bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observation of unidirectional negative refraction in an acoustic metafluid prism
Authors: Li Kun , Peng Yu-Gui , Zhu Xue-Feng , Zhang Jin-Tao , Lv Hou-Jun , Liu Sheng-Chun
Published: January 2014

We theoretically and experimentally demonstrate the unidirectional negative refraction in an acoustic metafluid prism. The acoustic metafluid is designed to be uniaxial and highly anisotropic in inertia. Since the directions of phase and group velocities do not coincide in the anisotropic medium, it is possible to realize the unidirectional negative refraction by the broken symmetry of phase velocity vectors with respect to the acoustic axis. Being a distinct case of the asymmetric sound propagation, the unidirectional negative refracting effect could be potentially significant in various areas such as underwater sensing, and medical ultrasonics.
Optimization of the giant magnetoimpedance effect of Finemet-type microwires through the nanocrystallization
Authors: Talaat A. , Zhukova V. , Ipatov M. , Blanco J. M. , Gonzalez-Legarreta L. , Hernando B. , del Val J. J. , Gonzalez J. , Zhukov A.
Published: January 2014

We studied correlation of magnetic properties, giant magnetoimpedance (GMI) effect and structure of Finemet-type glass-coated microwires obtained by the Taylor-Ulitovski technique. We observed considerable magnetic softening and increasing of the GMI ratio, ΔZ/Z, (from 3% up to 100%) after annealing of studied microwires. On the other hand, even in as-prepared Fe73.8Cu1Nb3.1Si13B9.1 microwire, we observed existence of α-Fe nanocrystallites with average grain size about 12 nm and considerable GMI effect (ΔZ/Z up to 50%).
Effect of size, composition, and morphology on magnetic performance: First-order reversal curves evaluation of iron oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Hirt Ann M. , Sotiriou Georgios A. , Kidambi Piran R. , Teleki Alexandra
Published: January 2014

Superparamagnetic nanoparticles are employed in a broad range of applications that demand detailed magnetic characterization for superior performance, e.g., in drug delivery or cancer treatment. Magnetic hysteresis measurements provide information on saturation magnetization and coercive force for bulk material but can be equivocal for particles having a broad size distribution. Here, first-order reversal curves (FORCs) are used to evaluate the effective magnetic particle size and interaction between equally sized magnetic iron oxide (Fe2O3) nanoparticles with three different morphologies: (i) pure Fe2O3, (ii) Janus-like, and (iii) core/shell Fe2O3/SiO2 synthesized using flame technology. By characterizing the distribution in coercive force and interaction field from the FORC diagrams, we find that the presence of SiO2 in the core/shell structures significantly reduces the average coercive force in comparison to the Janus-like Fe2O3/SiO2 and pure Fe2O3 particles. This is attributed to the reduction in the dipolar interaction between particles, which in turn reduces the effective magnetic particle size. Hence, FORC analysis allows for a finer distinction between equally sized Fe2O3 particles with similar magnetic hysteresis curves that can significantly influence the final nanoparticle performance.
Graphene on boron-nitride: Moiré pattern in the van der Waals energy
Authors: Neek-Amal M. , Peeters F. M.
Published: January 2014

The spatial dependence of the van der Waals (vdW) energy between graphene and hexagonal boron-nitride (h-BN) is investigated using atomistic simulations. The van der Waals energy between graphene and h-BN shows a hexagonal superlattice structure identical to the observed Moiré pattern in the local density of states, which depends on the lattice mismatch and misorientation angle between graphene and h-BN. Our results provide atomistic features of the weak van der Waals interaction between graphene and BN which are in agreement with experiment and provide an analytical expression for the size of the spatial variation of the weak van der Waals interaction. We also found that the A-B-lattice symmetry of graphene is broken along the armchair direction.
Erratum: “Tetrads in geometrodynamics” [J. Math. Phys. 46, 102502 (2005)]
Authors: Garat Alcides
Published: January 2014

An erratum for two statements in the paper “Tetrads in geometrodynamics” is outlined.
Spin-dependent electron transport in zinc- and manganese-doped adenine molecules
Authors: Simchi Hamidreza , Esmaeilzadeh Mahdi , Mazidabadi Hossein
Published: January 2014

The spin-dependent electron transport properties of zinc- and manganese-doped adenine molecules connected to zigzag graphene leads are studied in the zero bias regime using the non-equilibrium Green's function method. The conductance of the adenine molecule increased and became spin-dependent when a zinc or manganese atom was doped into the molecules. The effects of a transverse electric field on the spin-polarization of the transmitted electrons were investigated and the spin-polarization was controlled by changing the transverse electric field. Under the presence of a transverse electric field, both the zinc- and manganese-doped adenine molecules acted as spin-filters. The maximum spin-polarization of the manganese-doped adenine molecule was greater than the molecule doped with zinc.
Temperature recovery from degenerated infrared image based on the principle for temperature measurement using infrared sensor
Authors: Zou Zhiyuan , Hu Yihua , Gao Bin , Woo W. L. , Zhao Xinyu
Published: January 2014

Thermal camera has been applied in photovoltaic (PV) array monitoring to detect defects and hot spots. However, the infrared (IR) image is often degenerated and the temperature information displayed from the image can lead to erroneous interpretation. Hot spots will be obscured and a gradual change phenomenon will emerge when monitoring a large PV array. In this paper, the mechanism of IR image degeneration and gradual change phenomenon are studied and verified with experiments. The variations of atmospheric transmission and directional emissivity have been identified to be the cause of image degeneration. The sensitivity of atmospheric transmission and directional emissivity are defined to analyze the impact of these two factors on the temperature displayed. Based on this mechanism, a recovery method has been proposed to recover the real temperature from the degenerated IR image. Experiments have been conducted to test the effectiveness of the recovery method. In addition, the temperature sensitivity has been defined to analyze how atmospheric transmission and directional emissivity will affect the temperature difference displayed in the IR image. The proposed temperature sensitivity has been used as the criteria to assess the quality of IR image. Some rules of thumb are proposed to deploy the thermal camera in order to increase the quality of the IR image.
Boosting Cu2ZnSnS4 solar cells efficiency by a thin Ag intermediate layer between absorber and back contact
Authors: Cui Hongtao , Liu Xiaolei , Liu Fangyang , Hao Xiaojing , Song Ning , Yan Chang
Published: January 2014

In this work, 20 nm Ag is deposited on Mo coated soda lime glass prior to Cu2ZnSnS4 absorber deposition to improve the back contact and therefore enhance solar cell efficiency. This thin coating is found to inhibit the formation of SnS2, MoS2, and other defects especially voids at the back contact; therefore, reduces the series resistance and recombination leading to substantially higher short circuit current density (JSC), fill factor, open circuit voltage (VOC), and efficiency in comparison to the controlled non-coating Mo, though the former results in lower material crystallinity.
The 30P(p, γ)31S reaction in classical novae: progress and prospects
Authors: Wrede C.
Published: January 2014

The unknown thermonuclear rate of the 30P(p, γ)31S reaction at classical-nova temperatures currently prohibits the accurate modeling of nova nucleosynthesis in the A ⩾ 30 region. This is hindering the calibration of nova thermometers based on observed O/S, S/Al, O/P, and P/Al abundance ratios in nova ejecta, the calibration of a meter to probe mixing at the core-envelope interface in novae based on the observed Si/H abundance ratio, and the identification of candidate pre-solar nova grains found in primitive meteorites based on laboratory measurements of their 30Si/28Si isotopic ratios. Each of these diagnostics could address key questions in our understanding of classical novae if the 30P(p, γ)31S rate were known. We review progress on the determination of the 30P(p, γ)31S rate leading to a critical assessment of current interpretations of published data and prospects for future work.
Surveying Density, Urban Characteristics, and Development Capacity of Station Areas in the Delta Metropolis
Authors: Kickert Conrad Christiaan , Pont Meta Berghauser , Nefs Merten
Published: January 2014

The combination of growing mobility needs and dwindling transportation budgets in the Dutch Delta Metropolis has raised the need for smarter use of existing public transport infrastructure. A significant portion of this smarter use may come from strengthening the ties between infrastructure improvements and transit-oriented development. To further this goal, the Delta Metropolis Association has developed SprintCity (SprintStad in Dutch), a serious game and planning support tool that engages stakeholders in transit-oriented development to explore interaction between transport and land use, as described in Bertolini's node–place model. However, its underlying database has proven insufficient to draw conclusions regarding urban character and development capacity around stations. This paper focuses on morphological research that aims to improve this database by exploring the density and urban morphology of station areas in the Delta Metropolis beyond readily available statistics, and discusses the methodological and theoretical underpinnings of this survey. The surveying of station areas in 2010 was conducted by a team of six researchers, based on the Spacemate© methodology developed by Berghauser Pont and Haupt. The methodology allows detailed quantitative measurement of the density and spatial characteristics of clearly demarcated urban districts, defining their so-called ‘spatial fingerprint’. The resulting database of 850 districts in 55 station areas has served descriptive goals, strengthening the realism in the SprintCity game, and serves as the database for further establishing the development potential of station areas.
A Paradigm for Interpreting Tractable Shape Grammars
Authors: Yue Kui , Krishnamurti Ramesh
Published: January 2014

Shape grammars are, in general, intractable. Even amongst tractable shape grammars, their characteristics vary significantly. This paper describes a paradigm for practical general shape grammar interpreters, which aim to address computational difficulties posed by parameterization. The paradigm is expressed in terms of frameworks each comprising an underlying data structure, manipulation algorithms, and a metalanguage. The approach is illustrated through three exemplar frameworks.
Improving the coding and classification of ambulance data through the application of International Classification of Disease 10th revision
Authors: Cantwell Kate , Morgans Amee , Smith Karen , Livingston Michael , Dietze Paul
Published: January 2014

Objectives
This paper aims to examine whether an adaptation of the International Classification of Disease (ICD) coding system can be applied retrospectively to final paramedic assessment data in an ambulance dataset with a view to developing more fine-grained, clinically relevant case definitions than are available through point-of-call data.

Methods
Over 1.2 million case records were extracted from the Ambulance Victoria data warehouse. Data fields included dispatch code, cause (CN) and final primary assessment (FPA). Each FPA was converted to an ICD-10-AM code using word matching or best fit. ICD-10-AM codes were then converted into Major Diagnostic Categories (MDC). CN was aligned with the ICD-10-AM codes for external cause of morbidity and mortality.

Results
The most accurate results were obtained when ICD-10-AM codes were assigned using information from both FPA and CN. Comparison of cases coded as unconscious at point-of-call with the associated paramedic assessment highlighted the extra clinical detail obtained when paramedic assessment data are used.

Conclusions
Ambulance paramedic assessment data can be aligned with ICD-10-AM and MDC with relative ease, allowing retrospective coding of large datasets. Coding of ambulance data using ICD-10-AM allows for comparison of not only ambulance service users but also with other population groups.

What is known about the topic?
There is no reliable and standard coding and categorising system for paramedic assessment data contained in ambulance service databases.

What does this paper add?
This study demonstrates that ambulance paramedic assessment data can be aligned with ICD-10-AM and MDC with relative ease, allowing retrospective coding of large datasets. Representation of ambulance case types using ICD-10-AM-coded information obtained after paramedic assessment is more fine grained and clinically relevant than point-of-call data, which uses caller information before ambulance attendance.

What are the implications for practitioners?
This paper describes a model of coding using an internationally recognised standard coding and categorising system to support analysis of paramedic assessment. Ambulance data coded using ICD-10-AM allows for reliable reporting and comparison within the prehospital setting and across the healthcare industry.
Accessory factors promote AlfA-dependent plasmid segregation by regulating filament nucleation, disassembly, and bundling
Authors: Polka Jessica K. , Kollman Justin M. , Mullins R. Dyche
Published: January 2014

Significance

Many bacteria contain large, circular DNA molecules, called plasmids, that encode physiologically, medically, and commercially important genes, including genes conferring virulence and drug resistance. The largest plasmids use active segregation systems to maintain themselves in the host bacterium. Such segregation systems provide remarkable insight into bacterial cell biology. The pLS32 plasmid, found in a commercially important strain of
Bacillus subtilis
, relies on a segregation system encoded by the
alf
operon. We show that DNA movement is driven by self-assembly of a polymeric protein, called AlfA, and that self-assembly of AlfA into a functional, DNA-segregating machine requires the activity of the accessory factor AlfB, which (unexpectedly) promotes both assembly and disassembly of AlfA polymers.
Social Capital in Voluntary Associations
Authors: Häuberer Julia
Published: January 2014

Associations are likely to recruit resource rich individuals and they are places where individuals interact, and thus, are likely to exchange social resources. The paper asks which kinds of associations embed individuals holding many social resources. According to theoretical considerations, I distinguish between bridging and bonding associations. Bridging associations are likely to embed heterogeneous individuals while bonding associations embed homogeneous individuals. Therefore, the range of social resources available inside associations may be higher in bridging than in bonding associations. Thinking about the resource exchanging environment inside the associations, a further distinction of bonding associations seems reasonable: some aim at political goals outside the group (e.g., trade unions or professional organizations) and others focus on developing a nice atmosphere inside the group (apolitical bonding associations like elderly leisure associations). I analyze data from Eurobarometer 62.2 using multilevel analyses. Descriptive analyses indicate that active individuals have access to more social resources than inactive individuals. This relation varies for apolitical and political bonding associations according to the European countries. The multilevel analyses controlling for individual characteristics and country variables indicate that potential resources accessible to individuals active in associations depend on the focus of the associations. While bridging and apolitical bonding associations embed individuals accessing more social resources than non-active individuals, political bonding associations are not likely to embed resource rich individuals.
Flaring up of the compact cloud G2 during the close encounter with Sgr A*
Authors: Saitoh Takayuki R. , Makino Junichiro , Asaki Yoshiharu , Baba Junichi , Komugi Shinya , Miyoshi Makoto , Nagao Tohru , Takahashi Masaaki , Takeda Takaaki , Tsuboi Masato , Wakamatsu Ken-ichi
Published: January 2014

A compact gas cloud G2 is predicted to reach the pericenter of its orbit around the supermassive black hole (SMBH) of our Galaxy, Sagittarius A*. This event will give us a rare opportunity to observe the interaction between the SMBH and the gas around it. We report on the result of a fully three-dimensional simulation of the evolution of G2 during the first pericenter passage. The strong tidal force from the SMBH stretches the cloud along its orbit, and strongly compresses it in the vertical direction, resulting in its heating up and flaring up. The bolometric luminosity will reach a maximum of ∼ 100 L⊙. This flare should be easily observed in the near-IR.
Sugar and Auxin Signaling Pathways Respond to High-Temperature Stress during Anther Development as Revealed by Transcript Profiling Analysis in Cotton
Authors: Min Ling , Li Yaoyao , Hu Qin , Zhu Longfu , Gao Wenhui , Wu Yuanlong , Ding Yuanhao , Liu Shiming , Yang Xiyan , Zhang Xianlong
Published: January 2014

Male reproduction in flowering plants is highly sensitive to high temperature (HT). To investigate molecular mechanisms of the response of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) anthers to HT, a relatively complete comparative transcriptome analysis was performed during anther development of cotton lines 84021 and H05 under normal temperature and HT conditions. In total, 4,599 differentially expressed genes were screened; the differentially expressed genes were mainly related to epigenetic modifications, carbohydrate metabolism, and plant hormone signaling. Detailed studies showed that the deficiency in S-ADENOSYL-l-HOMOCYSTEINE HYDROLASE1 and the inhibition of methyltransferases contributed to genome-wide hypomethylation in H05, and the increased expression of histone constitution genes contributed to DNA stability in 84021. Furthermore, HT induced the expression of CASEIN KINASEI (GhCKI) in H05, coupled with the suppression of starch synthase activity, decreases in glucose level during anther development, and increases in indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) level in late-stage anthers. The same changes also were observed in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) GhCKI overexpression lines. These results suggest that GhCKI, sugar, and auxin may be key regulators of the anther response to HT stress. Moreover, PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTOR genes (PIFs), which are involved in linking sugar and auxin and are regulated by sugar, might positively regulate IAA biosynthesis in the cotton anther response to HT. Additionally, exogenous IAA application revealed that high background IAA may be a disadvantage for late-stage cotton anthers during HT stress. Overall, the linking of HT, sugar, PIFs, and IAA, together with our previously reported data on GhCKI, may provide dynamic coordination of plant anther responses to HT stress.
Fine-structural variance of family 3 carbohydrate-binding modules as extracellular biomass-sensing components ofClostridium thermocellumanti-σIfactors
Authors: Yaniv Oren , Fichman Galit , Borovok Ilya , Shoham Yuval , Bayer Edward A. , Lamed Raphael , Shimon Linda J. W. , Frolow Felix
Published: January 2014

The anaerobic, thermophilic, cellulosome-producing bacteriumClostridium thermocellumrelies on a variety of carbohydrate-active enzymes in order to efficiently break down complex carbohydrates into utilizable simple sugars. The regulation mechanism of the cellulosomal genes was unknown until recently, when genomic analysis revealed a set of putative operons inC. thermocellumthat encode σIfactors (i.e.alternative σ factors that control specialized regulon activation) and their cognate anti-σIfactor (RsgI). These putative anti-σI-factor proteins have modules that are believed to be carbohydrate sensors. Three of these modules were crystallized and their three-dimensional structures were solved. The structures show a high overall degree of sequence and structural similarity to the cellulosomal family 3 carbohydrate-binding modules (CBM3s). The structures of the three carbohydrate sensors (RsgI-CBM3s) and a reference CBM3 are compared in the context of the structural determinants for the specificity of cellulose and complex carbohydrate binding. Fine structural variations among the RsgI-CBM3s appear to result in alternative substrate preferences for each of the sensors.
Crystal structure and CRISPR RNA-binding site of the Cmr1 subunit of the Cmr interference complex
Authors: Sun Jiali , Jeon Jae-Hyun , Shin Minsang , Shin Ho-Chul , Oh Byung-Ha , Kim Jeong-Sun
Published: January 2014

A multi-subunit ribonucleoprotein complex termed the Cmr RNA-silencing complex recognizes and destroys viral RNA in the CRISPR-mediated immune defence mechanism in many prokaryotes using an as yet unclear mechanism. InArchaeoglobus fulgidus, this complex consists of six subunits, Cmr1–Cmr6. Here, the crystal structure of Cmr1 fromA. fulgidusis reported, revealing that the protein is composed of two tightly associated ferredoxin-like domains. The domain located at the N-terminus is structurally most similar to the N-terminal ferredoxin-like domain of the CRISPR RNA-processing enzyme Cas6 fromPyrococcus furiosus. An ensuing mutational analysis identified a highly conserved basic surface patch that binds single-stranded nucleic acids specifically, including the mature CRISPR RNA, but in a sequence-independent manner. In addition, this subunit was found to cleave single-stranded RNA. Together, these studies elucidate the structure and the catalytic activity of the Cmr1 subunit.
PLP undergoes conformational changes during the course of an enzymatic reaction
Authors: Ngo Ho-Phuong-Thuy , Cerqueira Nuno M. F. S. A. , Kim Jin-Kwang , Hong Myoung-Ki , Fernandes Pedro Alexandrino , Ramos Maria João , Kang Lin-Woo
Published: January 2014

Numerous enzymes, such as the pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzymes, require cofactors for their activities. Using X-ray crystallography, structural snapshots of the L-serine dehydratase catalytic reaction of a bacterial PLP-dependent enzyme were determined. In the structures, the dihedral angle between the pyridine ring and the Schiff-base linkage of PLP varied from 18° to 52°. It is proposed that the organic cofactor PLP directly catalyzes reactions by active conformational changes, and the novel catalytic mechanism involving the PLP cofactor was confirmed by high-level quantum-mechanical calculations. The conformational change was essential for nucleophilic attack of the substrate on PLP, for concerted proton transfer from the substrate to the protein and for directing carbanion formation of the substrate. Over the whole catalytic cycle, the organic cofactor catalyzes a series of reactions, like the enzyme. The conformational change of the PLP cofactor in catalysis serves as a starting point for identifying the previously unknown catalytic roles of organic cofactors.
Altered aquaporin expression in glaucoma eyes
Authors: Tran Thuy Linh , Bek Toke , la Cour Morten , Nielsen Søren , Prause Jan Ulrik , Hamann Steffen , Heegaard Steffen
Published: January 2014

Aquaporins (AQP) are channels in the cell membrane that mainly facilitate a passive transport of water. In the eye, AQPs are expressed in the ciliary body and retina and may contribute to the pathogenesis of glaucoma and optic neuropathy. We investigated the expression of AQP1, AQP3, AQP4, AQP5, AQP7 and AQP9 in human glaucoma eyes compared with normal eyes. Nine glaucoma eyes were examined. Of these, three eyes were diagnosed with primary open angle glaucoma; three eyes had neovascular glaucoma; and three eyes had chronic angle‐closure glaucoma. Six eyes with normal intraocular pressure and without glaucoma were used as control. Immunohistochemistry was performed using antibodies against AQP1, AQP3, AQP4, AQP5, AQP7 and AQP9. For each specimen, optical densities of immunoprecipitates were measured using Photoshop and the staining intensities were calculated. Immunostaining showed labelling of AQP7 and AQP9 in the nonpigmented ciliary epithelium and the staining intensities were significantly decreased in glaucoma eyes (p = 0.003; p = 0.018). AQP7 expression in the Müller cell endfeet was increased (p = 0.046), and AQP9 labelling of the retinal ganglion cells (RGC) showed decreased intensity (p = 0.037). No difference in AQP1, AQP4 and AQP9 expression was found in the optic nerve fibres. This study is the first investigating AQPs in human glaucoma eyes. We found a reduced expression of AQP9 in the retinal ganglion cells of glaucoma eyes. Glaucoma also induced increased AQP7 expression in the Müller cell endfeet. In the ciliary body of glaucoma eyes, the expression of AQP7 and AQP9 was reduced. Therefore, the expression of AQPs seems to play a role in glaucoma.
Local thermal injury induces general endothelial cell contraction through p38 MAP kinase activation
Authors: Wang Shuyun , Huang Qiaobing , Guo Jingxin , Guo Xiaohua , Sun Quanmei , Brunk Ulf T. , Han Dong , Zhao Kesen , Zhao Ming
Published: January 2014

Endothelial cells (ECs) of thin‐walled blood vessels form a barrier between blood and tissue. As a response to inflammation, the EC junctions widen and gaps form, resulting in compromised barrier functions. Although the mechanisms behind the establishment of these changes are still incompletely understood, one known reason is actomyosin‐dependent actin rearrangement. Here, by using atomic force microscopy and a combination of confocal microscopy methods, we are the first to report that thermal injury induces general venular hyperpermeability and that serum from burned rats induces EC actin rearrangement, contraction, as well as tight‐junction damage. Inhibition of the p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) largely ameliorates resulting vascular dysfunction by significantly reducing EC stress‐fiber formation, contraction, volume changes and tight‐junction damage, thereby greatly reducing the appearance of EC gaps. The findings may be of importance for the design of future pharmacotherapies aiming to ease the severe general vascular dysfunction that follows extensive burns.
Presence of plicidentine in the labial teeth of Hoplias aimara (Erythrinidae; Ostariophysi; Teleostei)
Authors: Meunier François J. , De Mayrinck Diogo , Brito Paulo M.
Published: January 2014

Hoplias aimara is a predatory South American teleostean fish. It has caniniform teeth that show parallel, surface ridges at their base. The dentine of the teeth is divided in two layers: an inner layer of circumpulpal dentine and an external one of pallial dentine, and their apical top has a lightly flattened cap of enameloid. A peculiar specificity of the teeth is the presence of plicidentine in their basal part, which is thought to strengthen the tooth attachment. This is a new example of plicidentine in teleostean teeth following its description in the lingual teeth of the osteoglossid Arapaima gigas. Some other ichthyophagous Characiformes also show caniniformes teeth with plicidentine: Hydrocynus, Hydrolycus. So, in the Actinopterygii, plicidentine is not limited to the lepisosteids only. We interpret plicidentine in the teeth of these actinopterygian fishes as a morphofunctional adaptation to a predatory life style.
Prediction of central compartment lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma
Authors: Yang Yinlong , Chen Chengze , Chen Zimiao , Jiang Jiachun , Chen Yizuo , Jin Langping , Guo Guilong , Zhang Xiaohua , Ye Tingting
Published: January 2014

Objectives

We aimed to determine the predictive factors for central compartment lymph node metastasis (LNM) in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC).

Design and patients

We undertook a retrospective study of 291 patients treated for PTMC. The following criteria were assessed to predict the presence of central compartment LNM: sex, age, tumour multifocality, tumour size, tumour bilaterality, extracapsular spread (ECS), lateral neck LNM, coexistence of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, BRAFV600E mutation and ultrasonography (US) features. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify clinicopathological characteristics and US findings in predicting central compartment LNM from PTMC.

Results

The central compartment LNM affected 133 (45·7%) of 291 patients. With use of univariate and multivariate analyses, male gender (OR 2·020; P = 0·039), tumour size (>5 mm) (OR 3·687; P = 0·015), ESC (OR 2·330; P = 0·044), lateral LNM (OR 15·075; P = 0·000) and BRAFV600E mutation (OR 2·464; P = 0·000) were independently correlated with central compartment LNM. Age, tumour multifocality, tumour bilaterality, coexistence of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis and US characteristics were not significantly related to the presence of central compartment LNM. We have also developed a nomogram to predict the probability of central compartment LNM for an individual patient. The sensitivity was 71·9% and specificity was 70·3%, with an under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0·772.

Conclusions

A prophylactic neck dissection of the central compartment should be considered particularly in PTMC patients with male gender, a >5 mm tumour size, ECS of the tumours, lateral LNM and positive BRAFV600E mutation.
Vertical and horizontal smooth pursuit eye movements in children with developmental coordination disorder
Authors: Robert Matthieu P , Ingster‐Moati Isabelle , Albuisson Eliane , Cabrol Dominique , Golse Bernard , Vaivre‐Douret Laurence
Published: January 2014

Aim

Our aim was to study horizontal and vertical smooth pursuit eye movements in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD).

Method

Horizontal and vertical smooth pursuit eye movements of 91 children were studied using electro‐oculography: 27 children with DCD (23 males, four females), according to the DSM‐IV‐TR criteria, and 64 comparison children (26 males, 38 females). All children were 7 to 12 years old (mean 9y, SD 1.5y). Among the group of children with DCD, eight had received intervention. Intervention exercised static and dynamic fixation, saccades, visual strategies, visuospatial abilities, and eye–hand coordination. A smooth pursuit gain index was calculated and statistical comparisons were made between the two groups of children.

Results

Horizontal pursuit gain was similar in both populations, but vertical pursuit gain was significantly impaired (p<0.001, after adjusting for age as covariate), i.e. more saccadic in children with DCD (18–99%; n=27, mean 51.6%, median 48.5%, SD 23.2%) than in comparison participants (35–97%; n=63, mean 66.4%, median 65.0%, SD 15.4%). Among the DCD group, the vertical pursuit index was also significantly higher (p=0.009) in the intervention subgroup (29–99%; n=8, mean 69.4%, median 75.5%, SD 28.7%) than in the non‐intervention subgroup (18–74%; n=19, mean 44.1%, median 42.5%, SD 15.9%).

Interpretation

These results suggest a delay in the maturation of the pursuit system in children with DCD.
Structural and kinetic studies on adenylosuccinate lyase from Mycobacterium smegmatis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis provide new insights on the catalytic residues of the enzyme
Authors: Banerjee Sanchari , Agrawal Monika J. , Mishra Diptimayee , Sharan Siddharth , Balaram Hemalatha , Savithri Handanhal S. , Murthy Mathur R. N.
Published: January 2014

Adenylosuccinate lyase (ASL), an enzyme involved in purine biosynthesis, has been recognized as a drug target against microbial infections. In the present study, ASL from Mycobacterium smegmatis (MsASL) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MtbASL) were cloned, purified and crystallized. The X‐ray crystal structure of MsASL was determined at a resolution of 2.16 Å. It is the first report of an apo‐ASL structure with a partially ordered active site C3 loop. Diffracting crystals of MtbASL could not be obtained and a model for its structure was derived using MsASL as a template. These structures suggest that His149 and either Lys285 or Ser279 of MsASL are the residues most likely to function as the catalytic acid and base, respectively. Most of the active site residues were found to be conserved, with the exception of Ser148 and Gly319 of MsASL. Ser148 is structurally equivalent to a threonine in most other ASLs. Gly319 is replaced by an arginine residue in most ASLs. The two enzymes were catalytically much less active compared to ASLs from other organisms. Arg319Gly substitution and reduced flexibility of the C3 loop might account for the low catalytic activity of mycobacterial ASLs. The low activity is consistent with the slow growth rate of Mycobacteria and their high GC containing genomes, as well as their dependence on other salvage pathways for the supply of purine nucleotides.

Structured digital abstract

purB and purB bind by x-ray crystallography (View interaction)
Miscanthus sacchariflorus – biofuel parent or new weed?
Authors: Bonin Catherine L. , Heaton Emily A. , Barb Jessica
Published: January 2014

The perennial grass triploid Miscanthus × giganteus is a promising renewable bioenergy feedstock in the United States and Europe. Originating from eastern Asia, this species is a sterile hybrid cross between M. sinensis and M. sacchariflorus. While research has begun to examine the impacts of M. sinensis and triploid M. × giganteus on the landscape, M. sacchariflorus has been largely overlooked in the peer‐reviewed literature. This review article discusses the origin, uses, distribution, and invasive potential of M. sacchariflorus. M. sacchariflorus is capable of producing high yields (10.7 t DM ha−1 yr−1), generally does not reproduce by seed, and can be challenging to establish due to poor cold tolerance, likely due to the limited germplasm used in evaluations. However, M. sacchariflorus has abundant and aggressively spreading rhizomes, which underscores its invasive risk. In the United States, it is listed as escaped from cultivation in at least eight states, primarily in the Midwest, although it is likely that not all populations have been reported. As such, it is essential to generate a comprehensive dataset of all known M. sacchariflorus populations and monitor any continued spread of this species.
The effect of enzymatic hydrolysis on the biological properties of Oenothera biennis,Borago officinalis and Nigella sativa seedcake by‐products from oil pressing
Authors: Ratz‐Łyko Anna , Arct Jacek , Herman Anna , Pytkowska Katarzyna , Majewski Sławomir
Published: January 2014

The biological properties of ethanolic (50%, v/v) extracts from Oenothera biennis, Borago officinalis, Nigella sativa seedcake before and after enzymatic hydrolysis by alpha‐amylase (EC 3.2.1.1) from Aspergillus oryzae, beta‐glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.21) and beta‐glucanase (EC 3.2.1.6) from Aspergillus niger combinations in a ratio of 1:1:1 were investigated. Total phenolic, flavonoid and reducing sugar content for O. biennis extract after enzymatic hydrolysis was, respectively, 0.5, 1.5 and 2 times higher in comparison with nonhydrolysed extract. Iron‐chelating and radical‐scavenging activity of O. biennis seedcake extract after hydrolysis (IC50 = 0.076 mg mL−1 and IC50 = 0.050 mg mL−1) was at a similar level as that nonhydrolyeed (IC50 = 0.070 mg mL−1 and IC50 = 0.065 mg mL−1). The antioxidant activity was two times higher after hydrolysis than before enzymatic hydrolysis of O. biennis seedcake extract. Also strong elastase inhibition activity has been shown to O. biennis seedcake extract before (IC50 = 0.095 mg mL−1) and after enzymatic hydrolysis (IC50 = 0.07 mg mL−1), respectively. Oenothera biennis and B. officinalis seedcake extracts before and after hydrolysis have stronger antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain in comparison with N. sativa seedcake.
Upper Esophageal Incompetence in Five Horses After Prosthetic Laryngoplasty
Authors: Barakzai Safia Z. , Dixon Paddy M. , Hawkes Claire S. , Cox Alistair , Barnett Timothy P.
Published: January 2014

Objective

To describe a complication observed endoscopically in horses after prosthetic laryngoplasty (LP).

Study Design

Case series.

Animals

Horses (n = 5) that had previous LP.

Methods

Four horses had endoscopic examination as part of a larger prospective study and had saliva emanating from their upper esophageal opening. One other horse was referred with clinical signs of severe upper esophageal obstruction 2 months after LP.

Results

Four horses were observed to have saliva emanating from their upper esophageal opening during endoscopic examination 21–58 months after LP. Esophageal reflux was noted endoscopically at rest (n = 1) and during exercise (4). All 5 horses were reported to cough postoperatively, and 2 horses coughed severely when eating. On necropsy, the horse referred with signs of esophageal obstruction had dilation of the proximal esophagus associated with food impaction and had fibrosis and thickening of the left cricopharyngeus and thyropharyngeus muscles.

Conclusions

Iatrogenic damage to the caudal pharyngeal constrictor muscles, the intrinsic musculature of the upper esophagus, or their innervation, or damage to the peri‐esophageal fascia or esophageal adventitia may cause upper esophageal incompetence in horses after LP.
Neurologic Outcome After Thoracolumbar Partial Lateral Corpectomy for Intervertebral Disc Disease in 72 Dogs
Authors: Salger Florian , Ziegler Luisa , Böttcher Irene Christine , Oechtering Gerhard , Böttcher Peter , Flegel Thomas
Published: January 2014

Objective

To determine neurologic outcome and factors influencing outcome after thoracolumbar partial lateral corpectomy (PLC) in dogs with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) causing ventral spinal cord compression.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Dogs with IVDD (n = 72; 87 PLC).

Methods

Dogs with IVDD between T9 and L5 were included if treated by at least 1 PLC. Exclusion criteria were: previous spinal surgery, combination of PLC with another surgical procedure. Neurologic outcome was assessed by: (1) modified Frankel score (MFS) based on neurologic examinations at 4 time points (before surgery, immediately after PLC, at discharge and 4 weeks after PLC); and (2) owner questionnaire. The association of the following factors with neurologic outcome was analyzed: age, body weight, duration of current neurologic dysfunction (acute, chronic), IVDD localization, breed (chondrodystrophic, nonchondrodystrophic), number of PLCs, degree of presurgical spinal cord compression and postsurgical decompression, slot depth, presurgical MFS. Presurgical spinal cord compression was determined by CT myelography (71 dogs) or MRI (1 dog), whereas postsurgical decompression and slot depth were determined on CT myelography (69 dogs).

Results

MFS was improved in 18.7%, 31.7%, and 64.2% of dogs at the 3 postsurgical assessments, whereas it was unchanged in 62.6%, 52.8%, and 32.0% at corresponding time points. Based on owner questionnaire, 91.4% of dogs were ambulatory 6 months postsurgically with 74.5% having a normal gait. Most improvement in neurologic function developed within 6 months after surgery. Presurgical MFS was the only variable significantly associated with several neurologic outcome measurements (P < .01).

Conclusions

PLC is an option for decompression in ventrally compressing thoracolumbar IVDD. Prognosis is associated with presurgical neurologic condition.
Impedance Spectroscopy of (Bi1/2Na1/2)TiO3–BaTiO3 Ceramics Modified with (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3
Authors: Zang Jiadong , Li Ming , Sinclair Derek C. , Jo Wook , Rödel Jürgen
Published: January 2014

The electrical and dielectric properties of (1 − x)(0.94Bi1/2Na1/2TiO3–0.06BaTiO3)–x(K0.5Na0.5NbO3) with x = 0, 0.03, 0.09, 0.18 have been investigated by impedance spectroscopy over a wide temperature range. The dc conductivity of the ceramics follows the Arrhenius law with an activation energy ranging from ~1.20 to 1.50 eV. Measurements under different atmospheres show the materials exhibit n‐type semiconducting behavior at elevated temperatures. The presence of a highly polarizable phase for all compositions is revealed by electric modulus (M″) spectra. The Burns temperature decreases with increasing KNN content. The change in temperature‐dependent permittivity with composition is explained by the difference in thermal evolution of polar nanoregions induced by the addition of KNN.
Additive Sintering, Postannealing, and Dielectric Properties of SrTaO2N
Authors: Sun Shi‐Kuan , Zhang Ya‐Ru , Masubuchi Yuji , Motohashi Teruki , Kikkawa Shinichi
Published: January 2014

The maintaining of the chemical composition and electrical insulativity of SrTaO2N ceramics was investigated during sintering and annealing, using powders prepared by the nitridation of Sr2Ta2O7. Due to the low thermal stability of SrTaO2N, the partial loss of SrO and nitrogen induced the formation of a TaO0.9 impurity after heat‐treating at above 1100°C. The sintering additive SrCO3 and postannealing in NH3 were employed to compensate for the loss of SrO and nitrogen to obtain ceramics with the original chemical composition. The as‐sintered SrTaO2N ceramics with various relative density (RD) were annealed in NH3 to observe the recovery of color and electrical insulativity. It was found that the inner part of the well‐sintered samples with RD = 95.1% could not be recovered by annealing, and continued to exhibit semiconducting behavior and a black color. On the other hand, for the as‐sintered SrTaO2N ceramics with RD < 84%, both the nitrogen content and electrically insulating behavior were completely recovered after annealing. The postannealed SrTaO2N ceramics (RD = 83.3%) possessed a relatively large dielectric constant of 450 with a low dielectric loss of less than 0.1 at 100 Hz, almost independent of frequency and temperature.
High Hardness and Ductile Mosaic SiC/SiO2 Composite by Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: He Zhenhua , Katsui Hirokazu , Tu Rong , Zhang Jianfeng , Goto Takashi
Published: January 2014

SiC powder was coated with SiO2 layer by chemical vapor deposition, and the SiC(core)/SiO2(shell) composite powder was consolidated to a SiC/SiO2 composite with a mosaic microstructure by spark plasma sintering (SPS) at 1923 K for 1.8 ks. The SiC(core)/SiO2(shell) powder with a 80–100 nm thick SiO2 layer resulted in a SiC/SiO2 composite with a relative density of 97% and hardness and fracture toughness of 17.1 GPa and 8.4 MPa m1/2, respectively.
An experimental test of whether cheating is context dependent
Authors: Ghoul M. , West S. A. , Diggle S. P. , Griffin A. S.
Published: January 2014

Microbial cells rely on cooperative behaviours that can breakdown as a result of exploitation by cheats. Recent work on cheating in microbes, however, has produced examples of populations benefiting from the presence of cheats and/or cooperative behaviours being maintained despite the presence of cheats. These observations have been presented as evidence for selection favouring cheating at the population level. This apparent contradiction arises when cheating is defined simply by the reduced expression of a cooperative trait and not in terms of the social costs and benefits of the trait under investigation. Here, we use two social traits, quorum sensing and iron‐scavenging siderophore production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, to illustrate the importance of defining cheating by the social costs and benefits. We show that whether a strain is a cheat depends on the costs and benefits associated with the social and abiotic environment and not the absolute expression of a cooperative trait.
Evidence‐based medicine: going beyond improving care provider viewpoints, using and challenges upcoming
Authors: Rezazadeh Esmaeil , Hachesu Peyman Rezaei , Rezapoor Aziz , Alireza Khaksarian
Published: January 2014

Objectives

Evidence Based Medicine (EBM) is proper and an efficient incorporation of the researches and experiences. This is study surveyed the attitudes, awareness, and practice of EBM with specific focus on the barriers to EBM, among clinical residents.

Methods

We conducted a cross sectional survey during September 2012 to February 2013 at the teaching hospitals of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences among 81 clinical providers from different medical specialties. A valid and reliable questionnaire consisted of five sections and 22 statements were used in this research. Most respondents (83%) completed the questionnaires voluntarily and anonymously. We input the data into Micro‐ soft Excel 2007. Data were analysed using SPSS 16.0 software.

Results

Findings of the study showed that the knowledge of respondents about EBM is low. Their attitude towards EBM was positive but their knowledge and skills in regard to the evidence based medical information resources were mostly limited to PubMed and Google scholar. The main barrier was the lack of enough time to practicing EBM. There was no significant correlation between residency grade and familiarity and use of electronic EBM resources (Spearman, P = 0.116).

Conclusions

The attitude of the respondents towards EBM is fairly positive. But there is a deficit in knowledge and skills of EBM among respondents. Integration and implementation of training approaches like journal clubs or workshops in clinical practices is suggested.
Knowledge and attitude toward evidence‐based medicine among medical students in Semnan, Iran
Authors: Ghahremanfard Farahnaz , Nassaji Mohammad , Mirmohammadkhani Majid , Tanha Asghar , Mosavi Mehdi , Ghaemi Ali , Shams Prastoo
Published: January 2014

Objectives

Evidence‐based medicine (EBM) has gained widespread acceptance in medicine. Little is known about the attitudes, knowledge, and behavior of medical students toward EBM in developing countries. This study was designed to assess medical students’ awareness and attitudes toward EBM and to obtain the basis required for developing appropriate teaching and learning opportunities.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study in which medical students completed a questionnaire to determine their attitudes, knowledge, and perceptions regarding EBM.

Results

Completed questionnaires were received from 84% (143) of 170 medical students. Only 24.5% of respondents had good basic information and familiarity with the term of EBM. The majority (89.3%) of participants had positive attitude toward EBM and agreed that it was useful in the management of patients. Mostly were interested in learning the skills of EBM. Most of the respondents (80.2%) had no or little awareness of EBM resources especially the Cochrane, DARE, and Bandolier clinical evidence database. Forty‐two (29%) reported having had formal training in search strategies. Most of the respondents did not understand but would like to learn about technical terms used in EBM, and about a third felt able to explain to others the meaning of some of these terms.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates lack of adequate knowledge about basic concepts of EBM among medical student. On the other hands, there is an overall positive attitude toward EBM. There is need for educational interventions and incorporating formal teaching of EBM at medical education.