bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospective for graphene based thermal mid-infrared light emitting devices
Authors: Lawton L. M. , Mahlmeister N. H. , Luxmoore I. J. , Nash G. R.
Published: September 2014

We have investigated the spatial and spectral characteristics of mid-infrared thermal emission from large area Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) graphene, transferred onto SiO2/Si, and show that the emission is broadly that of a grey-body emitter, with emissivity values of approximately 2% and 6% for mono- and multilayer graphene. For the currents used, which could be sustained for over one hundred hours, the emission peaked at a wavelength of around 4 μm and covered the characteristic absorption of many important gases. A measurable modulation of thermal emission was obtained even when the drive current was modulated at frequencies up to 100 kHz.
Electrical transport properties of (BN)-rich hexagonal (BN)C semiconductor alloys
Authors: Uddin M. R. , Doan T. C. , Li J. , Ziemer K. S. , Lin J. Y. , Jiang H. X.
Published: September 2014

The layer structured hexagonal boron nitride carbon semiconductor alloys, h-(BN)C, offer the unique abilities of bandgap engineering (from 0 for graphite to ∼6.4 eV for h-BN) and electrical conductivity control (from semi-metal for graphite to insulator for undoped h-BN) through alloying and have the potential to complement III-nitride wide bandgap semiconductors and carbon based nanostructured materials. Epilayers of (BN)-rich h-(BN)1-x(C2)x alloys were synthesized by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) on (0001) sapphire substrates. Hall-effect measurements revealed that homogeneous (BN)-rich h-(BN)1-x(C2)x alloys are naturally n-type. For alloys with x = 0.032, an electron mobility of about 20 cm2/Vs at 650 °K was measured. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to determine the chemical composition and analyze chemical bonding states. Both composition and chemical bonding analysis confirm the formation of alloys. XPS results indicate that the carbon concentration in the alloys increases almost linearly with the flow rate of the carbon precursor (propane (C3H8)) employed during the epilayer growth. XPS chemical bonding analysis showed that these MOCVD grown alloys possess more C-N bonds than C-B bonds, which possibly renders the undoped h-(BN)1-x(C2)x alloys n-type and corroborates the Hall-effect measurement results.
Point defect balance in epitaxial GaSb
Authors: Segercrantz N. , Slotte J. , Makkonen I. , Kujala J. , Tuomisto F. , Song Y. , Wang S.
Published: September 2014

Positron annihilation spectroscopy in both conventional and coincidence Doppler broadening mode is used for studying the effect of growth conditions on the point defect balance in GaSb:Bi epitaxial layers grown by molecular beam epitaxy. Positron annihilation characteristics in GaSb are also calculated using density functional theory and compared to experimental results. We conclude that while the main positron trapping defect in bulk samples is the Ga antisite, the Ga vacancy is the most prominent trap in the samples grown by molecular beam epitaxy. The results suggest that the p–type conductivity is caused by different defects in GaSb grown with different methods.
Exchange bias effect in Ti doped nanocrystalline SrFeO3-δ
Authors: Sendil Kumar A. , Srinath S.
Published: September 2014

Materials of Ti doped nanocrystalline SrFeO3-δ were synthesized through solid state reaction. Detailed magnetization measurements were carried out in zero field cooled (ZFC) and field cooled (FC) conditions. Compounds of SrFe1-xTixO3-δ (x = 0.1 to 0.3) are found to be spin glass and parent compound is a helical antiferromagnet. Non magnetic Ti4+ reduces the strength of exchange interactions and the curvature of hysteresis is changed towards concave nature. Exchange bias is observed below the peak temperature (irreversibility in magnetization (TIrr)) in ZFC-FC of SrFe1-xTixO3-δ (x = 0 to 0.3). The coercivity and exchange bias field values are found to be decreases with increase in temperature. Observed exchange bias effect is attributed to competition between antiferromagnetic superexchange and ferromagnetic double exchange interactions.
Data and indicators for evidence-based livestock sector policies and investments.
Authors: Pica-Ciamarra U. , Baker D.
Published: September 2014

Livestock sector policies' and investments' effectiveness is enhanced by their evidence base. However, the lack of mainstream literature on the information needs of decision-makers makes it difficult to appreciate the data and indicators necessary for effective policies and investments. This review systematizes the types of data and indicators that decision-makers need for effectively formulating and implementing policies and investments in the livestock sector through the various phases of the decision-making process. These span the large set of tasks associated with assessing the contribution of livestock to development, to identifying priority areas of investments, to monitoring and evaluation. Six domains for such data are identified and discussed, with key contributions from the literature identified. Basic data and indicators provide critical information to decision-makers, with statistical analyses linking inputs and outputs further improving the decision-making processes. However, these are rarely readily available to draft an evidence-based policy implementation plan. Indeed, the implementation of policy reforms and investments usually co-occurs with some form of institutional change - new ways of doing things - which calls for changed behaviours for both implementers and beneficiaries. Elements of a statistical system that is largely effective in promoting sustainable development of the livestock sector generally is one that generates good quality livestock data and indicators representative of the country as a whole and major livestock production systems, uses inclusive participatory policy processes and consultation with experts, synthesizes existing experience and analysis, and uses both rigorous ex
ante
analysis and pilots to assist decision-makers in designing and executing policies and investments, and implementing monitoring and evaluation.
Healthcare-Associated Infections among Patients in a Large Burn Intensive Care Unit: Incidence and Pathogens, 2008–2012
Authors: Weber David J. , van Duin David , DiBiase Lauren M. , Hultman Charles Scott , Jones Samuel W. , Lachiewicz Anne M. , Sickbert-Bennett Emily E. , Brooks Rebecca H. , Cairns Bruce A. , Rutala William A.
Published: September 2014

Burn injuries are a common source of morbidity and mortality in the United States, with an estimated 450,000 burn injuries requiring medical treatment, 40,000 requiring hospitalization, and 3,400 deaths from burns annually in the United States. Patients with severe burns are at high risk for local and systemic infections. Furthermore, burn patients are immunosuppressed, as thermal injury results in less phagocytic activity and lymphokine production by macrophages. In recent years, multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens have become major contributors to morbidity and mortality in burn patients.

Since only limited data are available on the incidence of both device- and nondevice-associated healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in burn patients, we undertook this retrospective cohort analysis of patients admitted to our burn intensive care unit (ICU) from 2008 to 2012.
Substantial Shifts in Ranking of California Hospitals by Hospital-Associated Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureusInfection Following Adjustment for Hospital Characteristics and Case Mix
Authors: Tehrani David M. , Phelan Michael J. , Cao Chenghua , Billimek John , Datta Rupak , Nguyen Hoanglong , Kwark Homin , Huang Susan S.
Published: September 2014

Background.

States have established public reporting of hospital-associated (HA) infections—including those of methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA)—but do not account for hospital case mix or postdischarge events

Objective.

Identify facility-level characteristics associated with HA-MRSA infection admissions and create adjusted hospital rankings.

Methods.

A retrospective cohort study of 2009–2010 California acute care hospitals. We defined HA-MRSA admissions as involving MRSA pneumonia or septicemia events arising during hospitalization or within 30 days after discharge. We used mandatory hospitalization and US Census data sets to generate hospital population characteristics by summarizing across admissions. Facility-level factors associated with hospitals’ proportions of HA-MRSA infection admissions were identified using generalized linear models. Using state methodology, hospitals were categorized into 3 tiers of HA-MRSA infection prevention performance, using raw and adjusted values.

Results.

Among 323 hospitals, a median of 16 HA-MRSA infections (range, 0–102) per 10,000 admissions was found. Hospitals serving a greater proportion of patients who had serious comorbidities, were from low-education zip codes, and were discharged to locations other than home were associated with higher HA-MRSA infection risk. Total concordance between all raw and adjusted hospital rankings was 0.45 (95% confidence interval, 0.40–0.51). Among 53 community hospitals in the poor-performance category, more than 20% moved into the average-performance category after adjustment. Similarly, among 71 hospitals in the superior-performance category, half moved into the average-performance category after adjustment.

Conclusions.

When adjusting for nonmodifiable facility characteristics and case mix, hospital rankings based on HA-MRSA infections substantially changed. Quality indicators for hospitals require adequate adjustment for patient population characteristics for valid interhospital performance comparisons.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2014;35(10):1263–1270
GenPlay Multi-Genome, a tool to compare and analyze multiple human genomes in a graphical interface
Authors: Lajugie Julien , Fourel Nicolas , Bouhassira Eric E.
Published: September 2014

Summary: Parallel visualization of multiple individual human genomes is a complex endeavor that is rapidly gaining importance with the increasing number of personal, phased and cancer genomes that are being generated. It requires the display of variants such as SNPs, indels and structural variants that are unique to specific genomes and the introduction of multiple overlapping gaps in the reference sequence. Here, we describe GenPlay Multi-Genome, an application specifically written to visualize and analyze multiple human genomes in parallel. GenPlay Multi-Genome is ideally suited for the comparison of allele-specific expression and functional genomic data obtained from multiple phased genomes in a graphical interface with access to multiple-track operation. It also allows the analysis of data that have been aligned to custom genomes rather than to a standard reference and can be used as a variant calling format file browser and as a tool to compare different genome assembly, such as hg19 and hg38.

Availability and implementation: GenPlay is available under the GNU public license (GPL-3) from http://genplay.einstein.yu.edu . The source code is available at https://github.com/JulienLajugie/GenPlay

Contact:  eric.bouhassira@einstein.yu.edu or julien.lajugie@gmail.com

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Functional brain networks: great expectations, hard times and the big leap forward
Authors: Papo David , Zanin Massimiliano , Pineda-Pardo José Angel , Boccaletti Stefano , Buldú Javier M.
Published: September 2014

Many physical and biological systems can be studied using complex network theory, a new statistical physics understanding of graph theory. The recent application of complex network theory to the study of functional brain networks has generated great enthusiasm as it allows addressing hitherto non-standard issues in the field, such as efficiency of brain functioning or vulnerability to damage. However, in spite of its high degree of generality, the theory was originally designed to describe systems profoundly different from the brain. We discuss some important caveats in the wholesale application of existing tools and concepts to a field they were not originally designed to describe. At the same time, we argue that complex network theory has not yet been taken full advantage of, as many of its important aspects are yet to make their appearance in the neuroscience literature. Finally, we propose that, rather than simply borrowing from an existing theory, functional neural networks can inspire a fundamental reformulation of complex network theory, to account for its exquisitely complex functioning mode.
Mucosal effects of tenofovir 1% gel
Authors: Hladik Florian , Burgener Adam , Ballweber Lamar , Gottardo Raphael , Fourati Slim , Dai James Y , Cameron Mark J , Vojtech Lucia , Strobl Johanna , Hughes Sean M , Hoesley Craig , Andrew Philip , Johnson Sherri , Piper Jeanna , Friend David R , Ball T Blake , Cranston Ross D. , Mayer Kenneth H , McElrath M Juliana , McGowan Ian
Published: September 2014

BACKGROUND Tenofovir gel is being evaluated for vaginal and rectal pre-exposure prophylaxis against sexual HIV transmission. Because this is a new prevention strategy targeting large numbers of healthy people, we broadly assessed its effects on the mucosa. METHODS AND FINDINGS In MTN-007, a phase 1, randomized, double-blinded rectal microbicide trial, we used systems genomics/proteomics to determine the effect of tenofovir 1% gel, nonoxynol-9 2% gel, placebo gel or no treatment on rectal biopsies taken at baseline, after one application or after seven daily applications (15 subjects/arm). Experiments were repeated using primary vaginal epithelial cells from four healthy women. After seven days of administration, tenofovir 1% gel had broad-ranging biological effects on the rectal mucosa, which were much more pronounced than—but different from—those caused by the detergent nonoxynol-9. Tenofovir profoundly suppressed anti-inflammatory mediators such as interleukin 10; increased T cell densities; caused mitochondrial dysfunction, possibly by blocking PNPT1 expression; and altered regulatory pathways of cell differentiation and survival. Except for leukocyte-derived factors, all these effects were replicated in primary vaginal epithelial cells, which also proliferated significantly faster in tenofovir’s presence. CONCLUSIONS Tenofovir’s suppression of anti-inflammatory activity could diminish its prophylactic efficacy over time. The breadth of mucosal changes, including mitochondrial dysfunction and epithelial proliferation, raises questions about its safety for long-term topical use. These findings suggest that a systems biology evaluation of mucosal effects may be beneficial before advancing to large-scale efficacy trials with topical HIV prevention agents that achieve high, long-lasting local drug concentrations.
Conditional U1 Gene Silencing inToxoplasma gondii
Authors: Pieperhoff Manuela S. , Pall Gurman S. , Jiménez-Ruiz Elena , Das Sujaan , Wong Eleanor H , Heng Joanne , Müller Sylke , Blackman Michael J , Meissner Markus
Published: September 2014

In absence of powerful siRNA approaches, the functional characterisation of essential genes in apicomplexan parasites, such asToxoplasma gondiiorPlasmodium falciparum,relies on conditional mutagenesis systems. Here we present a novel strategy based on U1 snRNP-mediated gene silencing. U1 snRNP is critical in pre-mRNA splicing by defining the exonintron boundaries. When a U1 recognition site is placed into the 3’-terminal exon or adjacent to the termination codon, pre-mRNA is cleaved at the 3’-end and degraded, leading to an efficient knockdown of the gene of interest (GOI). Here we describe a simple one-step approach that combines endogenous tagging with DiCre-mediated positioning of U1 recognition sites adjacent to the termination codon of the GOI which leads to a conditional knockdown of the GOI inKu80knockout and RHT. gondiitachyzoites. Specific knockdown mutants of the reporter gene GFP and several endogenous genes ofT. gondiiincluding the clathrin heavy chain gene 1(chc1), the vacuolar protein sorting gene 26 (vps26), and the dynamin-related protein C gene (drpC)were silenced using this new approach. This new gene silencing tool kit allows protein tracking and functional studies simultaneously.
Double-bromo and extraterminal (BET) domain proteins regulate dendrite morphology and mechanosensory function
Authors: Bagley Joshua A. , Yan Zhiqiang , Zhang Wei , Wildonger Jill , Jan Lily Yeh , Jan Yuh Nung
Published: September 2014

A complex array of genetic factors regulates neuronal dendrite morphology. Epigenetic regulation of gene expression represents a plausible mechanism to control pathways responsible for specific dendritic arbor shapes. By studying the Drosophila dendritic arborization (da) neurons, we discovered a role of the double-bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) family proteins in regulating dendrite arbor complexity. A loss-of-function mutation in the single Drosophila BET protein encoded by female sterile 1 homeotic [fs(1)h] causes loss of fine, terminal dendritic branches. Moreover, fs(1)h is necessary for the induction of branching caused by a previously identified transcription factor, Cut (Ct), which regulates subtype-specific dendrite morphology. Finally, disrupting fs(1)h function impairs the mechanosensory response of class III da sensory neurons without compromising the expression of the ion channel NompC, which mediates the mechanosensitive response. Thus, our results identify a novel role for BET family proteins in regulating dendrite morphology and a possible separation of developmental pathways specifying neural cell morphology and ion channel expression. Since the BET proteins are known to bind acetylated histone tails, these results also suggest a role of epigenetic histone modifications and the “histone code,” in regulating dendrite morphology.
A CRISPR view of development
Authors: Harrison Melissa M. , Jenkins Brian V. , O’Connor-Giles Kate M. , Wildonger Jill
Published: September 2014

The CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat)–Cas9 (CRISPR-associated nuclease 9) system is poised to transform developmental biology by providing a simple, efficient method to precisely manipulate the genome of virtually any developing organism. This RNA-guided nuclease (RGN)-based approach already has been effectively used to induce targeted mutations in multiple genes simultaneously, create conditional alleles, and generate endogenously tagged proteins. Illustrating the adaptability of RGNs, the genomes of >20 different plant and animal species as well as multiple cell lines and primary cells have been successfully modified. Here we review the current and potential uses of RGNs to investigate genome function during development.
Preparation of Crude Rough Microsomes from Tissue Culture Cells
Authors: Sabatini David D.
Published: September 2014

There are various procedures for isolating microsomal fractions from tissue culture cells. The essential conditions for each step of one procedure are described here. Notes for special circumstances are included so that the procedure can be modified according to the experimental purpose.
LysoTracker Staining to Aid in Monitoring Autophagy in Drosophila
Authors: DeVorkin Lindsay , Gorski Sharon M.
Published: September 2014

LysoTracker is an acidotropic dye that stains cellular acidic compartments, including lysosomes and autolysosomes. LysoTracker has been used to detect autophagy-associated lysosomal activity in Drosophila tissues including the fat body, midgut, salivary gland and ovary, as well as in Drosophila cell culture. A low level of LysoTracker staining can be observed under resting or well-fed conditions, and is increased following autophagic stimuli such as starvation. Here we provide a protocol for examining LysoTracker levels in Drosophila cultured cells in vitro using standard cell culture methods and flow cytometry. We also describe how to examine LysoTracker in fixed and nonfixed Drosophila tissues using fluorescence microscopy. Ovary tissue is used as an example. Dissections of ovaries are relatively easy to perform, given their large size.
Preparation of Cross-Linked Cellular Extracts with Formaldehyde
Authors: Nilsen Timothy W.
Published: September 2014

Formaldehyde is a powerful cross-linking agent that elicits protein–protein and protein–nucleic acid cross-links. This protocol describes the formaldehyde cross-linking of intact cells followed by either the preparation of a whole-cell extract by sonication or the preparation of nuclear and cytoplasmic extracts by fractionation. Cross-linked extracts are treated with high salt or sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) to disrupt non-cross-linked aggregates. Protein–protein and protein–nucleic acid interactions can then be studied by purifying the components of interest from the extracts (e.g., using immunoprecipitation). Formaldehyde cross-links are reversible by heat.
Biocytin Staining of Glia and Neurons in Brain Slices
Authors: Kang Jian
Published: September 2014

This protocol describes the use of biocytin to visualize and distinguish the morphology of glia and neurons in rat brain slices. Patch pipettes are used to load biocytin into different cell types. The slices are subsequently fixed, stained, and mounted in preparation for imaging.
Grating Imager Systems for Fluorescence Optical-Sectioning Microscopy
Authors: Lanni Frederick
Published: September 2014

In fluorescence microscopy, optical sectioning is defined as the attenuation or removal of out-of-focus features from an image, and it is a prerequisite for quantitative analysis of three-dimensional structure or function within the specimen. Optical sectioning is most commonly performed by confocal scanning fluorescence microscopy or two-photon scanning fluorescence microscopy. However, structured illumination can be used in conventional fluorescence microscopes to obtain optical sectioning performance, and, in advanced systems, 3D superresolution. The simplest structured-illumination system uses a Ronchi grating as a mask to project parallel stripes within the sharp depth-of-focus of the objective to encode in-focus specimen features differently from out-of-focus features. By shifting the grating, the in-focus image component can be discriminated and separated by elementary image processing operations. This implementation of structured illumination, the fluorescence grating imager, uses a conventional light source, is compatible with all high-quality fluorescence filter sets, and provides high optical-sectioning performance when used to image specimens in which (1) the out-of-focus image component is not much brighter than the in-focus features and (2) there is no significant movement in the specimen during the grating shift and image capture process.
Imaging Neuronal Population Activity in Awake and Anesthetized Rodents
Authors: Greenberg David S. , Wallace Damian J. , Kerr Jason N.D.
Published: September 2014

Recent advances in in vivo two-photon imaging have extended the technique to permit the detection of action potentials (APs) in populations of spatially resolved neurons in awake animals. Although experimentally demanding, this technique’s potential applications include experiments to investigate perception, behavior, and other awake states. Here we outline experimental procedures for imaging neuronal populations in awake and anesthetized rodents. Details are provided on habituation to head fixation, surgery, head plate design, and dye injection. Determination of AP detection accuracy through simultaneous optical and electrophysiological recordings is also discussed. Basic problems of data analysis are considered, such as correction of signal background and baseline drift, AP detection, and motion correction. As an application of the method, the comparison of neuronal activity across arousal states is considered in detail, and some future directions are discussed.
Crystal structure of bis{μ-4,4′-[1,3-phenylenebis(oxy)]dibenzoato-κ4O,O′:O′′,O′′′}bis[(1,10-phenanthroline-κ2N,N′)zinc(II)] dihydrate
Authors: Li Ya-Ping , Han Li-Ying , Ming Julia , Zang Hu , Su Guan-Fang
Published: September 2014

Two 4,4′-[1,3-phenylenebis(oxy)]dibenzoate anions bridge two 1,10-phenanthroline-chelated ZnIIcations about a center of inversion to generate the dinuclear title compound, [Zn2(C20H12O6)2(C12H8N2)2]·2H2O. The geometry about the ZnIIatom is a distorted octahedron. In the crystal, the molecules are connected by classical O—H...O hydrogen bonds, weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds and C—H...π interactions, forming a three dimensional network. π–π stacking is also observed between aromatic rings of adjacent molecules, centroid–centroid distances are 3.753 (2), 3.5429 (16) and 3.5695 (17) Å.
Crystal structure of 4-chloro-N-{[1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)piperidin-4-yl]methyl}benzamide monohydrate
Authors: Prathebha K. , Reuben Jonathan D. , Sathya S. , Jovita J. , Usha G.
Published: September 2014

In the title compound, C20H20Cl2N2O2·H2O, the piperidine ring adopts a chair conformation with the two substituent benzene rings inclined to one another [dihedral angle 84.63 (9)°]. In the crystal, the components are linked by Ow—H...O, N—H...Ow (w = water) and C—H...O hydrogen bonds, generating a sheet structure lying parallel to (101).
Thinking aloud: effects on text comprehension by children with specific language impairment and their peers
Authors: McClintock Brenna , Pesco Diane , Martin‐Chang Sandra
Published: September 2014

Background

Many lines of evidence now suggest that inferencing plays a substantial role in text comprehension. However, inferencing appears to be difficult for children with language impairments, many of whom are also struggling readers.

Aims

To assess the effects of a ‘think‐aloud’ procedure on inference generation and narrative text comprehension by children with expressive–receptive specific language impairment (SLI) and age‐matched peers with typical language development (TLD).

Methods & Procedures

An SLI group (n = 12; mean age = 10;5) and an age‐matched TLD group (n = 12) participated in the study. Narrative passages were read silently by participants and simultaneously read aloud by the examiner in two conditions: (1) uninterrupted reading and (2) a think‐aloud, in which children verbalized their understanding as the text was read. Following the passages in both conditions, children responded to comprehension questions requiring either literal or inferential information (specifically, ‘informational’ and ‘causal’ inferences). The children's comprehension scores were analysed by group, condition and question type. The statements children generated during the think‐aloud were also compared by group and examined in relation to children's comprehension scores.

Outcomes & Results

The SLI group scored lower than the TLD group on all questions (literal, informational and causal), in both conditions. For both groups, however, comprehension scores on all three types of questions increased when the think‐aloud procedure was implemented. During the think‐aloud, the SLI group generated a comparable number of literal statements compared with the TLD group, but fewer informational and causal statements. The number of causal statements children made correlated with their scores on the inferential comprehension questions.

Conclusions & Implications

Children with expressive–receptive SLI showed poorer comprehension of narrative texts than children with TLD, as expected. However, both groups’ comprehension improved when participating in the think‐aloud condition. While further investigation is warranted, the think‐aloud procedure shows promise as a strategy to enhance narrative text comprehension in school‐age children with, and without, language impairments.
Transmasculine people's vocal situations: a critical review of gender‐related discourses and empirical data
Authors: Azul David
Published: September 2014

Background

Transmasculine people assigned female sex at birth but who do not identify with this classification have traditionally received little consideration in the voice literature. Some voice researchers and clinicians suggest that transmasculine people do not need attention because testosterone treatment leads to a satisfactory masculinization of their voice organs and voices. Others, however, argue that transmasculine people are a heterogeneous group whose members might not share the same body type, gender identity or desire for medical approaches to gender transitioning. Therefore, testosterone‐induced voice changes may not necessarily meet the needs and expectations of all transmasculine people.

Aims

To evaluate the gender‐related discursive and empirical data about transmasculine people's vocal situations to identify gaps in the current state of knowledge and to make suggestions for future voice research and clinical practice.

Methods & Procedures

A comprehensive review of peer‐reviewed academic and clinical literature was conducted. Publications were identified by searching seven electronic databases and bibliographies of relevant articles. Thirty‐one publications met inclusion criteria. Discourses and empirical data were analysed thematically. Potential problem areas that transmasculine people may experience were identified and the quality of evidence appraised.

Main Contribution

The extent and quality of voice research conducted with transmasculine people so far was found to be limited. There was mixed evidence to suggest that transmasculine people's vocal situations could be regarded as problematic. The diversity that characterizes the transmasculine population received little attention and the complexity of the factors that contribute to a successful or unsuccessful vocal communication of gender in this group appeared to be under‐researched. While most transmasculine people treated with testosterone can expect a lowering of their pitch, it remains unclear whether the extent of the pitch change is enough to result in a voice that is recognized by others as male.

Conclusions & Implications

More research into the different factors affecting transmasculine people's vocal situations that takes account of the diversity within the population is needed.
Developing a universal reading comprehension intervention for mainstream primary schools within areas of social deprivation for children with and without language‐learning impairment: a feasibility study
Authors: McCartney Elspeth , Boyle James , Ellis Sue
Published: September 2014

Background

Some children in areas of social deprivation in Scotland have lower reading attainment than neighbouring children in less deprived areas, and some of these also have lower spoken language comprehension skills than expected by assessment norms. There is a need to develop effective reading comprehension interventions that fit easily into the school curriculum and can benefit all pupils. A feasibility study of reading comprehension strategies with existing evidence of efficacy was undertaken in three mainstream primary schools within an area of social deprivation in west central Scotland, to decide whether further investigation of this intervention was warranted.

Aims

Aims were to measure comprehension of spoken language and reading via standardised assessments towards the beginning of the school year (T1) in mainstream primary school classrooms within an area of social deprivation; to have teachers introduce previously‐validated text comprehension strategies, and to measure change in reading comprehension outcome measures towards the end of the year (T2).

Methods & Procedures

A pre‐ and post‐intervention cohort design was used. Reading comprehension strategies were introduced to staff in participating schools and used throughout the school year as part of on‐going reading instruction. Spoken language comprehension was measured by TROG‐2 at T1, and reading progress by score changes from T1 to T2 on the WIAT‐IIUK‐T reading comprehension scale.

Outcomes & Results

Forty‐seven pupils in five classes in three primary schools took part: 38% had TROG‐2 scores below the 10th centile. As a group, children made good reading comprehension progress, with a medium effect size of 0.46. Children with TROG‐2 scores below the 10th centile had lower mean reading scores than others at T1 and T2, although with considerable overlap. However, TROG‐2 did not make a unique contribution to reading progress: children below the 10th centile made as much progress as other children. The intervention was welcomed by schools, and the measure of reading comprehension proved responsive to change.

Conclusions

The outcomes suggest the reading intervention may be effective for children with and without spoken language comprehension difficulties, and warrants further investigation in larger, controlled, studies.
Comparing lignocellulose physiochemistry after decomposition by brown rot fungi with distinct evolutionary origins
Authors: Kaffenberger Justin T. , Schilling Jonathan S.
Published: September 2014

Among wood‐degrading fungi, lineages holding taxa that selectively metabolize carbohydrates without significant lignin removal (brown rot) are polyphyletic, having evolved multiple times from lignin‐removing white rot fungi. Given the qualitative nature of the ‘brown rot’ classifier, we aimed to quantify and compare the temporal sequence of carbohydrate removal among brown rot clades. Lignocellulose deconstruction was compared among fungi using distinct plant substrates (angiosperm, conifer, grass). Specifically, aspen, pine and corn stalk were harvested over a 16‐week time series from microcosms containing Gloeophyllum trabeum, Fomitopsis pinicola, Ossicaulis lignatilis, Fistulina hepatica, Serpula lacrymans, Wolfiporia cocos or Dacryopinax sp. After quantifying plant mass loss, a thorough compositional analysis was complemented by a saccharification test to determine wood cell wall accessibility. Mass loss and accessibility varied depending on fungal decomposer and substrate, and trajectories of loss for hemicellulosic components and cellulose differed among plant tissue types. At any given stage of decomposition, however, lignocellulose accessibility and the fraction remaining of carbohydrates and lignin within a plant tissue type were generally the same, regardless of fungal isolate. This suggests that the sequence of plant component removal at this typical scale of characterization is shared among these brown rot lineages, despite their diverse genomes and secretomes.
Critical Urban Theory versus Critical Urban Studies: A Review Debate
Authors: Marcuse Peter , Imbroscio David , Parker Simon , Davies Jonathan S. , Magnusson Warren
Published: September 2014

Critical urban theory and critical urban studies form the subject of two recent edited collections on approaches to the analysis and transformation of the contemporary capitalist city. In an exchange of commentaries by the respective editors and contributors, the introduction explains the genesis of each book and previews some of the key observations. Peter Marcuse then offers his assessment of Critical Urban Studies: New Directions, which is reciprocated by a commentary on Cities for People, Not for Profit: Critical Urban Theory and the Right to the City by Jonathan Davies, David Imbroscio and Warren Magnusson.
Chest wall tumors and prosthetic reconstruction: A comparative analysis on functional outcome
Authors: Leuzzi Giovanni , Nachira Dania , Cesario Alfredo , Novellis Pierluigi , Petracca Ciavarella Leonardo , Lococo Filippo , Facciolo Francesco , Granone Pierluigi , Margaritora Stefano
Published: September 2014

Background

To address the question of how much chest‐wall (CW) resections and prosthetic reconstructions influence functional outcome.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 175 patients who underwent surgery for CW tumors. The clinical, histological, surgical, oncological, and functional factors were analyzed.

Results

We performed: 75 rib resections; 20 sternal resections; 15 combined resections; and 27 lung resections. In 39 cases (22.2%) CW was stabilized with non‐rigid prosthesis (Vicryl‐mesh: 8 patients; Goretex‐mesh: 31 patients). Postoperative complications occurred in 22 cases (12.6%): a correlation with lung resection was evidenced by multivariate analysis (P = 0.025). Five‐year survival for primary and secondary tumors was 50% and 36%, respectively: multivariate analysis (P = 0.048) showed a worse survival in men only. In the prosthesis subset, pulmonary function tested as percentage of forced expiratory volume in one second (%FEV1) (pre: 87.1 ± 18.9%; post: 82.3 ± 23.0%, P = ns), percentage of forced vital capacity (pre: 94.1 ± 19.3%; post: 82.0 ± 21.6%, P = ns), diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (pre: 15.7 ± 7.4; post: 12.1 ± 4.1, P = ns) and paO2 (pre: 82.6 ± 10.9 mmHg; post: 83.9 ± 7.3 mmHg, P = ns) was slightly modified from pre to postoperative. Interestingly, the decline of FEV1% was lower in the prosthesis‐subset (4.1 ± 15.9%) compared with the subgroup who did not undergo prosthetic stabilization (17.5 ± 16.2%), but this difference was not statistically significant (P = ns).

Conclusion

Because of the low decrease of lung parameters, CW prosthetic reconstruction could be helpful for avoiding postoperative worsening of functional outcome, mostly in patients with pre‐existing pulmonary diseases.
Hypothermia after cardiac arrest does not affect serum levels of neuron‐specific enolase and protein S‐100b
Authors: PFEIFER R. , FRANZ M. , FIGULLA H. R.
Published: September 2014

Background

We investigated the brain‐derived proteins neuron‐specific enolase (NSE) and protein S‐100b (S‐100b) in survivors of cardiac arrest who had either received therapeutic hypothermia (TH) or had not.

Methods

In a retrospective cohort study, we analysed serum levels of these two proteins over 5 days in 201 adult cardiac arrest survivors admitted to our intensive care unit between 2003 and 2010. These were all survivors that remained comatose and survived at least 48 h. Of these, 140 received therapeutic hypothermia (hypothermia group). The remainder received only standard therapy without hypothermia (normothermia group).

Results

There was no difference in survival between the hypothermia and normothermia groups. At 4 weeks after arrest, 61 (43.6%) patients of the hypothermia group and 26 (42.6%) patients of the normothermia group were still alive with favourable to moderate neurological outcome (Cerebral Performance Category Scale 1–3). We observed no change in the mean serum levels of either protein between the two groups. Within each group, we found significantly higher serum levels of NSE and S‐100b in patients with unfavourable neurological outcome (Cerebral Performance Category Scale 4 and 5) than in those with moderate to favourable outcome. Cut‐off levels 3 days after cardiac arrest predicting an unfavourable outcome were > 40 ng/ml for NSE [specificity 95.2%, Sensitivity 74.1%, areas under the curve (AUC):0.889], false positive rate 4 [confidence interval (CI): 0.0131–0.1175] and > 1.03 μg/1 for S‐100b (specificity 95.6%, Sensitivity 57.8%, AUC: 0.875) false positive rate 3 (CI: 0.0091–01218).

Conclusions

Additional application of TH was not associated with significant changes in serum levels of NSE and S‐100b in comatose survivors of cardiac arrest, compared to those treated without TH.
Identification of contemporary selection signatures using composite log likelihood and their associations with marbling score in Korean cattle
Authors: Ryu Jihye , Lee Chaeyoung
Published: September 2014

Positive selection not only increases beneficial allele frequency but also causes augmentation of allele frequencies of sequence variants in close proximity. Signals for positive selection were detected by the statistical differences in subsequent allele frequencies. To identify selection signatures in Korean cattle, we applied a composite log‐likelihood (CLL)‐based method, which calculates a composite likelihood of the allelic frequencies observed across sliding windows of five adjacent loci and compares the value with the critical statistic estimated by 50 000 permutations. Data for a total of 11 799 nucleotide polymorphisms were used with 71 Korean cattle and 209 foreign beef cattle. As a result, 147 signals were identified for Korean cattle based on CLL estimates (P < 0.01). The signals might be candidate genetic factors for meat quality by which the Korean cattle have been selected. Further genetic association analysis with 41 intragenic variants in the selection signatures with the greatest CLL for each chromosome revealed that marbling score was associated with five variants. Intensive association studies with all the selection signatures identified in this study are required to exclude signals associated with other phenotypes or signals falsely detected and thus to identify genetic markers for meat quality.
A tool for tracking genetic contributions of wild Penaeus (Melicertus) plebejus broodstock to hatchery populations
Authors: Chan Jackie T. , Sherwin William B. , Taylor Matthew D.
Published: September 2014

Stock enhancement, restocking and sea ranching are being increasingly applied in both fisheries and conservation. The contribution of hatchery stock to fishery harvest and the maintenance of the genetic structure of stocked populations are both important considerations when releasing captive‐bred organisms into natural systems. Use of wild‐caught broodstock generally overcomes some of the genetic problems associated with domesticated hatchery populations, but there is still a need to ensure that a sufficient proportion of the natural population contribute to production of the stocked cohort to realise the genetic benefits of using wild‐caught broodstock. Releases of Penaeus (Melicertus) plebejus are under investigation as a means of increasing prawn production in recruitment‐limited areas. We used the highly variable mitochondrial control region (mtCR) to assign post‐larvae to maternal lineages in the hatchery and also to investigate the reproductive performance of female broodstock in terms of contribution to the production of the cohorts of post‐larvae in the hatchery. Our data showed that mtCR can be a useful tool for tracking lineages and provided genetic evidence that unequal contribution and underproducing females can occur even in wild‐caught broodstock. This work therefore highlights the importance of monitoring the genetic composition of pre‐release hatchery stocks.
On the Validity of the Regression Discontinuity Design for Estimating Electoral Effects: New Evidence from Over 40,000 Close Races
Authors: Eggers Andrew C. , Fowler Anthony , Hainmueller Jens , Hall Andrew B. , Snyder James M.
Published: September 2014

The regression discontinuity (RD) design is a valuable tool for identifying electoral effects, but this design is only effective when relevant actors do not have precise control over election results. Several recent papers contend that such precise control is possible in large elections, pointing out that the incumbent party is more likely to win very close elections in the United States House of Representatives in recent periods. In this article, we examine whether similar patterns occur in other electoral settings, including the U.S. House in other time periods, statewide, state legislative, and mayoral races in the U.S. and national or local elections in nine other countries. No other case exhibits this pattern. We also cast doubt on suggested explanations for incumbent success in close House races. We conclude that the assumptions behind the RD design are likely to be met in a wide variety of electoral settings and offer a set of best practices for RD researchers going forward.
Fibrinous pericarditis and pericardial effusion in three neonatal foals
Authors: Armstrong SK , Raidal SL , Hughes KJ
Published: September 2014

Case series

Three foals, aged between 5 and 10 days, were presented for assessment of lethargy, abdominal pain and joint effusion. Fibrinous pericarditis and pericardial effusion (PE) were recognised in each foal and considered as sequelae to systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and suspected or confirmed septicaemia.

Clinical course and outcome

Diagnosis of pericarditis was made in two foals by echocardiographic examination and analysis of pericardial fluid, and during postmortem examination of the third foal. In both of the foals that underwent pericardiocentesis,PEwas an exudate, no bacteria were identified on cytological analysis and bacterial culture was negative. Despite apparent response to treatment, two foals died 2 and 3 weeks, respectively, after discharge from hospital. One foal was euthanased during hospitalisation.

Conclusion and clinical relevance

This report highlights the need to consider the development of pericarditis andPEin foals withSIRSand signs of cardiorespiratory dysfunction, and the requirement for protracted follow‐up to monitor for clinical resolution.
Midazolam microdose to determine systemic and pre‐systemic metabolic CYP3A activity in humans
Authors: Hohmann Nicolas , Kocheise Franziska , Carls Alexandra , Burhenne Jürgen , Haefeli Walter E. , Mikus Gerd
Published: September 2014

Aim

We aimed to establish a method to assess systemic and pre‐systemic cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A activity using ineffective microgram doses of midazolam.

Methods

In an open, one sequence, crossover study, 16 healthy participants received intravenous and oral midazolam at microgram (0.001 mg intravenous and 0.003 mg oral) and regular milligram (1 mg intravenous and 3 mg oral) doses to assess the linearity of plasma and urine pharmacokinetics.

Results

Dose‐normalized AUC and Cmax were 37.1 ng ml−1 h [95% CI 35.5, 40.6] and 39.1 ng ml−1 [95% CI 30.4, 50.2] for the microdose and 39.0 ng ml−1 h [95% CI 36.1, 42.1] and 37.1 ng ml−1 [95% CI 26.9, 51.3] for the milligram dose. CLmet was 253 ml min−1 [95% CI 201, 318] vs. 278 ml min−1 [95% CI 248, 311] for intravenous doses and 1880 ml min−1 [95% CI 1590, 2230] vs. 2050 ml min−1 [95% CI 1720, 2450] for oral doses. Oral bioavailability of a midazolam microdose was 23.4% [95% CI 20.0, 27.3] vs. 20.9% [95% CI 17.1, 25.5] after the regular dose. Hepatic and gut extraction ratios for microgram doses were 0.44 [95% CI 0.39, 0.49] and 0.53 [95% CI 0.45, 0.63] and compared well with those for milligram doses (0.43 [95% CI 0.37, 0.49] and 0.61 [95% CI 0.53, 0.70]).

Conclusion

The pharmacokinetics of an intravenous midazolam microdose is linear to the applied regular doses and can be used to assess safely systemic CYP3A activity and, in combination with oral microdoses, pre‐systemic CYP3A activity.
Vaginal Birth After Cesarean in German Out‐of‐Hospital Settings: Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes of Women With Their Second Child
Authors: Beckmann Lea , Barger Mary , Dorin Lena , Metzing Sabine , Hellmers Claudia
Published: September 2014

Background

To offer vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) in a hospital setting is recommended in international guidelines, but offering VBAC in out‐of‐hospital settings is considered controversial. This study describes neonatal and maternal outcomes in mothers who started labor in German out‐of‐hospital settings.

Method

In a retrospective analysis of German out‐of‐hospital data from 2005 to 2011, included were 24,545 parae II with a singleton pregnancy in a cephalic presentation at term (1,927 with a prior cesarean and 22,618 with a prior vaginal birth).

Result

The overall VBAC rate was 77.8 percent. The intrapartum transfer rate to hospital was 38.3 percent (prior cesarean) versus 4.6 percent (prior vaginal) (p < 0.05), and the 10‐minute Apgar < 7 rate was 0.6 versus 0.2 percent (p < 0.05), and the nonemergency intrapartum transfer rate was 91.5 versus 85.0 percent (p < 0.05). Prolonged first stage of labor was the most common reason for intrapartum transfer in both groups. The leading reason for postpartum transfer was retained placenta.

Discussion

There was a high rate of successful VBAC in this study. The high nonemergency transfer rate for women with VBAC might mean that midwives are more cautious when attending women with a prior cesarean in out‐of‐hospital settings. Further studies are necessary to evaluate which women are suitable for VBAC in out‐of‐hospital settings.