement that can improve the predictive power of CT.
High‐throughput DNA barcoding for ecological network studies
Authors: Toju Hirokazu
Published: January 2015

The network theoretical framework of ecological community studies is expected to promote not only the basic understanding of ecological and coevolutionary dynamics but also the application of those scientific insights into ecosystem management. However, our knowledge of ecological network architecture in the wild largely stems from empirical studies on macro‐organismal systems such as those of plant–pollinator, plant–seed disperser, and prey–predator interactions. In this sense, we have remained ignorant of the diversity of ecological network architecture, its underlying assembly processes, and its consequences on ecological and coevolutionary dynamics. In this paper, I discuss how the high‐throughput DNA barcoding of microbes, especially that based on next‐generation sequencing, potentially expands the target of ecological network studies. I review the methodological platforms of next‐generation sequencing‐based analyses of microbe–host animal/plant networks and then introduce some case studies on the networks of plants and their hyper‐diverse fungal symbionts. As those preliminary studies are uncovering the unexpected diversity of ecological network architecture, further application of such next‐generation sequencing‐based analyses to a diverse array of microbial systems will significantly improve our views on community ecological and coevolutionary processes.
All the Pain Along with All the Joy: Spiritual Resilience in Lesbian and Gay Christians
Authors: Foster Kirk A. , Bowland Sharon E. , Vosler Anne Nancy
Published: January 2015

Resilience among lesbian and gay (LG) Christians has received limited attention. We present results from a qualitative study of 27 LG Christians, for whom religion had high salience. The study explored the process of integrating sexual orientation with spirituality. Moving from recognition of incongruence between faith and sexual orientation to integration was found to be a resilience‐building process. Through descriptive and process approaches, we identified three primary pathways individuals used to integrate their faith and sexual orientation: transforming theological meaning; finding a safe‐enough congregation; and finding an affirming congregation. Some worked for social justice within congregations as part of the resilience‐building process. We discuss important decision points for LG Christians that included critical evaluation of extant and potential support systems, redefining scripture and tradition, and transforming communities. A model for LG Christian Spiritual Resilience is presented.
Portable Infrared Spectrometer to Characterize and Differentiate Between Organic and Conventional Bovine Butter
Authors: Plans Pujolras Marçal , Ayvaz Huseyin , Shotts Mei‐Ling , Pittman Richard A. , Herringshaw Sarah , Rodriguez‐Saona Luis E.
Published: January 2015

The performance of a portable infrared system combined with pattern recognition to discriminate between organically and conventionally produced bovine butter samples as well as to predict the levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) were evaluated. Sixty butter (27 organic and 33 conventional) samples were used in this study. Bovine butter–fat were applied onto an attenuated total reflectance infrared (ATR‐IR) accessory equipped with a five‐bounce ZnSe crystal set at 65 °C for spectral collection. In addition, ATR‐IR spectra of bovine butter were directly collected at room temperature to avoid phase separation. The fatty acid profile and the levels of CLA were determined using reference FAME‐GC‐FID analysis. SIMCA models showed well separated clusters that discriminated between organic and conventional bovine butters due to C=C trans bending out of the plane vibration modes band at 967 cm−1. Additionally, strong PLSR models were developed to predict CLA levels using butter–fat and bovine butter spectra with SEP of 0.05 % and RPD of 4.7, indicating that the models are suitable for quality control applications. Portable IR technology offers the ability for “in situ” analysis of butters that is much less time consuming than current analytical practices for authentication and quality control efforts by the industry.
Geographic Migration of Black and White Families Over Four Generations
Authors: Sharkey Patrick
Published: January 2015

This article analyzes patterns of geographic migration of black and white American families over four consecutive generations. The analysis is based on a unique set of questions in the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID) asking respondents about the counties and states in which their parents and grandparents were raised. Using this information along with the extensive geographic information available in the PSID survey, the article tracks the geographic locations of four generations of family members and considers the ways in which families and places are linked together over the course of a family’s history. The patterns documented in the article are consistent with much of the demographic literature on the Great Migration of black Americans out of the South, but they reveal new insights into patterns of black migration after the Great Migration. In the most recent generation, black Americans have remained in place to a degree that is unique relative to the previous generation and relative to whites of the same generation. This new geographic immobility is the most pronounced change in black Americans’ migration patterns after the Great Migration, and it is a pattern that has implications for the demography of black migration as well as the literature on racial inequality.
Peer-teaching: an important skill for all medical students and doctors?
Authors: Blanchard David S.
Published: January 2015

None
Amyloid PET imaging: applications beyond Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Catafau Ana M. , Bullich Santiago
Published: January 2015

As a biomarker of beta-amyloid, positron emission tomography (PET) amyloid imaging offers a unique opportunity to detect the presence of this protein in the human body during life. Besides Alzheimer’s disease (AD), deposits of beta-amyloid in the brain are also present in other neurodegenerative diseases associated to dementia, such as Parkinson’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies, as well as in other processes affecting brain function, such as cerebral amyloid angiopathy, brain trauma, Down’s syndrome and meningiomas, as shown by post-mortem pathology studies. Furthermore, in systemic amyloidosis other organs besides the brain are affected, and amyloid PET imaging may be suitable for the identification of these extra-cerebral amyloid depositions. Finally, the potential use of amyloid PET tracer accumulation in cerebral white matter (WM) as a marker of myelin is being investigated, leading to some promising results in patients with WM lesions and multiple sclerosis. In this article, a review of the ongoing research pointing to a broader application of amyloid PET imaging in clinical practice beyond AD is provided.
c‐MYB regulates cell growth and DNA damage repair through modulating MiR‐143
Authors: Wang Wenjun , Wu Sipei , Shi Yongsheng , Miao Yong , Luo Xiaojun , Ji Mei , Yao Kaitai , He Jianxing
Published: January 2015

Radiotherapy is the most successful nonsurgical treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NCP). Although NPCs initially respond well to a full course of radiation, recurrence and metastasis are frequent. In this study, we found that down‐regulated c‐MYB expression was associated with increased radiation resistance and DNA damage repair ability. Interestingly, c‐MYB was over‐expressed in cancer tissues but not in the adjacent tissues. Down‐regulation of c‐MYB expression inhibited cell proliferation, and led to cell cycle arrest at the M phase in NPC cells. Luciferase and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that c‐MYB transactivated miR‐143 through direct binding to its promoter. Based on these results, c‐MYB might target miR‐143 in order to regulate stem cell properties, cell growth, apoptosis, and DNA damage repair.
Computational identification of epigenetically regulated lncRNAs and their associated genes based on integrating genomic data
Authors: Zhao Tingting , Xu Jinyuan , Liu Ling , Bai Jing , Wang Lihua , Xiao Yun , Li Xia , Zhang Liming
Published: January 2015

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are new players in various biological processes. However, understanding of lncRNAs is still in its infancy. Here, we proposed an integrative method to identify epigenetically regulated lncRNAs and their associated genes. By combining RNA‐seq data and ChIP‐seq data for histone H3 trimethylated at lysine 4 (H3K4me3) and H3K27me3, we identified 699 H3K4me3‐regulated and 235 H3K27me3‐regulated lncRNAs, each with an average of 238 and 307 associated genes, respectively. By analyzing Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) binding maps, we observed that the negatively related genes of most epigenetically regulated lncRNAs were enriched for PRC2‐binding genes. In addition, through enrichment analysis, we inferred some lncRNAs with aberrant epigenetic modifications in glioblastoma and Alzheimer's disease. Together, we describe a method for the analysis of lncRNAs and demonstrate how integration of multi‐omics data can improve understanding of lncRNAs.
A comparison of propofol target controlled infusion‐based and sevoflurane‐based anesthesia in adults undergoing elective anterior cervical discectomy and fusion
Authors: Lin Ching‐Kuo , Feng Yu‐Tung , Hwang Shiuh‐Lin , Lin Chih‐Lung , Lee King‐Teh , Cheng Kuang‐I
Published: January 2015

The target controlled infusion (TCI) of propofol with fentanyl facilitates easy titration of the depth of anesthesia, and thereby may improve the quality of anesthesia. The aim of this study is to investigate if propofol TCI‐based anesthesia is practical for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), one of the most common surgical interventions in spine procedures, when compared with sevoflurane‐based anesthesia with respect to the quality of anesthesia. Patients were classified into two groups according to the anesthesia regimen of maintenance of anesthesia with fentanyl and either propofol TCI (group FP) or inhalational sevoflurane (group FS), respectively. The primary endpoint was to evaluate quality of anesthesia and extubation time. Secondary endpoints were hemodynamic stability during the operation, operative fentanyl consumption, and postoperative complications. The study results revealed there were comparable results on time to extubation, changes in intraoperative hemodynamic parameters, and the occurrence of postoperative complications between the groups. No differences in average length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay and hospital stay were noticed. However, opioid consumption and blood loss during the operation for patients in group FP were significantly higher than those of patients in group FS (551.28 ± 193.98 vs. 446.86 ± 177.15 μg, p = 0.005; 52.06 ± 58.25 vs. 28.33 ± 40.74 mL, p = 0.019, respectively). In these adult patients undergoing ACDF, propofol TCI‐based anesthesia appears to be as efficacious as sevoflurane‐based anesthesia but consumed more fentanyl and experienced higher blood loss.
The Red Cap’s Gift: How Tipping Tempers the Rational Power of Money
Authors: WILK DANIEL LEVINSON
Published: January 2015

Modern people are obsessed with money, but the practice of tipping a waiter or chambermaid is a counterbalance against money’s tendency to infect human relations. People who tip infect money back, with nonmonetary values. This article provides a general history of tips investing money and monetary exchange with ideals such as status, dignity, waste, care, and play, in certain parts of the United States, c. 1880–1929. It also offers a case study of railroad red caps’ tips in the five years following passage of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938; when tipping declined, it reduced red caps’ ability to invest their work with nonmonetary values.
Parties or Portfolio? The Economic Consequences of Africa’s Big Cabinets
Authors: LeVan A. Carl , Assenov Assen
Published: January 2015

Does cabinet size have an impact on economic policy in Africa? The average number of ministers has increased steadily for four decades, yet we know little about the economic effects of new portfolios, despite popular complaints about costly cabinets. Comparative studies generate conflicting expectations, either blaming coalition governments for patronage or crediting them with economic restraint. Using data on 45 Sub-Saharan African countries between 1971 and 2006, our empirical analysis links parties and portfolios to budgetary policy performance. We show that cabinets with more ministries are associated with budget surpluses, but they are also slightly more likely to engage in patronage spending. Next, we find that cabinets governing through multiparty coalitions have no consistent impact on budget surpluses. However, they are strongly associated with less extractive government and lower rates of patronage spending compared with single-party cabinets. These results hold after controlling for the type of colonial legacy, economic conditions, population size, constraints on executives, level of democracy, oil income, type of party system and ethnic and religious fractionalization. We conclude that parties and portfolios are both important but they have different effects: adding portfolios to the cabinet may improve economic outcomes by enhancing specialization, but governance through multiparty cabinets generates incentives to both limit extraction and restrain patronage spending.
Surgical Site Infection after Renal Transplantation
Authors: Harris Anthony D. , Fleming Brandon , Bromberg Jonathan S. , Rock Peter , Nkonge Grace , Emerick Michele , Harris-Williams Michelle , Thom Kerri A.
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVE

To identify factors associated with the development of surgical site infection (SSI) among adult patients undergoing renal transplantation

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study

SETTING

An urban tertiary care center in Baltimore, Maryland, with a well-established renal transplantation program that performs ~200–250renal transplant procedures annually

RESULTS

At total of 441 adult patients underwent renal transplantation between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2011. Of these 441patients, 66 (15%) developed an SSI; of these 66, 31 (47%) were superficial incisional infections and 35 (53%) were deep-incisional or organ-space infections. The average body mass index (BMI) among this patient cohort was 29.7; 84 (42%) were obese (BMI >30). Patients who developed an SSI had a greater mean BMI (31.7 vs 29.4; P=.004) and were more likely to have a history of peripheral vascular disease, rheumatologic disease, and narcotic abuse. History of cerebral vascular disease was protective. Multivariate analysis showed BMI (odds ratio [OR] 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–1.11) and past history of narcotic use/abuse (OR, 4.86; 95% CI, 1.24–19.12) to be significantly associated with development of SSI after controlling for National Healthcare Surveillance Network (NHSN) score and presence of cerebrovascular, peripheral vascular, and rheumatologic disease.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified higher BMI as a risk factor for the development of SSI following renal transplantation. Notably, neither aggregate comorbidity scores nor NHSN risk index were associated with SSI in this population. Additional risk adjustment measures and research in this area are needed to compare SSIs across transplant centers.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;00(0): 1–7
Minimal-energy perturbations rapidly approaching the edge state in Couette flow
Authors: Cherubini S. , De Palma P.
Published: January 2015

Transition to turbulence in shear flows is often subcritical, thus the dynamics of the flow strongly depends on the shape and amplitude of the perturbation of the laminar state. In the state space, initial perturbations which directly relaminarize are separated from those that go through a chaotic trajectory by a hypersurface having a very small number of unstable dimensions, known as the edge of chaos. Even for the simple case of plane Couette flow in a small domain, the edge of chaos is characterized by a fractal, folded structure. Thus, the problem of determining the threshold energy to trigger subcritical transition consists in finding the states on this complex hypersurface with minimal distance (in the energy norm) from the laminar state. In this work we have investigated the minimal-energy regions of the edge of chaos, by developing a minimization method looking for the minimal-energy perturbations capable of approaching the edge state (within a prescribed tolerance) in a finite target time $T$. For sufficiently small target times, the value of the minimal energy has been found to vary with $T$ following a power law, whose best fit is given by $E_{min}\propto T^{-1.75}$. For large values of $T$, the minimal energy achieves a constant value which corresponds to the energy of the minimal seed, namely the perturbation of minimal energy asymptotically approaching the edge state (Rabin et al., J. Fluid Mech., vol. 738, 2012, R1). For $T\geqslant 40$, all of the symmetries of the edge state are broken and the minimal perturbation appears to be localized in space with a basic structure composed of scattered patches of streamwise velocity with inclined streamwise vortices on their flanks. Finally, we have found that minimal perturbations originate in a small low-energy zone of the state space and follow very fast similar trajectories towards the edge state. Such trajectories are very different from those of linear optimal disturbances, which need much higher initial amplitudes to approach the edge state. The time evolution of these minimal perturbations represents the most efficient path to subcritical transition for Couette flow.
Critical and near-critical reflections of near-inertial waves off the sea surface at ocean fronts
Authors: Grisouard Nicolas , Thomas Leif N.
Published: January 2015

In a balanced oceanic front, the possible directions of the group velocity vector for internal waves depart from the classic Saint Andrew’s cross as a consequence of sloping isopycnals and the associated thermal wind shear. However, for waves oscillating at the Coriolis frequency $f$, one of these directions remains horizontal, while the other direction allows for vertical propagation of energy. This implies the existence of critical reflections from the ocean surface, after which wave energy, having propagated from below, cannot propagate back down. This is similar to the reflection of internal waves, propagating in a quiescent medium, from a bottom that runs parallel to the group velocity vector. We first illustrate this phenomenon with a series of linear Boussinesq numerical experiments on waves with various frequencies, ${\it\omega}$, exploring critical (${\it\omega}=f$), forward (${\it\omega}>f$), and backward (${\it\omega}<f$) reflections. We then conduct the nonlinear equivalents of these simulations. In agreement with the classical case, backward reflection inhibits triadic resonances and does not exhibit prominent nonlinear effects, while forward reflection shows strong generation of harmonics that radiate energy away from the surface. Surprisingly though, critical reflections are associated with oscillatory motions that extend down from the surface. These motions are not freely propagating waves but instead take the form of a cluster of non-resonant triads which decays with depth through friction.
The turbulent/non-turbulent interface in an inclined dense gravity current
Authors: Krug Dominik , Holzner Markus , Lüthi Beat , Wolf Marc , Kinzelbach Wolfgang , Tsinober Arkady
Published: January 2015

We present an experimental investigation of entrainment and the dynamics near the turbulent/non-turbulent interface in a dense gravity current. The main goal of the study is to investigate changes in the interfacial physics due to the presence of stratification and to examine their impact on the entrainment rate. To this end, three-dimensional data sets of the density and the velocity fields are obtained through a combined scanning particle tracking velocimetry/laser-induced fluorescence approach for two different stratification levels with inflow Richardson numbers of $\mathit{Ri}_{0}=0.23$ and $\mathit{Ri}_{0}=0.46$, respectively, at a Reynolds number around $\mathit{Re}_{0}=3700$. An analysis conditioned on the instantaneous position of the turbulent/non-turbulent interface as defined by a threshold on enstrophy reveals an interfacial region that is in many aspects independent of the initial level of stratification. This is reflected most prominently in matching peaks of the gradient Richardson number $\mathit{Ri}_{g}\approx 0.1$ located approximately $10{\it\eta}$ from the position of the interface inside the turbulent region, where ${\it\eta}=({\it\nu}^{3}/{\it\epsilon})^{1/4}$ is the Kolmogorov scale, and ${\it\nu}$ and ${\it\epsilon}$ denote the kinematic viscosity and the rate of turbulent dissipation, respectively. A possible explanation for this finding is offered in terms of a cyclic evolution in the interaction of stratification and shear involving the buildup of density and velocity gradients through inviscid amplification and their subsequent depletion through molecular effects and pressure. In accordance with the close agreement of the interfacial properties for the two cases, no significant differences were found for the local entrainment velocity, $v_{n}$ (defined as the propagation velocity of an enstrophy isosurface relative to the fluid), at different initial stratification levels. Moreover, we find that the baroclinic torque does not contribute significantly to the local entrainment velocity. Comparing results for the surface area of the convoluted interface to estimates from fractal scaling theory, we identify differences in the interface geometry as the major factor in the reduction of the entrainment rate due to density stratification.
Tramadol-related psychosis in a patient with bipolar I disorder
Authors: Chen Kuan-Jen , Lu Mong-Liang , Shen Winston W.
Published: January 2015

Introduction

Tramadol hydrochloride (HCl) is a centrally acting synthetic opioid analgesic. Psychotic symptoms are relatively rare in reported adverse events. Here, we report a patient who presented with tramadol-related psychotic symptoms.

Case

A 59-year-old female had underlying bipolar I disorder and received lithium treatment with stable affective status. 1 month before hospitalisation, she had been taking tramadol HCl/acetaminophen for joint pain. She then developed obvious persecutory delusion. However, her clinical picture did not meet the criteria of any mood episode. After treatment of risperidone in addition to lithium, she was discharged without any psychotic symptom. She remained euthymic without any psychotic symptom on monotherapy of lithium (300 mg) three tablets once daily.

Conclusions

Tramadol HCl is commonly prescribed in clinical practice and psychotic symptoms related to it are uncommon. We should be careful about the rare but important adverse events while prescribing tramadol HCl.
A new elasmosaurid from the early Maastrichtian of Angola and the implications of girdle morphology on swimming style in plesiosaurs
Authors: Araújo R. , Polcyn M.J. , Schulp A.S. , Mateus O. , Jacobs L.L. , Gonçalves A. Olímpio , Morais M.-L.
Published: January 2015

We report here a new elasmosaurid from the early Maastrichtian at Bentiaba, southern Angola. Phylogenetic analysis places the new taxon as the sister taxon toStyxosaurus snowii, and that clade as the sister of a clade composed of (Hydrotherosaurus alexandrae(Libonectes morgani+Elasmosaurus platyurus)). The new taxon has a reduced dorsal blade of the scapula, a feature unique amongst elasmosaurids, but convergent with cryptoclidid plesiosaurs, and indicates a longitudinal protraction-retraction limb cycle rowing style with simple pitch rotation at the glenohumeral articulation. Morphometric phylogenetic analysis of the coracoids of 40 eosauropterygian taxa suggests that there was a broad range of swimming styles within the clade.
The relationship between fermented food intake and mortality risk in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition-Netherlands cohort
Authors: Praagman Jaike , Dalmeijer Geertje W. , van der Schouw Yvonne T. , Soedamah-Muthu Sabita S. , Monique Verschuren W. M. , Bas Bueno-de-Mesquita H. , Geleijnse Johanna M. , Beulens Joline W. J.
Published: January 2015

The objective of the present study was to investigate the relationship between total and subtypes of bacterial fermented food intake (dairy products, cheese, vegetables and meat) and mortality due to all causes, total cancer and CVD. From the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition-Netherlands cohort, 34 409 Dutch men and women, aged 20–70 years who were free from CVD or cancer at baseline, were included. Baseline intakes of total and subtypes of fermented foods were measured with a validated FFQ. Data on the incidence and causes of death were obtained from the national mortality register. Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyse mortality in relation to the quartiles of fermented food intake. After a mean follow-up of 15 (sd2·5) years, 2436 deaths occurred (1216 from cancer and 727 from CVD). After adjustment for age, sex, total energy intake, physical activity, education level, hypertension, smoking habit, BMI, and intakes of fruit, vegetables and alcohol, total fermented food intake was not found to be associated with mortality due to all causes (hazard ratio upperv. lowest quartile (HRQ4 v. Q1) 1·00, 95 % CI 0·88, 1·13), cancer (HRQ4 v. Q11·02, 95 % CI 0·86, 1·21) or CVD (HRQ4 v. Q11·04, 95 % CI 0·83, 1·30). Bacterial fermented foods mainly consisted of fermented dairy foods (78 %) and cheese (16 %). None of the subtypes of fermented foods was consistently related to mortality, except for cheese which was moderately inversely associated with CVD mortality, and particularly stroke mortality (HRQ4 v. Q10·59, 95 % CI 0·38, 0·92,Ptrend= 0·046). In conclusion, the present study provides no strong evidence that intake of fermented foods, particularly fermented dairy foods, is associated with mortality.
The Politics of Agency Death: Ministers and the Survival of Government Agencies in a Parliamentary System
Authors: James Oliver , Petrovsky Nicolai , Moseley Alice , Boyne George A.
Published: January 2015

This article extends the theory of government agency survival from separation of powers to parliamentary government systems. It evaluates expectations of increased risk to agencies following transitions in government, prime minister or departmental minister, and from incongruence between the originally establishing and currently overseeing political executive. Using survival models for UK executive agencies between 1989 and 2012, the study finds that politics trumps performance. Ministers seek to make their mark by terminating agencies created by previous ministers, which is reinforced by high media attention to the agency. Performance against agency targets is not associated with higher termination risk, and replacement agencies do not perform any better than those that were terminated. Financial autonomy provides some protection for agencies that are less dependent on budgetary appropriations.
Are New Democracies Better Human Rights Compliers?
Authors: Grewal Sharanbir , Voeten Erik
Published: January 2015

Recent scholarship finds that new democracies are more likely than established democracies to make binding commitments to international human rights institutions. Are new democracies also better at following through on these commitments? Stated differently, does their greater willingness to join international institutions reflect a genuine commitment to human rights reform or is it just “cheap talk?” We analyze this question using a new data set of more than 1,000 leading European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) cases. Since new democracies face judgments that are more difficult to implement than established democracies, we employ a genetic matching algorithm to balance the data set. After controlling for bureaucratic and judicial capacity, we find that new democracies do implement similar ECtHR judgments initially more quickly than established democracies, but this effect reverses the longer a judgment remains pending. Although new democracies have incentives to implement judgments quickly, they sometimes lack checks and balances that help ensure implementation should an executive resist.