bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spent grape pomace as a still potential by‐product
Authors: Bordiga Matteo , Travaglia Fabiano , Locatelli Monica , Arlorio Marco , Coïsson Jean Daniel
Published: May 2015

This research consisted of the determination of several phenolic compound and fatty acid contents of the grape seeds and skins obtained from pomace PRE and POST distillation. The quantification of flavan‐3‐ol composition, the determination of the mean degree of polymerisation (mDP) of the condensed tannins and the estimation of their antiradical activity have been also realised. The distillation process applied did not seem to significantly affect the fatty acid distribution of extracted oils. Conversely, the antiradical activity of both seeds and skins changed. Heating significantly decreased the seeds’ activity, while increased the skins’ activity to around 50% compared to PRE sample. The conclusion from this study is that despite the degradation caused by the drastic conditions, many interesting, valuable compounds are still present in the extract from the waste of this process, which makes it a useful matter for a better exploitation than as fertiliser or for producing renewable energy.
Nurses' extended work hours: Patient, nurse and organizational outcomes
Authors: Kunaviktikul W. , Wichaikhum O. , Nantsupawat A. , Nantsupawat R. , Chontawan R. , Klunklin A. , Roongruangsri S. , Nantachaipan P. , Supamanee T. , Chitpakdee B. , Akkadechanunt T. , Sirakamon S.
Published: May 2015

Background

Nursing shortages have been associated with increased nurse workloads that may result in work errors, thus impacting patient, nurse and organizational outcomes.

Aim

To examine for the first time in Thailand nurses' extended work hours (working more than 40 h per week) and its relationship to patient, nurse and organizational outcomes.

Methods

Using multistage sampling, 1524 registered nurses working in 90 hospitals across Thailand completed demographic forms: the Nurses' Extended Work Hours Form; the Patient, Nurse, Organizational Outcomes Form; the Organizational Productivity Questionnaire and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Spearman's rank correlation and logistic regression.

Results

The average extended work hour of respondents was 18.82 h per week. About 80% worked two consecutive shifts. The extended work hours had a positive correlation with patient outcomes, such as patient identification errors, pressure ulcers, communication errors and patient complaints and with nurse outcomes of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. Furthermore, we found a negative correlation between extended work hours and job satisfaction as a whole, intent to stay and organizational productivity. Nurses who had extended work hours of >16 h per week were significantly more likely to perceive all four adverse patient outcomes than participants working an extended ≤8 h per week.

Limitations

Patient outcomes were measured by respondents' self‐reports. This may not always reflect the real occurrence of adverse events.

Conclusions

Associations between extended work hours and outcomes for patients, nurses and the organization were found. The findings demonstrate that working two shifts (16 h) more than the regular work hours lead to negative outcomes for patients, nurses and the organization.

Implications for nursing and health policy

Our findings add to increasing international evidence that nurses' poor working conditions result in negative outcomes for professionals, patients and health systems. Policymakers need to be aware of the issues regarding nurses' extended work hours, which has been found to contribute to burnout. Urgently, nurse and health administrators need to develop and implement appropriate nursing overtime policies and strategies to help reduce this phenomenon, including measures to overcome the nursing shortage.
DC Conduction and Electric Modulus Formulation of Lithium‐Doped Bismuth Zinc Vanadate Semiconducting Glassy System
Authors: Dahiya Sajjan , Punia Rajesh , Singh Anupinder , Maan Anup S. , Murugavel Sevi
Published: May 2015

The conduction parameters related to dc conductivity and electric modulus formulation in the temperature range 313–533 K for xLi2O (100 − x) (50V2O5.20 Bi2O3. 30 ZnO) glass system have been studied. The temperature‐dependant dc conductivity is analyzed using the Mott's model for transition metals and modified Mott's VRH model. It is observed that Mott's model is in good agreement with the experimental data in high‐ and intermediate‐temperature region as a strong electron–phonon interaction seems to be prevalent. The conduction in these glasses has been attributed to small polaron hopping at the vanadium sites in nonadiabatic regime. The ion‐polaron effect (coupling between ions and polarons) leads to drop of the effective mobility and it can manifest itself as decrease in the dc conductivity with the addition of lithium content. The composition and temperature dependence of imaginary part of electric modulus () collapsed onto a single master curve, confirms the presence of same type of relaxation phenomenon in all the studied glass compositions.
Low Temperature Firing of Li0.43Zn0.27Ti0.13Fe2.17O4 Ferrites with Enhanced Magnetic Properties
Authors: Liao Yulong , Xu Fang , Zhang Dainan , Zhou Tinchuan , Wang Qi , Wang Xiaoyi , Jia Lijun , Li Jie , Su Hua , Zhong Zhiyong , Zhang Huaiwu
Published: May 2015

In the present work, the Li0.43Zn0.27Ti0.13Fe2.17O4 ferrite, a low temperature sintered gyromagnetic material, was prepared via solid‐state reaction method. A pure spinel phase can be formed with a sintering temperature ranging from 880°C to 920°C, which allows them to be co‐fired with silver. The addition of ZnO–Bi2O3–SiO2 (ZBS) glass in the Li0.43Zn0.27Ti0.13Fe2.17O4 ferrites contributes significantly to the grain growth and ferromagnetic properties through a low temperature (~900°C) sintering process. Results show that the addition of ZBS glass (0.125–2.00 wt%) cannot only double saturation induction (from ~150 to 300 mT) but also drastically reduce ferromagnetic resonance line width at 9.3 GHz (from 920 to 228 Oe), indicating that ZBS glass is a good candidate for lowing the sintering temperature of LiZnTi ferrites.
Procedural Outcomes and Survival After Catheter Ablation of Ventricular Tachycardia in Relation to Electroanatomical Substrate in Patients With Nonischemic‐Dilated Cardiomyopathy: The Role of Unipolar Voltage Mapping
Authors: DINOV BORISLAV , SCHRATTER ALEXANDRA , SCHIRRIPA VALENTINA , FIEDLER LUKAS , BOLLMANN ANDREAS , ROLF SASCHA , SOMMER PHILIPP , HINDRICKS GERHARD , ARYA ARASH
Published: May 2015

Scar and Outcomes Of VT Ablation in Nonischemic DCM

Introduction

In patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy the size of bipolar low‐voltage areas (LVA) in electroanatomical maps (EAM) was associated with poorer outcomes after catheter ablation (CA) of ventricular tachycardia (VT). However, the effect of LVA size on the survival after VT ablation in patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM) has not been studied.

Methods and Results

In 55 patients with NIDCM (48 male, age 61 ± 16 years, ejection fraction 32 ± 13%) an EAM to delineate the bipolar and unipolar LVAs was performed in 52 (94.5%) patients endocardially, in 24 (43.6%) patients epicardially, and in 21 (38.2%) patients on both surfaces. Additionally, activation mapping of the VT was possible in 22 (40%) patients. CA with lines transecting the scar and targeting late potentials was performed in all patients. Complete VT noninducibility at the end was achieved in 40 (72.7%) patients. During the median follow‐up of 22 (interquartile range IQR 6, 34) months, VT recurrences were observed in 30 (54.5%) and cardiac death in 14 (25.5%) patients. The ROC analysis revealed that the size of endocardial unipolar LVA (<8.3 mV) was associated with cardiac death (AUC 0.89, 95% CI 0.79–0.98, P <0.0001). UVA = 145 cm2 discriminates for cardiac death with 83% sensitivity and 78% specificity. Endocardial UVA > 145 cm2 was a predictor for cardiac death (adjusted HR = 6.9; P = 0.014) and UVA ≥ 54% (of total endocardial LV surface) for VT recurrence (adjusted HR = 3.5; P = 0.016).

Conclusion

The size of endocardial unipolar LVA (<8.3 mV) was a strong and independent predictor for cardiac mortality and VT recurrence in patients with NIDCM.
First record of a spawning aggregation for the tropical eastern Pacific endemic grouper Mycteroperca olfax in the Galapagos Marine Reserve
Authors: Salinas‐de‐León P. , Rastoin E. , Acuña‐Marrero D.
Published: May 2015

This study provides direct and indirect evidence of temporally and spatially consistent spawning aggregations for the grouper Mycteroperca olfax. Recently reported declines in population numbers, probably related to the direct targeting of aggregations by artisanal fishermen, highlight the urgent need for species‐specific management actions in the Galapagos Marine Reserve, such as minimum and maximum landing sizes, and the importance of protecting key aggregation sites with the declaration of no‐take areas and the establishment of total fishing bans during the reproductive season.
Akt1 phosphorylates Nicastrin to regulate its protein stability and activity
Authors: Jo Eun‐Hye , Ahn Ji‐Seon , Mo Jung‐Soon , Yoon Ji‐Hye , Ann Eun‐Jung , Baek Hyeong‐Jin , Lee Hye‐Jin , Kim Seol‐Hee , Kim Mi‐Yeon , Park Hee‐Sae
Published: May 2015

The gamma‐secretase is a multiprotein complex that cleaves many type‐I membrane proteins, such as the Notch receptor and the amyloid precursor protein. Nicastrin (NCT) is an essential component of the multimeric gamma‐secretase complex and functions as a receptor for gamma‐secretase substrates. In this study, we found that Akt1 markedly regulated the protein stability of NCT. Importantly, the kinase activity of Akt1 was essential for the inhibition of gamma‐secretase activity through degradation of NCT. Notably, the protein level of endogenous NCT was higher in shAkt1‐expressing cells than in shCon‐expressing cells. Akt1 physically interacted with NCT and mediated its degradation through proteasomal and lysosomal pathways. We also found that Akt1 phosphorylates NCT at Ser437, resulting in a significant reduction in NCT protein stability. Importantly, a phospho‐deficient mutation in NCT at Ser437 stabilized its protein levels. Collectively, our results reveal that Akt1 functions as a negative regulator of the gamma‐secretase activity through phosphorylation and degradation of NCT.

image

Generation of the amyloid peptide (A‐beta) and the amyloid precursor protein (APP) intracellular domain (AICD) can happen by sequential proteolysis of APP by beta and gamma‐secretase. The gamma‐secretase complex consists of four essential proteins: presenilin (PS1 or PS2), presenilin enhancer 2 (PEN‐2), anterior pharynx‐defective 1 (APH‐1), and the Nicastrin (NCT). NCT can interact and be phosphorylated by Akt1, and phosphorylated NCT promotes its proteasomal and lysosomal degradation. As a result, Akt1 plays role in reducing gamma‐secretase activity through phosphorylation‐dependent regulation of NCT protein degradation.
Sympathetic innervation of human muscle spindles
Authors: Radovanovic Dina , Peikert Kevin , Lindström Mona , Domellöf Fatima Pedrosa
Published: May 2015

The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of sympathetic innervation in human muscle spindles, using antibodies against neuropeptide Y (NPY), NPY receptors and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). A total of 232 muscle spindles were immunohistochemically examined. NPY and NPY receptors were found on the intrafusal fibers, on the blood vessels supplying muscle spindles and on free nerve endings in the periaxial space. TH‐immunoreactivity was present mainly in the spindle nerve and vessel. This is, to our knowledge, the first morphological study concerning the sympathetic innervation of the human muscle spindles. The results provide anatomical evidence for direct sympathetic innervation of the intrafusal fibers and show that sympathetic innervation is not restricted to the blood vessels supplying spindles. Knowledge about direct sympathetic innervation of the muscle spindle might expand our understanding of motor and proprioceptive dysfunction under stress conditions, for example, chronic muscle pain syndromes.
Effect of Water T2 Shortening in the Quantification of in‐vitro Proton MR Spectroscopy
Authors: Hernández‐Tamames Juan Antonio , Mato Abad Virginia , García‐Álvarez Roberto , González‐Zabaleta Javier , Pereira Loureiro Javier , Álvarez‐Linera Juan
Published: May 2015

PURPOSE

This work studies the relationship between in‐vitro Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy metabolite quantification and water T2 decay.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An in‐vitro correspondence is established between the iron accumulation and the shortening of water T2 relaxation times using seven spherical phantoms, 6 of them were doped with an increasing concentration of iron metal nanoparticles solution. This is later proposed as a source of error during the LCModel metabolite quantification of either absolute concentrations or ratios.

RESULTS

The Pearson's correlation coefficient between water T2 values against absolute metabolite concentrations was on average [r] = 0.97 and on average [r] = 0.85 for metabolite ratios.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the shortening of T2 values should be taken into account when performing metabolite quantification. Also, the need of demonstrated similar results in in‐vivo studies, since the presence of iron deposits or other factors affecting the water T2 decay measurements could explain part of the inter‐subject variability in the metabolite concentration and ratio quantification.
Changing 14‐year trends in the epidemiology of hepatitis B virus infection in rural and urban Central–Eastern European areas
Authors: Genowska A. , Jamiołkowski J. , Rodakowska E. , Fryc J. , Kozela M. , Pająk A.
Published: May 2015

In Poland, the prevalence of HBV infection constitutes an emerging public health concern. The aim of the study was to analyse changes in hepatitis B incidence rate by age, gender and place of residence in Poland between 1999 and 2012. The data were obtained from Polish state statistics institutions such as the National Institute of Public Health and State Sanitary Inspection. Relationships of hepatitis B incidence with age, gender and rural/urban areas were investigated using χ2 and tests for two proportions with Bonferroni adjustment. The incidence of hepatitis B in rural and urban populations was compared using Wilcoxon's signed‐rank tests. Joinpoint regression was used to analyse trends in hepatitis B incidence rate. In Poland, a total of 26 660 cases of hepatitis B were reported in the studied period and 31.6% of these cases occurred in rural areas. There was significantly declining tendency in the hepatitis B incidence rate in the initial period of the study. However, there were periods of significant increase of HBV incidence rate in women from rural areas aged 15–24 years (9.4%/year) and in women from urban areas aged 15–24 years (10.9%/year) and 25–64 years (3.8%/year) in the final years of the observation. Despite the success in controlling this infection, a significant increase in the incidence of hepatitis B among young women living in rural and urban areas, as well as in adult women in urban areas, has been noted.
Incidence, Severity and Prognosis Associated with Hypernatremia in Dogs and Cats
Authors: Ueda Y. , Hopper K. , Epstein S.E.
Published: May 2015

Background

Hypernatremia has been associated with substantial morbidity and death in human patients. The incidence and importance of hypernatremia in dogs and cats has not been determined.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To describe the incidence of and prognosis associated with hypernatremia in dogs and cats at a university teaching hospital.

Animals

A total of 16,691 dogs and 4,211 cats with measured blood or serum sodium concentration.

Methods

Retrospective study. Medical records of animals with a blood or serum sodium concentration measured during a 60‐month period were reviewed to determine the severity of hypernatremia and its associated case fatality rate. Cases with moderate (11–15 mmol/L above the reference range) or severe hypernatremia (≥16 mmol/L above the reference range) were further reviewed.

Results

A total of 957 dogs (5.7%) and 338 cats (8.0%) were diagnosed with hypernatremia. Case fatality rates of dogs and cats with hypernatremia was 20.6 and 28.1%, respectively compared to 4.4 and 4.5% with a normal blood or serum sodium concentration (P < .0001). The magnitude of hypernatremia was linearly associated with a higher case fatality rate (P < .0001). Hypernatremia was associated with a higher case fatality rate than hyponatremia. Among the animals with moderate or severe hypernatremia, 50% of dogs and 38.5% of cats presented with community‐acquired hypernatremia, and 50% of dogs and 61.5% of cats developed hospital‐acquired hypernatremia.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Hypernatremia was found infrequently in this population but was associated with increased case fatality rates in dogs and cats. Presence and severity of hypernatremia might be useful as a prognostic indicator.
Periplasmic superoxide dismutase SodCI of Salmonella binds peptidoglycan to remain tethered within the periplasm
Authors: Tidhar Avital , Rushing Marcus D. , Kim Byoungkwan , Slauch James M.
Published: May 2015

Salmonellae survive and propagate in macrophages to cause serious systemic disease. Periplasmic superoxide dismutase plays a critical role in this survival by combating phagocytic superoxide. Salmonella Typhimurium strain 14028 produces two periplasmic superoxide dismutases: SodCI and SodCII. Although both proteins are produced during infection, only SodCI is functional in the macrophage phagosome. We have previously shown that SodCI, relative to SodCII, is both protease resistant and tethered within the periplasm and that either of these properties is sufficient to allow a SodC to protect against phagocytic superoxide. Tethering is defined as remaining cell‐associated after osmotic shock or treatment with cationic antimicrobial peptides. Here we show that SodCI non‐covalently binds peptidoglycan. SodCI binds to Salmonella and Bacillus peptidoglycan, but not peptidoglycan from Staphylococcus. Moreover, binding can be inhibited by a diaminopimelic acid containing tripeptide, but not a lysine containing tripeptide, showing that the protein recognizes the peptide portion of the peptidoglycan. Replacing nine amino acids in SodCII with the corresponding residues from SodCI confers tethering, partially delineating an apparently novel peptidoglycan binding domain. These changes in sequence increase the affinity of SodCII for peptidoglycan fragments to match that of SodCI and allow the now tethered SodCII to function during infection.
Regulated intramembrane proteolysis of the virulence activator TcpP in Vibrio cholerae is initiated by the tail‐specific protease (Tsp)
Authors: Teoh Wei Ping , Matson Jyl S. , DiRita Victor J.
Published: May 2015

Vibrio cholerae uses a multiprotein transcriptional regulatory cascade to control expression of virulence factors cholera toxin and toxin‐co‐regulated pilus. Two proteins in this cascade are ToxR and TcpP – unusual membrane‐localized transcription factors with relatively undefined periplasmic domains and transcription activator cytoplasmic domains. TcpP and ToxR function with each other and two other membrane‐localized proteins, TcpH and ToxS, to activate transcription of toxT, encoding the direct activator of toxin and pilus genes. Under some conditions, TcpP is degraded in a two‐step proteolytic pathway known as regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP), thereby inactivating the cascade. The second step in this proteolytic pathway involves the zinc metalloprotease YaeL; V. cholerae cells lacking YaeL accumulate a truncated yet active form of TcpP termed TcpP*. We hypothesized that a protease acting prior to YaeL degrades TcpP to TcpP*, which is the substrate of YaeL. In this study, we demonstrate that a C‐terminal protease called Tsp degrades TcpP to form TcpP*, which is then acted upon by YaeL. We present evidence that TcpH and Tsp serve to protect full‐length TcpP from spurious proteolysis by YaeL. Cleavage by Tsp occurs in the periplasmic domain of TcpP and requires residues TcpPA172 and TcpPI174 for wild‐type activity.
Allergic multimorbidity of asthma, rhinitis and eczema over 20 years in the German birth cohort MAS
Authors: Gough Hannah , Grabenhenrich Linus , Reich Andreas , Eckers Nora , Nitsche Oliver , Schramm Dirk , Beschorner John , Hoffmann Ute , Schuster Antje , Bauer Carl‐Peter , Forster Johannes , Zepp Fred , Lee Young‐Ae , Bergmann Renate L. , Bergmann Karl E. , Wahn Ulrich , Lau Susanne , Keil Thomas ,   MAS study group
Published: May 2015

Background

The occurrence of allergic multimorbidity (coexistence of asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema) has not been evaluated longitudinally from early childhood up to adulthood in a population‐based study sample. We aimed to determine the prevalence of allergic multimorbidity up to age 20 stratified by parental allergies and sex/gender using extensive prospective follow‐up data from two decades of a birth cohort study.

Methods

In 1990, we recruited 1314 healthy newborns from 6 maternity wards across Germany for the population‐based MAS birth cohort study. The sample was purposely risk‐enriched by increasing the proportion of children at high allergy risk (i.e. at least 2 allergic family members among parents and siblings) from 19% in the source population to 38% in the final sample. The remaining 62% of all MAS children had a low or no allergy risk. Symptoms, medication and doctor's diagnoses of allergic diseases have been assessed using standardized questionnaires including validated ISAAC questions in 19 follow‐up assessments up to age 20. Allergic multimorbidity at each time point was defined as the coexistence of at least 2 of the following diseases in one participant: asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema.

Results

Response at age 20 was 72% (n = 942) of all recruited participants. At age 20, 18.5% (95% CI, 15.0–22.5%) of all participants with allergic parents had 2 or 3 concurrent allergies as compared to only 6.3% (95% CI, 4.3–9.0%) of those with non‐allergic parents. At this age, allergic multimorbidity was similar in women and men (12.7% (95% CI, 9.7–16.2%) vs. 11.6% (95% CI, 8.9–14.8%)), whereas single allergic diseases were slightly more common in women than men (24.2% (95% CI, 20.2–28.5%) vs. 20.1% (95% CI, 16.6–24.0%)). Asthma occurred more frequently with coexisting allergic rhinitis and/or eczema than as a single entity from pre‐puberty to adulthood.

Conclusion

Having parents with allergies is not only a strong predictor to develop any allergy, but it strongly increases the risk of developing allergic multimorbidity. In males and females alike, coexisting allergies were increasingly common throughout adolescence up to adulthood. Particularly asthma occurred in both sexes more frequently with coexisting allergies than as a single entity.
Gait analysis in Down syndrome pediatric patients using a sheet‐type gait analyzer: Pilot study
Authors: Naito Makiko , Aoki Sayaka , Kamide Anri , Miyamura Kohei , Honda Manami , Nagai Akira , Mezawa Hidetoshi , Hashimoto Keiji
Published: May 2015

Background

Children with Down syndrome (DS), who are likely to suffer from a large number of muscloskeletal problems, tend to have a unique pattern of walking in clinical settings. Despite such apparent uniqueness, few studies have empirically investigated gait development pattern in DS children, especially at an earlier age. We therefore conducted gait analysis in young DS children who are prescribed insoles, to explore how their gait patterns develop, using the gait parameters identified by Sutherland et al. as determinants of gait maturity of typical children.

Methods

Participants consisted of 63 DS children (31 boys) aged 1–6 years (mean, 4 years 1 month) with a diagnosis of flat feet who were prescribed orthotic insoles. A 2.4 m sheet‐type gait analyzer was used to analyze gait pattern. We measured the following variables: walking velocity (cm/min), cadence (steps/min), step length (cm), and single‐limb stance phase ratio (%), and examined their relationship with age on regression analysis.

Results

Walking velocity and step length were significantly and positively related to age. Cadence was also significantly, but negatively associated with age. In contrast, SLS phase ratio did not have a statistically significant relationship with age.

Conclusion

Down syndrome children have unique gait development patterns. Although walking velocity, cadence, and step length were found to develop with age, as in typical children, SLS phase ratio did not change with age in DS children. Further studies with a larger sample are necessary to replicate these findings.
Surgical treatment of severe laryngomalacia: Six month follow up
Authors: Baljosevic Ivan , Minic Predrag , Trajkovic Goran , Markovic‐Sovtic Gordana , Radojicic Bojana , Sovtic Aleksandar
Published: May 2015

Background

Laryngomalacia (LM) is the most common congenital anomaly of larynx that causes stridor in children. We evaluated the efficacy of epiglottic suture and laser epiglottopexy for treatment of infants with severe LM.

Methods

Surgical intervention was performed in 19 patients with severe LM, after the diagnosis was established using flexible laryngotracheobronchoscopy. Five patients had isolated type 1 LM, and 14 patients had a combination of type 1 and 3 LM. Indication for surgical treatment was the presence of LM with at least one of the following: malnutrition (body mass index [BMI] Z score < –2 SD), dysphagia or symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux and mean oxygen saturation (SaO2) <92% with oxygen desaturation index (ODI) > 3.

Results

Epiglottic suture was performed in 11 patients, and laser epiglottopexy in eight, at mean age 3.95 ± 2.4 months. Rate of operation was 2.2‐fold greater for more severe anomaly (combination of type 1 and 3 LM) than for isolated type 1. At 6 month follow up symptoms had gradually improved, as well as nutritional status, with increase of mean BMI Z score from –3.7 to –0.9 (P < 0.01). Mean preoperative SaO2 was 89.4 ± 4.3% with mean ODI of 5.8. At 6 month follow up, mean SaO2 was 96.7 ± 1.1%, and mean ODI was 1.2 (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Epiglottic suture and laser epiglottopexy are efficient surgical techniques that lead to significant improvement of symptoms, oxygenation and nutritional status in patients with LM.
The Presumption of Innocence in the Trial Setting
Authors: Lippke Richard L.
Published: May 2015

The starting frame with which jurors begin trials and the approach which they should take toward the presentation of evidence by the prosecution and defense are distinguished. A robust interpretation of the starting frame, according to which jurors should begin trials by presuming the material innocence of defendants, is defended. Alternative starting frames which are less defendant‐friendly are shown to cohere less well with the notion that criminal trials should constitute stern tests of the government's case against those it has charged with crimes. The intuitive case for the robust presumption of innocence is supplemented with empirical evidence concerning the psychology of belief formation and preservation. Various objections to the proposed starting frame are addressed.
Structured Coupling of Probability Loss Distributions: Assessing Joint Flood Risk in Multiple River Basins
Authors: Timonina Anna , Hochrainer‐Stigler Stefan , Pflug Georg , Jongman Brenden , Rojas Rodrigo
Published: May 2015

Losses due to natural hazard events can be extraordinarily high and difficult to cope with. Therefore, there is considerable interest to estimate the potential impact of current and future extreme events at all scales in as much detail as possible. As hazards typically spread over wider areas, risk assessment must take into account interrelations between regions. Neglecting such interdependencies can lead to a severe underestimation of potential losses, especially for extreme events. This underestimation of extreme risk can lead to the failure of riskmanagement strategies when they are most needed, namely, in times of unprecedented events. In this article, we suggest a methodology to incorporate such interdependencies in risk via the use of copulas. We demonstrate that by coupling losses, dependencies can be incorporated in risk analysis, avoiding the underestimation of risk. Based on maximum discharge data of river basins and stream networks, we present and discuss different ways to couple loss distributions of basins while explicitly incorporating tail dependencies. We distinguish between coupling methods that require river structure data for the analysis and those that do not. For the later approach we propose a minimax algorithm to choose coupled basin pairs so that the underestimation of risk is avoided and the use of river structure data is not needed. The proposed methodology is especially useful for large‐scale analysis and we motivate and apply our method using the case of Romania. The approach can be easily extended to other countries and natural hazards.
The Overuse, Underuse, and Misuse of Dialysis in ESKD Patients with Dementia
Authors: MacPhail Aleece , Ibrahim Joseph E. , Fetherstonhaugh Deirdre , Levidiotis Vicki
Published: May 2015

The profile of patients on chronic dialysis has shifted. There is a growing group of older patients with comorbid dementia and ESKD, who are at risk of overuse, underuse, and misuse of dialysis. Policy is lacking to help guide treatment decisions in this group. This paper explores clinical considerations specific to patients with comorbid ESKD and dementia. These include: the impact of comorbid dementia on dialysis effectiveness and feasibility; burden of care issues that are specific to patients with dementia; and capacity, autonomy, and consent. A better understanding of these issues may help guide discussions and decision making about treatment. For some older patients with multiple comorbidities including dementia, dialysis does not provide survival or quality of life benefit compared to medical management. These patients also experience additional treatment burden due to a ‘dementia unfriendly’ environment. However, exceptions may include patients who are younger, more independent, and have fewer comorbidities. Patients with dementia are often inappropriately assumed to lack capacity to participate in treatment decision making, and are at risk of having their preferences overlooked. Many patients with mild‐to‐moderate dementia remain capable of reporting their preferences and quality of life, and should always be involved in treatment discussions where possible.
The Role of Different Monocyte Subsets in the Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis and Acute Coronary Syndromes
Authors: Idzkowska E. , Eljaszewicz A. , Miklasz P. , Musial W. J. , Tycinska A. M. , Moniuszko M.
Published: May 2015

The inflammation underlying both atherosclerosis and acute coronary syndromes is strongly related to monocyte‐related actions. However, different monocyte subsets can play differential roles in the formation and destabilization of atherosclerotic plaque as well as healing of damaged myocardial tissue. Monocytes are currently being divided into three functionally distinct subsets with different levels ofCD14 (cluster of differentiation 14) andCD16 expression. Thus, there are classicalCD14++CD16‐, intermediateCD14++CD16+ and non‐classicalCD14+CD16++ monocytes. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on complex activities of different monocyte subsets in atherosclerosis and acute coronary syndromes. Moreover, we discuss which monocyte subsets can serve either as predictive biomarkers of cardiovascular risk or as potential targets used in atherosclerosis and its complications.
The relationship between self‐harm and alexithymia
Authors: Norman Hilary , Borrill Jo
Published: May 2015

This paper presents a systematic review of the literature concerning the relationship between alexithymia and self‐harm. Fifteen studies were selected following a systematic search of relevant databases. Results indicate significantly higher levels of alexithymia in women who self‐harm compared with women who do not self‐harm. Studies of men were less conclusive and require further investigation. A subsample of the studies found that childhood abuse and bullying were more likely to be associated with self‐harm if alexithymia was present as a mediator. Other studies found that depression mediated between alexithymia and self‐harm. The results indicate that the poor emotional cognition and expression associated with alexithymia may increase vulnerability to self‐harm, particularly in women.
Knot Security of 5 Metric (USP 2) Sutures: Influence of Knotting Technique, Suture Material, and Incubation Time for 14 and 28 Days in Phosphate Buffered Saline and Inflamed Equine Peritoneal Fluid
Authors: Sanders Ruth E. , Kearney Clodagh M. , Buckley Conor T. , Jenner Florien , Brama Pieter A
Published: May 2015

Objectives

To evaluate knot security for 3 knot types created in 3 commonly used 5 metric suture materials incubated in physiological and pathological fluids.

Study Design

In vitro mechanical study.

Sample Population

Knotted suture loops (n = 5/group).

Methods

Loops of 3 different suture materials (glycolide/lactide copolymer; polyglactin 910; polydioxanone) were created around a 20 mm rod using 3 knot types (square [SQ], surgeon's [SK], and triple knot [TK]) and were tested to failure in distraction (6 mm/min) after tying (day 0) and after being incubated for 14 and 28 days in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or inflamed peritoneal fluid. Failure load (N) and mode were recorded and compared.

Results

For polydioxanone, significant differences in force to knot failure were found between SQ and SK/TK but not between SK and TK. The force required to break all constructs increased after incubation in phosphate buffered saline (PBS). With glycolide/lactide copolymer no differences in force to knot failure were observed. With polyglactin 910, a significant difference between SQ and TK was observed, which was not seen between the other knot types. Incubation in inflamed peritoneal fluid caused a larger and more rapid decrease in force required to cause knot failure than incubation in PBS.

Conclusions

Mechanical properties of suture materials have significant effects on knot security. For polydioxanone, SQ is insufficient to create a secure knot. Additional wraps above a SK confer extra stability in some materials, but this increase may not be clinically relevant or justifiable. Glycolide/lactide copolymer had excellent knot security.
Influence of Kinematics During Roller Clinching on Joint Properties
Authors: Weiss Maria , Volk Wolfram
Published: May 2015

Roller clinching is an effective way to join continuous sheet metal components. In contrast to translational clinching, joining with rotational tool movement is a continuous process in which the semifinished parts can be fed through the joining device at a constant high velocity without stopping and accelerating. Because of the special kinematics, which differs from translational clinching, the clinchpoint reveals an asymmetric joint formation. This paper deals with the influence of different rolling radii of the tools and stripping forces on the clinchpoint formation and the resulting mechanical joint properties. Experiments are performed to determine tensile and shear strengths of the rotational clinchpoints. They are compared to the properties of translational clinchpoints. Furthermore, the kinematic mechanisms during roller clinching influencing the clinchpoint geometry are identified.
Dynamic Asynchronous Coupled Analysis and Experimental Study for a Turret Moored FPSO in Random Seas
Authors: Ma Shan , Duan Wen Y. , Han Xu L.
Published: May 2015

The dynamic coupling analysis between floating platform and mooring/risers is one of the challenging topics in development of oil and gas exploration in deepwater area. In this paper, the dynamic coupled analysis model for a turret-moored floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) is developed. In order to improve the computational efficiency, the proposed asynchronous coupling model is extended to application for FPSO coupled dynamic analysis. In order to validate the developed dynamic coupling analysis model, the vessel global motion and mooring tensions for the turret moored tanker KVLCC2 were tested in China Ship Scientific Research Center (CSSRC) wave basin. In this paper, the numerically predicted coupled response is directly compared with those from model test in time domain. The research focus is in the following: (1) Through comparison of free decay surge motion in calm water/regular wave, the damping effect from mooring on drift motion is validated and confirmed; (2) The physical phenomena of wave drift damping effect on slowly varying surge motion are theoretically explained making use of the related hydrodynamic model and physical model test; (3) In random seas, the simulated vessel motions and mooring tensions generally show fairly good match in time records with model test. But there is phase difference between simulation and measurements after tens of minutes in model test scale, the exact reason is not known yet; and (4) Another interesting phenomena in model test are the existence of unstable horizontal sway and yaw motion, which are not well predicted by current numerical model, the further research is needed.
Experimental and Finite Element Simulation of Wear in Nanostructured NiAl Coating
Authors: Tavoosi H. , Ziaei-Rad S. , Karimzadeh F. , Akbarzadeh S.
Published: May 2015

In this paper, the wear of nanostructured NiAl coating was studied both experimentally and numerically. First, the nanocrystalline NiAl intermetallic powder was synthesized by mechanical alloying (MA) of aluminum and Ni powders. The coatings were deposited onto the low carbon steel substrate using high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) technique. Nanoindentation test was conducted to find out the mechanical properties of the coating. The dry wear tests were then performed using a pin-on-block test rig under different operating conditions. Finally, finite element (FE) method was employed to model the wear characteristics of the prepared nanostructured material. A three-dimensional (3D) FE model was created and used to simulate the pin-on-block experiments. The results show that the volume losses predicted by the numerical analysis are in good agreement with the experimental data.
Determinants of community structure in the global plankton interactome
Authors: Lima-Mendez Gipsi , Faust Karoline , Henry Nicolas , Decelle Johan , Colin Sébastien , Carcillo Fabrizio , Chaffron Samuel , Ignacio-Espinosa J. Cesar , Roux Simon , Vincent Flora , Bittner Lucie , Darzi Youssef , Wang Jun , Audic Stéphane , Berline Léo , Bontempi Gianluca , Cabello Ana M. , Coppola Laurent , Cornejo-Castillo Francisco M. , d'Ovidio Francesco , De Meester Luc , Ferrera Isabel , Garet-Delmas Marie-José , Guidi Lionel , Lara Elena , Pesant Stéphane , Royo-Llonch Marta , Salazar Guillem , Sánchez Pablo , Sebastian Marta , Souffreau Caroline , Dimier Céline , Picheral Marc , Searson Sarah , Kandels-Lewis Stefanie ,   Tara Oceans coordinators, Gorsky Gabriel , Not Fabrice , Ogata Hiroyuki , Speich Sabrina , Stemmann Lars , Weissenbach Jean , Wincker Patrick , Acinas Silvia G. , Sunagawa Shinichi , Bork Peer , Sullivan Matthew B. , Karsenti Eric , Bowler Chris , de Vargas Colomban , Raes Jeroen
Published: May 2015

Species interaction networks are shaped by abiotic and biotic factors. Here, as part of theTaraOceans project, we studied the photic zone interactome using environmental factors and organismal abundance profiles and found that environmental factors are incomplete predictors of community structure. We found associations across plankton functional types and phylogenetic groups to be nonrandomly distributed on the network and driven by both local and global patterns. We identified interactions among grazers, primary producers, viruses, and (mainly parasitic) symbionts and validated network-generated hypotheses using microscopy to confirm symbiotic relationships. We have thus provided a resource to support further research on ocean food webs and integrating biological components into ocean models.
The new shape of fusion
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: May 2015

After decades of slow progress with doughnut-shaped reactors, magnetic fusion labs are gambling on a redesign.
A male-determining factor in the mosquito
Aedes aegypti
Authors: Hall Andrew Brantley , Basu Sanjay , Jiang Xiaofang , Qi Yumin , Timoshevskiy Vladimir A. , Biedler James K. , Sharakhova Maria V. , Elahi Rubayet , Anderson Michelle A. E. , Chen Xiao-Guang , Sharakhov Igor V. , Adelman Zach N. , Tu Zhijian
Published: May 2015

Manipulating M factor alters mosquito sex

Female mosquitoes feed on blood and in so doing transmit pathogens to millions annually. Although the molecular mechanism for determining sex in many animals is known, the specific factors in mosquitoes have been elusive. This is because sex determination in insects involves a section of the genome that is highly repetitive. Hall
et al.
now identify a male-determining factor (M factor) in
Aedes aegypti.
Manipulation of the M factor produced sex-change phenotypes. Knocking out the gene
Nix
resulted in feminized males, and ectopic expression gave masculinized females. These findings should help to advance strategies for converting female mosquitoes into nonbiting males.

Science
, this issue p.
1268
A virus that infects a hyperthermophile encapsidates A-form DNA
Authors: DiMaio Frank , Yu Xiong , Rensen Elena , Krupovic Mart , Prangishvili David , Egelman Edward H.
Published: May 2015

A viral DNA form that survives extremes

The prokaryote
Sulfolobus islandicus
lives at extreme temperatures (∼80°C) and acidity (pH 3). It is infected by the rudivirus SIRV2. DiMaio
et al.
determined the structure of the SIRV2 virus using cryo–electron microscopy to understand how the virus survives these brutal conditions. Most DNA in nature assumes a B-form shape. The virion, on the other hand, contains highly unusual A-form DNA that may help it survive adverse conditions. The viral capsid protein forms an extended α-helical structure that wraps around the viral DNA, possibly stabilizing the A-form DNA.

Science
, this issue p.
914
Comment on “Agriculture facilitated permanent human occupation of the Tibetan Plateau after 3600 B.P. ”
Authors: Guedes Jade d’Alpoim , Bocinsky R. Kyle , Butler Ethan E.
Published: May 2015

Chen
et al
. (Reports, 16 January 2015, p. 248) argued that early Tibetan agriculturalists pushed the limits of farming up to 4000 meters above sea level. We contend that this argument is incompatible with the growing requirements of barley. It is necessary to clearly define past crop niches to create better models for the complex history of the occupation of the plateau.
Decoding motor imagery from the posterior parietal cortex of a tetraplegic human
Authors: Aflalo Tyson , Kellis Spencer , Klaes Christian , Lee Brian , Shi Ying , Pejsa Kelsie , Shanfield Kathleen , Hayes-Jackson Stephanie , Aisen Mindy , Heck Christi , Liu Charles , Andersen Richard A.
Published: May 2015

Brain imagination to control external devices

Studies in monkeys have implicated the brain's posterior parietal cortex in high-level coding of planned and imagined actions. Aflalo
et al.
implanted two microelectrode arrays in the posterior parietal cortex of a tetraplegic patient (see the Perspective by Pruszynski and Diedrichsen). They asked the patient to imagine various types of limb or eye movements. As predicted, motor imagery involved the same types of neural population activity involved in actual movements, which could potentially be exploited in prosthetic limb control.

Science
, this issue p.
906
; see also p.
860
Structure of the HIV-1 RNA packaging signal
Authors: Keane Sarah C. , Heng Xiao , Lu Kun , Kharytonchyk Siarhei , Ramakrishnan Venkateswaran , Carter Gregory , Barton Shawn , Hosic Azra , Florwick Alyssa , Santos Justin , Bolden Nicholas C. , McCowin Sayo , Case David A. , Johnson Bruce A. , Salemi Marco , Telesnitsky Alice , Summers Michael F.
Published: May 2015

Structural signals that direct HIV packaging

During the viral replication cycle of HIV, unspliced dimeric RNA genomes are efficiently packaged into new virions at the host cell membrane. Packaging is directed by a region at the start of the genome, the 5′ leader. The architecture of the 5′ leader remains controversial. Keane
et al.
developed nuclear magnetic resonance methods to determine the structure of a 155-nucleotide-long region of the 5′ leader that can direct viral packaging. The structure shows how the 5′ leader binds to the HIV protein that directs packaging, how unspliced dimeric genomes are selected for packaging, and how translation is suppressed when the genome dimerizes.

Science
, this issue p.
917
Streamlining amine synthesis
Authors: Kürti László
Published: May 2015

Bulky amine groups that help make many drugs more bioavailable can be added readily to organic compounds

[Also see Research Article by

Gui
et al.

]
Complete Genome Sequence of a Pathogenic Genotype 1 Subtype 3 Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (Strain SU1-Bel) from Pig Primary Tissue
Authors: Lu Zen H. , Wilson Alison D. , Wang Xinglong , Frossard Jean-Pierre , Stadejek Tomasz , Archibald Alan L. , Ait-Ali Tahar
Published: May 2015

We report here the complete genome of the pathogenic eastern European subtype 3 porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) strain SU1-Bel, sequenced directly from a pig lymph node. While sharing substantial sequence similarity with other subtype 3 strains, SU1-Bel is found to harbor unique indels and contain putative novel subgenomic RNAs.
Near-Full-Length Genome Sequence of a Novel Reovirus from the Chinese Mitten Crab,
Eriocheir sinensis
Authors: Shen Huaishun , Ma Yuanchao , Hu Yacheng
Published: May 2015

A novel
Eriocheir sinensis
reovirus (EsRV) was identified using deep-sequencing techniques in crabs afflicted with trembling disease (TD). Near-full-length genome sequences of 12 segments of EsRV were obtained. The genome of EsRV will facilitate further studies on the causative agent of TD.
Draft Genome Sequence of Chromobacterium vaccinii, a Potential Biocontrol Agent against Mosquito (Aedes aegypti) Larvae
Authors: Vöing Kristin , Harrison Alisha , Soby Scott D.
Published: May 2015

Chromobacterium vaccinii
has been isolated only from cranberry bogs in Massachusetts. While it is unknown what role these bacteria play in their natural environments, they hold potential as biological control agents against the larvae of insect pests. Potential virulence genes were identified, including the violacein synthesis pathway, siderophores, and chitinases.
Full-Length Coding Sequences for 12 Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Isolates from Persistently Infected Cattle in a Feedyard in Kansas
Authors: Workman Aspen M. , Harhay Gregory P. , Heaton Michael P. , Grotelueschen Dale M. , Sjeklocha David , Smith Timothy P. L.
Published: May 2015

We report here the full-length coding sequences of 12 bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) isolates from persistently infected cattle in a feedyard in southwest KS. These 12 genomes represent the three major subtypes of BVDV (BVDV-1a, 1b, and 2a) currently circulating in the United States.
De Novo
Genome Assembly of Grapevine Yellow Speckle Viroid 1 from a Grapevine Transcriptome
Authors: Jo Yeonhwa , Choi Hoseong , Yoon Ju-Yeon , Choi Seung-Kook , Cho Won Kyong
Published: May 2015

Grapevine yellow speckle viroid 1 (GYSVd1), which is a member of the genus
Apscaviroid
, causes yellow speckle disease in grapevines. Here, we report the complete
de novo
genome assembly of GYSVd1 from the grapevine transcriptome and identified 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms of GYSVd1 across the grapevine populations.