bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Prospective Evaluation of Missed Injuries in Trauma Patients, Before and After Formalising the Trauma Tertiary Survey
Authors: Keijzers Gerben B. , Campbell Don , Hooper Jeffrey , Bost Nerolie , Crilly Julia , Steele Michael Craig , Del Mar Chris , Geeraedts Leo M. G.
Published: September 2013

Objective

This study prospectively evaluated in‐hospital and postdischarge missed injury rates in admitted trauma patients, before and after the formalisation of a trauma tertiary survey (TTS) procedure.

Methods

Prospective before‐and‐after cohort study. TTS were formalised in a single regional level II trauma hospital in November 2009. All multitrauma patients admitted between March–October 2009 (preformalisation of TTS) and December 2009–September 2010 (post‐) were assessed for missed injury, classified into three types: Type I, in‐hospital, (injury missed at initial assessment, detected within 24 h); Type II, in‐hospital (detected in hospital after 24 h, missed at initial assessment and by TTS); Type III, postdischarge (detected after hospital discharge). Secondary outcome measures included TTS performance rates and functional outcomes at 1 and 6 months.

Results

A total of 487 trauma patients were included (pre‐: n = 235; post‐: n = 252). In‐hospital missed injury rate (Types I and II combined) was similar for both groups (3.8 vs. 4.8 %, P = 0.61), as were postdischarge missed injury rates (Type III) at 1 month (13.7 vs. 11.5 %, P = 0.43), and 6 months (3.8 vs. 3.3 %, P = 0.84) after discharge. TTS performance was substantially higher in the post‐group (27 vs. 42 %, P < 0.001). Functional outcomes for both cohorts were similar at 1 and 6 months follow‐up.

Conclusions

This is the first study to evaluate missed injury rates after hospital discharge and demonstrated cumulative missed injury rates >15 %. Some of these injuries were clinically relevant. Although TTS performance was significantly improved by formalising the process (from 27 to 42 %), this did not decrease missed injury rates.
Isolation and bioinformatic analysis of a novel transposable element, ISCbe4, from the hyperthermophilic bacterium, Caldicellulosiruptor bescii
Authors: Cha Minseok , Wang Hao , Chung Daehwan , Bennetzen Jeffrey L , Westpheling Janet
Published: September 2013

Caldicellulosiruptor bescii is an anaerobic thermophilic bacterium of special interest for use in the consolidated bioprocessing of plant biomass to biofuels. In the course of experiments to engineer pyruvate metabolism in C. bescii, we isolated a mutant of C. bescii that contained an insertion in the l-lactate dehydrogenase gene (ldh). PCR amplification and sequencing of the ldh gene from this mutant revealed a 1,609-bp insertion that contained a single open reading frame of 479 amino acids (1,440 bp) annotated as a hypothetical protein with unknown function. The ORF is flanked by an 8-base direct repeat sequence. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that this ORF is part of a novel transposable element, ISCbe4, which is only intact in the genus Caldicellulosiruptor, but has ancient relatives that are present in degraded (and previously unrecognized) forms across many bacterial and archaeal clades.
Responses of small vertebrates to linear clearings in a South Australian woodland
Authors: Carthew Susan M. , Jones Katherine M. W. , Lawes Michael
Published: September 2013

This work assesses whether the width and “permanence” of linear clearings affects the distribution and movement patterns of small, terrestrial vertebrates in a native South Australian woodland. We examined the influence of narrow (1.5 and 4.2 m), non‐permanent seismic exploration tracks; and wide (6–7 and 12–15 m), permanent fire tracks. There were 1,007 captures of 14 species (four amphibians, six reptiles, four mammals) from 18,000 trap days/nights across 15 sites. Total species richness was highest adjacent to 6–7 m wide permanent tracks (8.3) and lowest in areas without clearings (5.3). There was heterogeneity of captures between track types (p < 0.008), species (p < 0.001), and species by track type (p < 0.001). Antechinus flavipes was most abundant adjacent to both types of permanent tracks, probably as a result of increased habitat complexity at these sites. Twenty‐four percent of movements by recaptured A. flavipes involved track crossings. Animals crossed all track types; nevertheless, individuals were more likely to be recaptured on the same side of a track. Individuals were less likely to cross permanent tracks (p = 0.025 for 6–7 m and p = 0.008 for 12 to 15‐m‐wide tracks), with females being particularly inhibited. Although 11 % of 56 recaptured Rattus spp. had crossed a track, no individuals crossed the 12 to 15‐m permanent tracks. In the habitat type studied here, narrow seismic lines may have a slightly positive effect on some ground‐dwelling vertebrates, and do not appear to substantially inhibit movement. However, there is a need to carefully manage permanent tracks, which could isolate faunal populations.
Late Tourniquet Release and Drain Clamping Reduces Postoperative Blood Loss in Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Yildiz Cemil , Koca Kenan , Kocak Necmettin , Tunay Servet , Basbozkurt Mustafa
Published: September 2013

Background

Many studies have investigated the effect of tourniquet release time and closed suction drainage in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, controversy remains as to the advisability of preclosure tourniquet release and the advisability of closed suction drain use following total knee arthroplasty.

Questions/Purposes

The aim of the study was to investigate if there is a benefit of performing tourniquet release after skin closure, along with drain clamping, for the first 6h following TKA.

Methods

Ninety-six patients underwent TKA between May 2009 and April 2010. Fourteen of these were excluded because of systemic diseases and simultaneous bilateral TKA. Twenty-nine of these were excluded due to use of a patellar component and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)-sacrificing systems. Thus, 53 patients that underwent PCL-retaining cemented TKA were reviewed retrospectively. In the control group (group C), the tourniquet was released before skin closure, an attempt at hemostasis was made, and a compressive bandage was applied. The drain was not clamped in these patients. The test group of 23 patients (group T) had tourniquet release after skin closure and after the compressive bandage was applied. The drain was clamped for the first 6h after surgery. The two groups were compared as to the amount of drained blood, postoperative change in hemoglobin, postoperative complications, and knee function.

Results

We found that drained blood and hemoglobin drop were significantly lower in group T compared with group C. There was no difference regarding postoperative complications and knee function.

Conclusion

We conclude that tourniquet release after skin closure and compressive dressing followed by 6h of drain clamping reduces postoperative blood loss in TKR surgery.
Dietary Linoleic Acid Elevates the Endocannabinoids 2‐AG and Anandamide and Promotes Weight Gain in Mice Fed a Low Fat Diet
Authors: Alvheim Anita Røyneberg , Torstensen Bente E. , Lin Yu Hong , Lillefosse Haldis Haukås , Lock Erik‐Jan , Madsen Lise , Frøyland Livar , Hibbeln Joseph R. , Malde Marian Kjellevold
Published: September 2013

Dietary intake of linoleic acid (LNA, 18:2n‐6) has increased dramatically during the 20th century and is associated with greater prevalence of obesity. The endocannabinoid system is involved in regulation of energy balance and a sustained hyperactivity of the endocannabinoid system may contribute to obesity. Arachidonic acid (ARA, 20:4n‐6) is the precursor for 2‐AG and anandamide (AEA), and we sought to determine if low fat diets (LFD) could be made obesogenic by increasing the endocannabinoid precursor pool of ARA, causing excessive endocannabinoid signaling leading to weight gain and a metabolic profile associated with obesity. Mice (C57BL/6j, 6 weeks of age) were fed 1 en% LNA and 8 en% LNA in low fat (12.5 en%) and medium fat diets (MFD, 35 en%) for 16 weeks. We found that increasing dietary LNA from 1 to 8 en% in LFD and MFD significantly increased ARA in phospholipids (ARA–PL), elevated 2‐AG and AEA in liver, elevated plasma leptin, and resulted in larger adipocytes and more macrophage infiltration in adipose tissue. In LFD, dietary LNA of 8 en% increased feed efficiency and caused greater weight gain than in an isocaloric reduction to 1 en% LNA. Increasing dietary LNA from 1 to 8 en% elevates liver endocannabinoid levels and increases the risk of developing obesity. Thus a high dietary content of LNA (8 en%) increases the adipogenic properties of a low fat diet.
Confirmation of the Presence of Squalene in Human Eyelid Lipid by Heteronuclear Single Quantum Correlation Spectroscopy
Authors: Borchman Douglas , Yappert Marta C. , Milliner Sarah E. , Smith Ryan J. , Bhola Rahul
Published: September 2013

1H‐NMR spectroscopy has been used to quantify squalene in meibum and sebum. Squalene has many beneficial properties and its loss on the surface of skin upon ultraviolet light exposure or in the tear film with dry eye could be detrimental. In this study, we confirm the NMR proton resonance assignments of squalene, squalene in human meibum, and in human eyelid lipid using heteronuclear single quantum correlation spectroscopy. Our results confirm the presence of squalene in eyelid lipid. We speculate that the squalene in eyelid lipid could be secreted from sebaceous glands. The NMR resonances between 5.2 and 5.0 ppm, characteristic of the =CH of squalene, were resolved in the spectrum of human meibum and used to estimate that 1 % or less of squalene is present in meibum. However, the resonance assignments of squalene in meibum were not confirmed. The characteristics of squalene including its anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial qualities suggest that the presence of a squalene film is beneficial. Its loss in human meibum from patients with dry eye could be detrimental and contribute to the symptoms observed in these patients.
Unravelling mechanisms of cisplatin sensitivity and resistance in testicular cancer
Authors: Koster R. , van Vugt M.A.T.M. , Timmer-Bosscha H. , Gietema J.A. , de Jong S.
Published: September 2013

Testicular cancer is the most frequent solid malignant tumour type in men 20–40 years of age. At the time of diagnosis up to 50% of the patients suffer from metastatic disease. In contrast to most other metastatic solid tumours, the majority of metastatic testicular cancer patients can be cured with highly effective cisplatin-based chemotherapy. This review aims to summarise the current knowledge on response to chemotherapy and the biological basis of cisplatin-induced apoptosis in testicular cancer. The frequent presence of wild-typeTP53and the low levels of p53 in complex with the p53 negative feed-back regulator MDM2 contribute to cisplatin sensitivity. Moreover, the high levels of the pluripotency regulator Oct4 and as a consequence of Oct4 expression high levels of miR-17/106b seed family and pro-apoptotic Noxa and the low levels of cytoplasmic p21 (WAF1/Cip1) appear to be causative for the exquisite sensitivity to cisplatin-based therapy of testicular cancer. However, resistance of testicular cancer to cisplatin-based therapy does occur and can be mediated through aberrant levels of the above mentioned key players. Drugs targeting these key players showed, at least pre-clinically, a sensitising effect to cisplatin treatment. Further clinical development of such treatment strategies will lead to new treatment options for platinum-resistant testicular cancers.
Criteria for Accrediting Expert Wine Judges
Authors: Hodgson Robert , Cao Jing
Published: September 2013

A test for evaluating wine judge performance is developed. The test is based on the premise that an expert wine judge will award similar scores to an identical wine. The definition of “similar” is parameterized to include varying numbers of adjacent awards on an ordinal scale, from No Award to Gold. For each index of similarity, a probability distribution is developed to determine the likelihood that a judge might pass the test by chance alone. When the test is applied to the results from a major wine competition, few judges pass the test. Of greater interest is that many judges who fail the test have vast professional experience in the wine industry. This leads to us to question the basic premise that experts are able to provide consistent evaluations in wine competitions and, hence, that wine competitions do not provide reliable recommendations of wine quality. (JEL Classifications: C02, C12, D81)
Prebiotic consumption in pregnant and lactating women increases IL-27 expression in human milk
Authors: Kubota Takayuki , Shimojo Naoki , Nonaka Ken , Yamashita Masakatsu , Ohara Osamu , Igoshi Yuka , Ozawa Naoko , Nakano Taiji , Morita Yoshinori , Inoue Yuzaburo , Arima Takayasu , Chiba Kohki , Nakamura Yoshitaka , Ikegami Shuji , Masuda Kentaro , Suzuki Shuichi , Kohno Yoichi
Published: September 2013

The consumption of probiotics by pregnant and lactating women may prevent the onset of allergic disorders in their children by increasing the concentrations of immunoactive agents such as cytokines in breast milk. Prebiotics such as fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) increase the number of beneficial organisms such as bifidobacteria. Thus, prebiotics may have an effect similar to that of probiotics. The objective of the present study was to carry out a comprehensive analysis of mRNA expression in human milk cells to identify changes in the concentrations of cytokines in breast milk after the consumption of FOS (4 g × 2 times/d) by pregnant and lactating women. The microarray analysis of human milk cells demonstrated that the expression levels of five genes in colostrum samples and fourteen genes in 1-month breast milk samples differed more than 3-fold between the FOS and control groups (sucrose group). The mRNA expression level ofIL-27, a cytokine associated with immunoregulatory function, was significantly higher in 1-month breast milk samples obtained from the FOS group than in those obtained from the control group. In addition, the protein concentrations of IL-27 in colostrum and 1-month breast milk samples were significantly higher in the FOS group than in the control group. In conclusion, the consumption of FOS by pregnant and lactating women increases the production of IL-27 in breast milk. Future studies will address the association of this phenomenon with the onset of allergic disorders in children.
Long-term resveratrol treatment prevents ovariectomy-induced osteopenia in rats without hyperplastic effects on the uterus
Authors: Zhao Haifeng , Li Xuemin , Li Na , Liu Tiantian , Liu Juan , Li Ziwei , Xiao Huihui , Li Jinhui
Published: September 2013

Resveratrol (Res), a polyphenol that is abundant in many medicinal plants and is a selective oestrogen receptor modulator, exhibits multiple biological activities. In the present study, we determined whether Res prevents oestrogen deficiency-induced osteopenia and whether Res administration decreases pathological changes in the endometrium and lumen of the uterus compared with oestradiol replacement therapy (ERT). A total of sixty 3–4-month-old female Wistar rats were randomly divided into a sham-operated group (Sham) and five ovariectomy (OVX) subgroups, i.e. OVX rats as a control group (OVX); OVX rats receiving oestradiol valerate (ERT, 0·8 mg/kg); and OVX rats receiving Res 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg. Daily oral administration was initiated at week 2 after OVX for 12 weeks. A dose–response difference was observed in the effects of Res on bone mineral density (BMD) and trabecular microarchitecture. Only at the highest dose, bone loss was almost equivalent to that observed in the ERT group. The dose–response effects of Res on the biochemical parameters (alkaline phosphatase, IL-6, TNF-α and transforming growth factor-β1 concentrations in the serum as well as urinary Ca and P excretion) and the expressions of receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) and the RANKL:osteoprotegerin protein ratio in the femur were also observed. Furthermore, the thickening of the endometrium and the infiltration of lymphocytes were prevented in all the three Res-treated groups compared with the ERT group. In conclusion, Res treatment not only improves BMD and trabecular microarchitecture but also does not affect the uterus and Res might be a potential remedy for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Trauma and Its Aftermath: Local Configurations of Reconciliation in Cambodia and the Khmer Rouge Tribunal
Authors: Zucker Eve Monique
Published: September 2013

“I wish for you two boys and two girls,” the elderly man pronounced. He was addressing both myself and my fiancé as he reached out to shake our hands as we were leaving his traditional wooden house. He had told us earlier that he spends his days in this late chapter of his life enjoying his grandchildren and tending his vegetable plot. Now at the door ready to leave I hesitated, not wanting to extend my hand, but then I did so anyway. This grandfather was Nuon Chea, “Brother Number Two” of Cambodia's notorious Khmer Rouge regime, officially known as Democratic Kampuchea (1975–79). The year was 2002. My fiancé, a cameraman, was working with reporter and author Tom Fawthrop on a documentary about former Khmer Rouge leaders' evasion of justice and I had been invited to come along.
Intervention and non-intervention in international society: Britain's responses to the American and Spanish Civil Wars
Authors: LITTLE RICHARD
Published: September 2013

This article aims to show that from the end of the eighteenth century, international order began to be defined in terms of ground rules relating to non-intervention and intervention, with the former being prioritised over the latter. After the Napoleonic wars, within continental Europe there was an attempt to consolidate an intervention ground rule in favour of dynastic legitimacy over the right of self-determination. By contrast, the British and Americans sought to ensure that this ground rule was not extended to the Americas where the ground rule of non-intervention was prioritised. During the nineteenth century, it was the Anglo-American position which came to prevail. Over the same period international order was increasingly bifurcated with the non-intervention ground rule prevailing in the metropolitan core and with the intervention ground rules prevailing in the periphery. This article, however, only focuses on the metropolitan core and draws on two case studies to examine the non-intervention ground rule in very different circumstances. The first examines the British response to the American Civil War in the 1860s during an era of stability in the international order. The second explores the British Response to the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s when the international order was very unstable and giving way to a very different international order.
The long intervention: continuity in the Balkan theatre
Authors: WOODWARD SUSAN L.
Published: September 2013

Great Power intervention in the Balkans since the late nineteenth century shows a striking continuity in motivations, methods, and consequences. The article proposes that current intervention practices are largely a response to the Balkan theatre in the 1990s and thus institutionalise this continuity more than arguments about normative and institutional change since 1990 suggest. Three continuities are emphasised: the concept of a ‘turbulent frontier’ to explain an unintended dynamic of nearly continuous intervention, the importance of local actors' interests (the pull of intervention) alongside those of major power interests (the push), and the primary influence on domestic orders and cause of the ‘turbulence’ of economic relations.
Characterization of a novel international clonal complex (CC32) ofAcinetobacter baumanniiwith epidemic potential
Authors: DA SILVA G. J. , VAN DER REIJDEN T. , DOMINGUES S. , MENDONÇA N. , PETERSEN K. , DIJKSHOORN L.
Published: September 2013

Twelve non-replicateAcinetobacter baumanniiisolates from five European hospitals, Kuwait, and the US military healthcare system collected between 1980 and 2005 revealed a new clone, CC32. These included representative isolates of outbreaks/cross-infections. Antimicrobial susceptibility and carbapenem-resistant genetic traits varied. The widespread occurrence, the association with an outbreak and the carbapenem resistance indicate that CC32 has epidemic potential.
Predictors of influenza in the adult population during seasonal and A(H1N1)pdm09 pandemic influenza periods
Authors: GEFENAITE G. , TACKEN M. , KOLTHOF J. , MULDER B. , KOREVAAR J. C. , STIRBU-WAGNER I. , BOS J. , STOLK R. P. , HAK E.
Published: September 2013

We aimed to assess whether the characteristics of influenza-like illness (ILI) cases in the general population were similar during the seasonal and pandemic A(H1N1)pdm09 influenza periods. We conducted a study using a general population database, which included demographic (sex, age) and clinical (underlying medical conditions, influenza vaccination status) information on more than 80 000 subjects. We assessed the most important predictors of ILI during each season by using multiple logistic regression. We descriptively compared whether they were similar during different seasons. The model, including all demographic and clinical characteristics, showed that age ⩾60 years decreased the odds for ILI by 52% and 81% during the seasonal and A(H1N1)pdm09 pandemic periods, respectively. Being vaccinated decreased the odds of ILI for seasonal influenza by 32%, while suffering from the comorbidities other than lung or cardiovascular diseases doubled the odds of ILI during the A(H1N1)pdm09 pandemic.
SUPERNILPOTENCE PREVENTS DUALIZABILITY
Authors: BENTZ WOLFRAM , MAYR PETER
Published: September 2013

We address the question of the dualizability of nilpotent Mal’cev algebras, showing that nilpotent finite Mal’cev algebras with a nonabelian supernilpotent congruence are inherently nondualizable. In particular, finite nilpotent nonabelian Mal’cev algebras of finite type are nondualizable if they are direct products of algebras of prime power order. We show that these results cannot be generalized to nilpotent algebras by giving an example of a group expansion of infinite type that is nilpotent and nonabelian, but dualizable. To our knowledge this is the first construction of a nonabelian nilpotent dualizable algebra. It has the curious property that all its nonabelian finitary reducts with group operation are nondualizable. We were able to prove dualizability by utilizing a new clone theoretic approach developed by Davey, Pitkethly, and Willard. Our results suggest that supernilpotence plays an important role in characterizing dualizability among Mal’cev algebras.
Had enough of that crummy stuff
Authors: Jacobs Howy
Published: September 2013

The mobile internet, launched amid great fanfare, falls far short of scientists‘ needs and expectations. Howy argues that it's time for a rethink.
Symmetry breaking gives rise to energy spectra of three states of matter
Authors: Bolmatov Dima , Musaev Edvard T. , Trachenko K.
Published: September 2013

A fundamental task of statistical physics is to start with a microscopic Hamiltonian, predict the system's statistical properties and compare them with observable data. A notable current fundamental challenge is to tell whether and how an interacting Hamiltonian predicts different energy spectra, including solid, liquid and gas phases. Here, we propose a new idea that enables a unified description of all three states of matter. We introduce a generic form of an interacting phonon Hamiltonian with ground state configurations minimising the potential. Symmetry breakingSO(3) toSO(2), from the group of rotations in reciprocal space to its subgroup, leads to emergence of energy gaps of shear excitations as a consequence of the Goldstone theorem and readily results in the emergence of energy spectra of solid, liquid and gas phases.
A TFG–TEC nuclear localization mutant forms complexes with the wild-type TFG–TEC oncoprotein and suppresses its activity
Authors: Lim Bobae , Kim Ah-young , Jun Hee Jung , Kim Jungho
Published: September 2013

Human EMCs (extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcomas) are soft tissue tumours characterized by specific chromosomal abnormalities. Recently, a proportion of EMCs were found to harbour a characteristic translocation, t(3;9)(q11-12;q22), involving the TFG (TRK-fused gene) at 3q11-12 and the TEC (translocated in extraskeletal chondrosarcoma) gene at 9q22. The present study used both in vitro and in vivo systems to show that the TFG–TEC protein self-associates, and that this is dependent upon the CC (coiled-coil) domain (amino acids 97–124), the AF1 (activation function 1) domain (amino acids 275–562) and the DBD (DNA-binding domain) (amino acids 563–655). The TFG–TEC protein also associated with a mutant NLS-TFG–TEC (AAAA) protein, which harbours mutations in the NLS (nuclear localization signal). Subcellular localization assays showed that the NLS mutant TFG–TEC (AAAA) protein interfered with the nuclear localization of wild-type TFG–TEC. Most importantly, the mutant protein inhibited TFG–TEC-mediated transcriptional activation in vivo. Thus mutations in the TFG–TEC NLS yield a dominant-negative protein. These results show that the biological functions of the TFG-TEC oncogene can be modulated by a dominant-negative mutant.
Mitochondrial fission mediates ceramide-induced metabolic disruption in skeletal muscle
Authors: Smith Melissa E. , Tippetts Trevor S. , Brassfield Eric S. , Tucker Braden J. , Ockey Adelaide , Swensen Adam C. , Anthonymuthu Tamil S. , Washburn Trevor D. , Kane Daniel A. , Prince John T. , Bikman Benjamin T.
Published: September 2013

Ceramide is a sphingolipid that serves as an important second messenger in an increasing number of stress-induced pathways. Ceramide has long been known to affect the mitochondria, altering both morphology and physiology. We sought to assess the impact of ceramide on skeletal muscle mitochondrial structure and function. A primary observation was the rapid and dramatic division of mitochondria in ceramide-treated cells. This effect is likely to be a result of increased Drp1 (dynamin-related protein 1) action, as ceramide increased Drp1 expression and Drp1 inhibition prevented ceramide-induced mitochondrial fission. Further, we found that ceramide treatment reduced mitochondrial O2 consumption (i.e. respiration) in cultured myotubes and permeabilized red gastrocnemius muscle fibre bundles. Ceramide treatment also increased H2O2 levels and reduced Akt/PKB (protein kinase B) phosphorylation in myotubes. However, inhibition of mitochondrial fission via Drp1 knockdown completely protected the myotubes and fibre bundles from ceramide-induced metabolic disruption, including maintained mitochondrial respiration, reduced H2O2 levels and unaffected insulin signalling. These data suggest that the forced and sustained mitochondrial fission that results from ceramide accrual may alter metabolic function in skeletal muscle, which is a prominent site not only of energy demand (via the mitochondria), but also of ceramide accrual with weight gain.
Defining the interaction of perforin with calcium and the phospholipid membrane
Authors: Traore Daouda A. K. , Brennan Amelia J. , Law Ruby H. P. , Dogovski Con , Perugini Matthew A. , Lukoyanova Natalya , Leung Eleanor W. W. , Norton Raymond S. , Lopez Jamie A. , Browne Kylie A. , Yagita Hideo , Lloyd Gordon J. , Ciccone Annette , Verschoor Sandra , Trapani Joseph A. , Whisstock James C. , Voskoboinik Ilia
Published: September 2013

Following its secretion from cytotoxic lymphocytes into the immune synapse, perforin binds to target cell membranes through its Ca2+-dependent C2 domain. Membrane-bound perforin then forms pores that allow passage of pro-apoptopic granzymes into the target cell. In the present study, structural and biochemical studies reveal that Ca2+ binding triggers a conformational change in the C2 domain that permits four key hydrophobic residues to interact with the plasma membrane. However, in contrast with previous suggestions, these movements and membrane binding do not trigger irreversible conformational changes in the pore-forming MACPF (membrane attack complex/perforin-like) domain, indicating that subsequent monomer–monomer interactions at the membrane surface are required for perforin pore formation.
Blind channel‐shortening for multipath channels using a recursive prediction‐error filter with additional prediction delay
Authors: Dalzell William G. , Cowan Colin F.N.
Published: September 2013

The prediction‐error filter is a well‐known tool for blind communication channel equalisation. For multipath channels, it has two disadvantages considered here. First, in transversal form, it must be substantially longer than the impulse response of the channel, with a consequent high computation cost; second, it cannot fully equalise mixed‐phase channels. Here, the authors examine a recursive version of the linear predictor, used with additional prediction delay for blind channel‐shortening of multipath channels with multi‐carrier modulation signals using a cyclic prefix. The recursive mode of operation allows the filter length to be significantly shorter than in the transversal, non‐recursive form. In tests using modelled channels, they observe two significant results. First, for channels that include maximum‐phase terms, the additional prediction delay ameliorates the filter response to maximum‐phase terms. Thus, channel‐shortening may be achieved, at least partially, unless the maximum‐phase terms are severe. Second, the recursive prediction‐error filter impulse response adapts to a stable minimum‐phase form. This low‐cost technique, then, may be used to augment the use of a cyclic prefix in reducing inter‐symbol interference in multipath channels.
Cooperative communication between cognitive and primary users
Authors: Liang Wei , Ng Soon Xin , Hanzo Lajos
Published: September 2013

The active cooperation between a primary user (PU) and a cognitive user (CU) has the potential of leading to a transmission power reduction and transmission rate increase for both the PU and the CU. Alternatively, the required bandwidth may be reduced and the freed bandwidth may be leased to a group of CUs for their secondary communications. More explicitly, our cooperative protocol allows a CU to serve as a relay node (RN) for relaying the signal of the first PU, which is a source node (SN), to the second PU, which is a destination node (DN). Furthermore, we conceived adaptive turbo trellis coded modulation (ATTCM) for appropriately adjusting both the code rate and the modulation mode according I to the near‐instantaneous channel conditions. More specifically, we propose an ATTCM aided two‐way relaying cooperative CR scheme that maximises the CU's own data rate and improves the exploitation of the bandwidth released by the PUs. Our numerical and simulation results show that the bandwidth reduction attained by the proposed two‐way relay based CR scheme is more than 80% of the PU's bandwidth.
Youth, family change and welfare arrangements
Authors: Moreno Luis , Marí-Klose Pau
Published: September 2013

This paper analyzes the main characteristics and welfare rationale of the Mediterranean typology. Familism, female employment and care are singled out as three representative areas which provide data on the dynamics of continuity and change in the Southern European countries under examination. Particular attention is paid to the increasing female participation in the labour market and the gradual disappearance of the so-called Mediterranean ‘superwomen’. The process of female labour activation is already having a great impact in all activities concerned with the type of care traditionally carried out within Mediterranean households. Final remarks stress the need to pay attention in future research to ongoing societal changes which are bound to have knock-on consequences for Southern European welfare as we have known it until now.
The Southern European migrant-based care model
Authors: Da Roit Barbara , González Ferrer Amparo , Moreno-Fuentes Francisco Javier
Published: September 2013

The development of personal social services and female employment is intertwined, not only in the domain of childcare. With the ageing of the population, the changing forms of care and the developments in the eldercare labour market become crucial issues. The new risk of dependency represents a challenge, but also an opportunity. This paper provides an overview of the relationship between the development of long-term care policies and services in distinct European countries and female employment in the care sector. Whereas Northern European countries have developed policies in the field at an earlier stage and continental countries intervened with new policies in the last 10–15 years, in Southern Europe policies remain weak and fragmented. The paper concentrates on the case of Southern European countries, where the weakness of social policies and low development of services did not prevent the rise of a new care labour market. Next to still low employment rates among women, long-term care tends to be provided mainly by migrant care workers often in the underground economy regardless of their legal status. The last development is a key issue for Southern European countries, as discussed in the paper, not only for the current consequences on migrant workers, older people and their families, but also because it is likely to structure any possible future development in long-term care policies.
RNA-based mechanisms underlying axon guidance
Authors: Shigeoka Toshiaki , Lu Bo , Holt Christine E.
Published: September 2013

Axon guidance plays a key role in establishing neuronal circuitry. The motile tips of growing axons, the growth cones, navigate by responding directionally to guidance cues that pattern the embryonic neural pathways via receptor-mediated signaling. Evidence in vitro in the last decade supports the notion that RNA-based mechanisms contribute to cue-directed steering during axon guidance. Different cues trigger translation of distinct subsets of mRNAs and localized translation provides precise spatiotemporal control over the growth cone proteome in response to localized receptor activation. Recent evidence has now demonstrated a role for localized translational control in axon guidance decisions in vivo.
Hexokinase–mitochondrial interactions regulate glucose metabolism differentially in adult and neonatal cardiac myocytes
Authors: Calmettes Guillaume , John Scott A. , Weiss James N. , Ribalet Bernard
Published: September 2013

In mammalian tumor cell lines, localization of hexokinase (HK) isoforms to the cytoplasm or mitochondria has been shown to control their anabolic (glycogen synthesis) and catabolic (glycolysis) activities. In this study, we examined whether HK isoform differences could explain the markedly different metabolic profiles between normal adult and neonatal cardiac tissue. We used a set of novel genetically encoded optical imaging tools to track, in real-time in isolated adult (ARVM) and neonatal (NRVM) rat ventricular myocytes, the subcellular distributions of HKI and HKII, and the functional consequences on glucose utilization. We show that HKII, the predominant isoform in ARVM, dynamically translocates from mitochondria and cytoplasm in response to removal of extracellular glucose or addition of iodoacetate (IAA). In contrast, HKI, the predominant isoform in NRVM, is only bound to mitochondria and is not displaced by the above interventions. In ARVM, overexpression of HKI, but not HKII, increased glycolytic activity. In neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NVRM), knockdown of HKI, but not HKII, decreased glycolytic activity. In conclusion, differential interactions of HKI and HKII with mitochondria underlie the different metabolic profiles of ARVM and NRVM, accounting for the markedly increased glycolytic activity of NRVM.
Calmodulin-dependent activation and inactivation of anoctamin calcium-gated chloride channels
Authors: Vocke Kerstin , Dauner Kristin , Hahn Anne , Ulbrich Anne , Broecker Jana , Keller Sandro , Frings Stephan , Möhrlen Frank
Published: September 2013

Calcium-dependent chloride channels serve critical functions in diverse biological systems. Driven by cellular calcium signals, the channels codetermine excitatory processes and promote solute transport. The anoctamin (ANO) family of membrane proteins encodes three calcium-activated chloride channels, named ANO 1 (also TMEM16A), ANO 2 (also TMEM16B), and ANO 6 (also TMEM16F). Here we examined how ANO 1 and ANO 2 interact with Ca2+/calmodulin using nonstationary current analysis during channel activation. We identified a putative calmodulin-binding domain in the N-terminal region of the channel proteins that is involved in channel activation. Binding studies with peptides indicated that this domain, a regulatory calmodulin-binding motif (RCBM), provides two distinct modes of interaction with Ca2+/calmodulin, one at submicromolar Ca2+ concentrations and one in the micromolar Ca2+ range. Functional, structural, and pharmacological data support the concept that calmodulin serves as a calcium sensor that is stably associated with the RCBM domain and regulates the activation of ANO 1 and ANO 2 channels. Moreover, the predominant splice variant of ANO 2 in the brain exhibits Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent inactivation, a loss of channel activity within 30 s. This property may curtail ANO 2 activity during persistent Ca2+ signals in neurons. Mutagenesis data indicated that the RCBM domain is also involved in ANO 2 inactivation, and that inactivation is suppressed in the retinal ANO 2 splice variant. These results advance the understanding of Ca2+ regulation in anoctamin Cl− channels and its significance for the physiological function that anoctamin channels subserve in neurons and other cell types.
Algebraic entropy, automorphisms and sparsity of algebraic dynamical systems and pseudorandom number generators
Authors: Gómez-Pérez Domingo , Ostafe Alina , Shparlinski Igor
Published: September 2013

We present several general results that show how algebraic dynamical systems with a slow degree growth and also rational automorphisms can be used to construct stronger pseudorandom number generators. We then give several concrete constructions that illustrate the applicability of these general results.
GPCR ontology: development and application of a G protein-coupled receptor pharmacology knowledge framework
Authors: Przydzial Magdalena J. , Bhhatarai Barun , Koleti Amar , Vempati Uma , Schürer Stephan C.
Published: September 2013

Motivation: Novel tools need to be developed to help scientists analyze large amounts of available screening data with the goal to identify entry points for the development of novel chemical probes and drugs. As the largest class of drug targets, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) remain of particular interest and are pursued by numerous academic and industrial research projects.

Results: We report the first GPCR ontology to facilitate integration and aggregation of GPCR-targeting drugs and demonstrate its application to classify and analyze a large subset of the PubChem database. The GPCR ontology, based on previously reported BioAssay Ontology, depicts available pharmacological, biochemical and physiological profiles of GPCRs and their ligands. The novelty of the GPCR ontology lies in the use of diverse experimental datasets linked by a model to formally define these concepts. Using a reasoning system, GPCR ontology offers potential for knowledge-based classification of individuals (such as small molecules) as a function of the data.

Availability: The GPCR ontology is available at http://www.bioassayontology.org/bao_gpcr and the National Center for Biomedical Ontologies Web site.

Contact:  sschurer@med.miami.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
BooleSim: an interactive Boolean network simulator
Authors: Bock Matthias , Scharp Till , Talnikar Chaitanya , Klipp Edda
Published: September 2013

Summary: BooleSim (Boolean network simulator) is an open-source in-browser tool for simulation and manipulation of Boolean networks. It was developed mainly during Google’s Summer of Code 2012 and uses the biographer project for network visualization. It can be used specifically for the modeling of gene regulatory or signal transduction networks.

Availability and implementation: BooleSim is free software and can be downloaded from GitHub (https://github.com/matthiasbock/BooleSim). Online version available at http://rumo.biologie.hu-berlin.de/boolesim/.

Contact:  edda.klipp@rz.hu-berlin.de
Ternary Diophantine equations of signature (p, p, 3)
Authors: Bennett Michael A. , Vatsal Vinayak , Yazdani Soroosh
Published: September 2013

In this paper, we develop machinery to solve ternary Diophantine equations of the shape Ax
n
+ By
n
= C z3 for various choices of coefficients (A, B, C). As a byproduct of this, we show, if p is prime, that the equation x
n
+ y
n
= pz3 has no solutions in coprime integers x and y with |xy| > 1 and prime n > p4p2. The techniques employed enable us to classify all elliptic curves over $\mathbb{Q}$ with a rational 3-torsion point and good reduction outside the set {3, p}, for a fixed prime p.
Effects of Heater Orientations on the Natural Circulation and Heat Transfer in a Supercritical CO2 Rectangular Loop
Authors: Chen Lin , Zhang Xin-Rong , Jiang Bin
Published: September 2013

Supercritical fluid based heat transfer loop (NCL) has become a hot topic in energy conversion systems. In such systems, supercritical natural convection stability and heat transfer conditions are crucial for design and safe operation. In the present study, numerical simulations were performed to investigate the influences of heater orientations on the performance of supercritical CO2 based circulation loops. The numerical model is based on Navier-Stokes equations with supercritical turbulence effects considered. It is found that the heat source location has significant influence on the flow pattern and system heat transfer. Vertical heating cases are found stable in a wide range of heat flux conditions due to the changes of buoyancy force torques across the NCLs, while horizontal heating cases show transition heat flux and oscillations are still seen. However, the influence of heat source location is less significant on the heat transfer characteristics. The effect of cooler heat transfer is found of special importance for the heat transfer and system stability behaviors. The NCL flow and heat transfer correlations are also compared in this study, and it is recommended that more numerical and experimental studies be made in the future.
Reconstruction of Extreme Events Through Numerical Simulations
Authors: Slunyaev Alexey , Pelinovsky Efim , Guedes Soares C.
Published: September 2013

In this paper, some abnormal or rogue wave events registered in the North Sea by means of the surface elevation measurements are reconstructed with the help of theoretical models for water waves and numerical simulations of wave evolution. Time series of surface elevation, which are measured at a single point, provide incomplete information about the waves. The registered time series are used to restore the wave dynamics under reasonable assumptions. Different frameworks associated with the relation between the surface elevation and the fluid velocity fields are considered, and different numerical models are used to simulate the wave dynamics in time and space. It is shown that for some abnormal or rogue wave records the result of the extreme event reconstruction is robust. In particular, the verification of approximate approaches versus the fully nonlinear numerical simulation is performed. The reconstructed rogue wave is generally less steep than the measured one. Possible reasons for this discrepancy are suggested.
Sediment Characteristics as a Function of Variable Hydrodynamics in a Tidal Flat of the Yellow River Delta, China
Authors: Zheng Jiewen , Jia Yonggang , Liu Xiaolei , Shan Hongxian
Published: September 2013

The role of hydrodynamics in the secondary reworking of sediment in a tidal flat of the Yellow River delta was studied. Field hydrodynamic conditions were measured in the study area, and subsurface and surface samples at selected points were collected. Laboratory analyses were performed to measure variations in the grain sizes, mineral constituents, and microstructures of the sediment. Moreover, fractal dimension calculations were introduced to obtain additional quantitative sedimentological data. The results of the studies indicate clear responses of the seabed sediment to variations in the hydrodynamic conditions both in the vertical profile and in a seaward transect and indicate that hydrodynamic changes can play a significant role in sculpting the topographic features of tidal flats.
Load Capacity of a Grooved Circular Step Thrust Bearing
Authors: Hossain M. Zakir , Razzaque M. Mahbubur
Published: September 2013

A parametric analysis based on narrow groove theory (NGT) has been presented for estimating the load capacity of a grooved circular step thrust bearing. Three types of grooving arrangements of the bearing surface, namely, (a) both the step and the recess are grooved, (b) only the step is grooved, and (c) only the recess is grooved, are considered. It is found that grooving in the step provides the most significant enhancement on the load capacity. The load capacity and the pumping power loss are affected by the step location, step height, and inertia. There is no benefit of making step location smaller than 0.6 that corresponds to the minimum power loss due to pumping. At a very large value of step location, say 0.85, the load capacity drops drastically. To take advantage of inertia as well as grooving, the dimensionless step location should be 0.6 ∼ 0.85 and the dimensionless step height should be less than 5. The load capacity also depends on groove geometry parameters such as groove inclination, groove depth, and fraction of area grooved. The groove inclination angle has been found to be the most important parameter that determines the increase or decrease in load capacity. For the most enhancement of load capacity, the inclination angle should be 135 deg with the direction of rotation, the groove depth should be at least twice the minimum film thickness, and the fraction of the step surface area grooved should be around 0.5.
Modeling the Flexural Dynamic Behavior of Axially Moving Continua by Using the Finite Element Method
Authors: Tonoli Andrea , Zenerino Enrico , Amati Nicola
Published: September 2013

Mechanical systems including conveyor belts, band saw blades, and power transmission belts are influenced by the lateral motion of the moving structure. This phenomenon was studied in the literature both using the theory of the continuous linear and nonlinear systems and following the multibody technique. The subject is studied by using the finite element method (FEM) validated with reference to the analytical models described in the literature. The contributions of the Coriolis forces, the negative stiffness linked to the transport speed, and the bending stiffness due to the transverse moment of inertia are discussed. The dynamic behavior of a prototypical belt transmission layout with two fixed pulleys and an automatic tensioner is then analyzed. The results show the effect of the transport speed on the reduction of the flexural natural frequencies of the mode shapes strictly related to the lateral motion of the belt span and evidence the design strategy that needs to be followed for a correct operation of the whole system.