bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GbEXPATR, a species‐specific expansin, enhances cotton fibre elongation through cell wall restructuring
Authors: Li Yang , Tu Lili , Pettolino Filomena A , Ji Shengmei , Hao Juan , Yuan Daojun , Deng Fenglin , Tan Jiafu , Hu Haiyan , Wang Qing , Llewellyn Danny J. , Zhang Xianlong
Published: August 2015

Cotton provides us the most important natural fibre. High fibre quality is the major goal of cotton breeding, and introducing genes conferring longer, finer and stronger fibre from Gossypium barbadense to Gossypium hirsutum is an important breeding strategy. We previously analysed the G. barbadense fibre development mechanism by gene expression profiling and found two homoeologous fibre‐specific α‐expansins from G. barbadense, GbEXPA2 and GbEXPATR. GbEXPA2 (from the DT genome) is a classical α‐expansin, while its homoeolog, GbEXPATR (AT genome), encodes a truncated protein lacking the normal C‐terminal polysaccharide‐binding domain of other α‐expansins and is specifically expressed in G. barbadense. Silencing EXPA in G. hirsutum induced shorter fibres with thicker cell walls. GbEXPA2 overexpression in G. hirsutum had no effect on mature fibre length, but produced fibres with a slightly thicker wall and increased crystalline cellulose content. Interestingly, GbEXPATR overexpression resulted in longer, finer and stronger fibres coupled with significantly thinner cell walls. The longer and thinner fibre was associated with lower expression of a number of secondary wall‐associated genes, especially chitinase‐like genes, and walls with lower cellulose levels but higher noncellulosic polysaccharides which advocated that a delay in the transition to secondary wall synthesis might be responsible for better fibre. In conclusion, we propose that α‐expansins play a critical role in fibre development by loosening the cell wall; furthermore, a truncated form, GbEXPATR, has a more dramatic effect through reorganizing secondary wall synthesis and metabolism and should be a candidate gene for developing G. hirsutum cultivars with superior fibre quality.
Analysis of the synthetic house‐tree‐person drawing test for developmental disorder
Authors: Fujii Chikako , Okada Ayumi , Akagi Tomoko , Shigeyasu Yoshie , Shimauchi Aya , Hosogi Mizuho , Munemori Eriko , Ocho Keiko , Morishima Tsuneo
Published: August 2015

Background

Some patients cannot draw three subjects on the same page during the synthetic house‐tree‐person drawing test (S‐HTP). We call this phenomenon “no synthetic sign”. The aim of this study was to clarify the pathological meaning of no synthetic sign and investigate its use for the early detection of developmental disorders at a pediatric primary care center.

Methods

We administered the S‐HTP to 283 people who consulted the child psychosomatic medical clinic of Okayama University Hospital in 2007–2012. We diagnosed developmental disability based on DSM‐IV‐TR criteria and compared findings between the different diagnostic groups.

Results

A total of 241 patients completed the S‐HTP (S‐HTP group) and 22 patients were not able to complete the S‐HTP, but did complete the HTP (an original version of the S‐HTP) or tree test (HTP group). Significantly more people in the HTP group had autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared with the S‐HTP group. Full‐scale intelligence quotient was significantly lower in the HTP group compared with the S‐HTP group.

Conclusions

There were two types of patients with no synthetic sign. The first involved patients with a suspected mental age younger than 5 years 11 months. The second type consisted of patients with ASD. Although drawing ability reflects multiple domains, it may help in early identification of children with developmental problems and facilitate earlier initiation of interventions.
Heartbeat‐related EEG amplitude and phase modulations from wakefulness to deep sleep: Interactions with sleep spindles and slow oscillations
Authors: Lechinger Julia , Heib Dominik Philip Johannes , Gruber Walter , Schabus Manuel , Klimesch Wolfgang
Published: August 2015

Based on physiological models of neurovisceral integration, different studies have shown how cognitive processes modulate heart rate and how the heartbeat, on the other hand, modulates brain activity. We tried to further determine interactions between cardiac and electrical brain activity by means of EEG. We investigated how the heartbeat modulates EEG in 23 healthy controls from wakefulness to deep sleep and showed that frontocentral heartbeat evoked EEG amplitude and phase locking (as measured by intertrial phase locking), at about 300‐400 ms after the R peak, decreased with increasing sleep depth with a renewed increase during REM sleep, which underpins the assumption that the heartbeat evoked positivity constitutes an active frontocortical response to the heartbeat. Additionally, we found that individual heart rate was correlated with the frequency of the EEG's spectral peak (i.e., alpha peak frequency during wakefulness). This correlation was strongest during wakefulness and declined linearly with increasing sleep depth. Furthermore, we show that the QRS complex modulates spindle phase possibly related to the correspondence between the frequency of the QRS complex and the spindle frequency of about 12–15 Hz. Finally, during deep sleep stages, a loose temporal coupling between heartbeats and slow oscillation (0.8 Hz) could be observed. These findings indicate that cardiac activity such as heart rate or individual heartbeats can modulate or be modulated by ongoing oscillatory brain activity.
Paying a Price, Facing a Fine, Counting the Cost: The Differences that Make the Difference
Authors: Migotti Mark
Published: August 2015

In this paper I show that penalties are not prices, and explain why the difference matters. In section one, I set up the problem which the following two sections will solve: namely, that it is easy enough to make certain kinds of penalties look just like prices. In section two, I lay out and dismantle an argument for reducing the former to the latter; and in section three I dismantle an argument for taking penalties and prices to be pragmatically equivalent, on the grounds that the essential function of both is to attach costs to actions.
Media Coverage of Pediatric Environmental Health Risks and its Effects on Mothers’ Protective Behaviors
Authors: Mello Susan , Hornik Robert C.
Published: August 2015

This study explores the relationship between exposure to U.S. media coverage of chemical threats to pediatric environmental health and mothers’ behaviors to protect their children. Prior content analytic work revealed that media coverage volume from September 2012 to February 2013 differed significantly by type of chemical (i.e., pesticides = high coverage volume; bisphenol A [BPA] = moderate; and arsenic = low). Survey data collected from new and expecting mothers in March 2013 (n = 822) revealed mothers incidentally encountered—or scanned—this information in the media in the prior six months, and after adjusting for a series of potential confounders, such scanning was positively associated with mothers’ self‐reported behaviors to reduce chemical exposures. To test the hypothesis that coverage volume moderates the relationship between scanning and behavior, content analysis and survey data were combined in mixed effects regression analyses. Results showed significant differences between the effects of media scanning at different levels of coverage volume, but in a direction not entirely consistent with the study's hypothesis. The relationship between scanning and behavior was strongest for BPA, suggesting that a characteristic of media coverage other than volume may drive maternal responses to environmental health threats. Implications of these findings for risk communication research and practice are discussed.
Fiscal Illusion and Cyclical Government Expenditure: State Government Expenditure in the United States
Authors: Abbott Andrew , Jones Philip
Published: August 2015

A well‐established literature argues that fiscal illusion increases the level of government expenditure. This article focuses on the proposition that fiscal illusion also influences the cyclicality of government expenditure. Predictions are formed with reference to government reliance on high income elasticities of indirect tax revenues and on intergovernmental transfers. Predictions are tested with reference to the expenditures of 36 states in the United States from 1980 to 2000. Government expenditures are more likely to be procyclical when citizens systematically underestimate the cost of taxation.
Multi‐Local Living – The Approaches of Rational Choice Theory, Sociology of Everyday Life and Actor‐Network Theory
Authors: Weiske Christine , Petzold Knut , Schad Helmut
Published: August 2015

There is no ‘supra‐theory’, which might synthesise potential theoretical approaches for the study of multi‐local living. Three selected theoretical perspectives are discussed: according to rational choice theory (RCT), multiple localisations represent just one of a number of choices, selected on the basis of individual preferences and given restrictions. Sociology of everyday life (SEL) addresses the reproduction of social life by focusing on practices of actors within the various social frameworks of multi‐local everyday life. Actor‐network theory (ANT) provides a ‘toolkit’ to ‘de‐scribe’ the hybrid enactment of multi‐local households. Materiality, processes, and multiplicity are emphasised. Each perspective reflects partial realities of the multiplicity of multi‐local living. It is argued that the modelling of residential multi‐locality pursued by the three approaches is highly productive if their results are compared with one another and interpreted as versions of reality differently shaped, which are partly congruent, partly incongruent due to incommensurable ontological and theoretical positions.
An untargeted global metabolomic analysis reveals the biochemical changes underlying basal resistance and priming in Solanum lycopersicum, and identifies 1‐methyltryptophan as a metabolite involved in plant responses to Botrytis cinerea and Pseudomonas syringae
Authors: Camañes Gemma , Scalschi Loredana , Vicedo Begonya , González‐Bosch Carmen , García‐Agustín Pilar
Published: August 2015

In this study, we have used untargeted global metabolomic analysis to determine and compare the chemical nature of the metabolites altered during the infection of tomato plants (cv. Ailsa Craig) with Botrytis cinerea (Bot) or Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 (Pst), pathogens that have different invasion mechanisms and lifestyles. We also obtained the metabolome of tomato plants primed using the natural resistance inducer hexanoic acid and then infected with these pathogens. By contrasting the metabolomic profiles of infected, primed, and primed + infected plants, we determined not only the processes or components related directly to plant defense responses, but also inferred the metabolic mechanisms by which pathogen resistance is primed. The data show that basal resistance and hexanoic acid‐induced resistance to Bot and Pst are associated with a marked metabolic reprogramming. This includes significant changes in amino acids, sugars and free fatty acids, and in primary and secondary metabolism. Comparison of the metabolic profiles of the infections indicated clear differences, reflecting the fact that the plant's chemical responses are highly adapted to specific attackers. The data also indicate involvement of signaling molecules, including pipecolic and azelaic acids, in response to Pst and, interestingly, to Bot. The compound 1‐methyltryptophan was shown to be associated with the tomato–Pst and tomato–Bot interactions as well as with hexanoic acid‐induced resistance. Root application of this Trp‐derived metabolite also demonstrated its ability to protect tomato plants against both pathogens.
Dynamic Analysis of Cold-Rolling Process Using the Finite-Element Method
Authors: Kapil Sajan , Eberhard Peter , Dwivedy Santosha K.
Published: August 2015

In this work, the finite-element method (FEM) is used to develop the governing equation of motion of the working roll of a four-high rolling mill and to study its vibration due to different process parameters. The working roll is modeled as an Euler Bernoulli beam by taking beam elements with vertical displacement and slope as the nodal degrees-of-freedom in the finite-element formulation. The bearings at the ends of the working rolls are modeled using spring elements. To calculate the forces acting on the working roll, the interaction between the working roll and the backup roll is modeled by using the work roll submodel, and the interaction between the working roll and the sheet is modeled by using the roll bite submodel (Lin et al., 2003, “On Characteristics and Mechanism of Rolling Instability and Chatter,” ASME J. Manuf. Sci. Eng., 125(4), pp. 778–786). Nodal displacements and velocities are obtained by using the Newmark Beta method after solving the governing equation of motion of the working roll. The transient and steady-state variation of roll gap, exit thickness profile, exit stress, and sheet force along the length of the strip have been found for different bearing stiffnesses and widths of the strip. By using this model, one can predict the shape of the outcoming strip profile and exit stress variation which will be useful to avoid many defects, such as edge buckling or center buckling in rolling processes.
Internal Energy Transfer in Dynamical Behavior of Slightly Curved Shear Deformable Microplates
Authors: Ghayesh Mergen H. , Farokhi Hamed , Alici Gursel
Published: August 2015

This paper investigates the internal energy transfer and modal interactions in the dynamical behavior of slightly curved microplates. Employing the third-order shear deformation theory, the microplate model is developed taking into account geometric nonlinearities as well as the modified couple stress theory; the initial curvature is modeled by an initial imperfection in the out-of-plane direction. The in-plane displacements and inertia are retained, and the coupled out-of-plane, rotational, and in-plane motion characteristics are analyzed. Specifically, continuous models are developed for kinetic and potential energies as well as damping and external works; these are balanced and reduced via Lagrange's equations along with an assumed-mode technique. The reduced-order model is then solved numerically by means of a continuation technique; stability analysis is performed by means of the Floquet theory. The possibility of the occurrence of modal interactions and internal energy transfers is verified via a linear analysis on different natural frequencies of the system. The nonlinear resonant response of the system is obtained for the cases with internal energy transfer, and energy transfer mechanisms are analyzed; as we shall see, the presence of an initial curvature affects the system dynamics substantially. The importance of taking into account small-size effects is also shown by discovering this fact that both the linear and nonlinear internal energy transfer mechanisms are shifted substantially if this effect is ignored.
Imaging and control of ferromagnetism in LaMnO
3
/SrTiO
3
heterostructures
Authors: Wang X. Renshaw , Li C. J. , Lü W. M. , Paudel T. R. , Leusink D. P. , Hoek M. , Poccia N. , Vailionis A. , Venkatesan T. , Coey J. M. D. , Tsymbal E. Y. , Ariando  , Hilgenkamp H.
Published: August 2015

Control of magnetism in heterostructures

The interface between two different materials in a heterostructure can exhibit properties unique to either of the two materials alone. A well-known example is a conducting gas that forms when LaAlO
3
is grown on SrTiO
3
, but only if the LaAlO
3
layer is at least four unit cells thick. Wang
et al.
report a similarly abrupt magnetic transition in a heterostructure formed by another oxide (LaMnO
3
) on the same SrTiO
3
substrate. Even though bulk LaMnO
3
is an antiferromagnet, when six or more unit-cell layers of it were deposited on SrTiO
3
, it behaved like a ferromagnet.

Science
, this issue p.
716
Fruit flies diversify their offspring in response to parasite infection
Authors: Singh Nadia D. , Criscoe Dallas R. , Skolfield Shelly , Kohl Kathryn P. , Keebaugh Erin S. , Schlenke Todd A.
Published: August 2015

Helping the next generation diversify

Parasitism, including infections, can negatively affect fitness. Parents can help the next generation by increasing genetic diversity so that offspring can avoid or fight off these deleterious interactions more easily. For fruit flies, Singh
et al.
observed that in response to bacterial infection or predation by a parasitic wasp, the next generation showed increased recombination. However, this increase in genetic diversity was not due to increased recombination rates, but rather an unequal allocation of gametes that have undergone recombination. Infection therefore drives plasticity in the parental gametes, resulting in more diverse offspring.

Science
, this issue p.
747
How mountains get made
Authors: Long Maureen D.
Published: August 2015

Observations of crustal deformation constrain models of mountain formation

[Also see Report by

Huang
et al.

]
Association between Obesity and Cervical Microflora Dominated by Lactobacillus iners in Korean Women
Authors: Oh Hea Young , Seo Sang-Soo , Kong Ji-Sook , Lee Jae-Kwan , Kim Mi Kyung
Published: August 2015

Lactobacillus
spp. are associated with the maintenance of reproductive health, but obesity reduces fertility and is a risk factor for obstetric and neonatal complications. We assessed the association between obesity and the cervical
Lactobacillus
composition, which has not been examined previously. Pyrosequencing was performed using cervical swabs collected from 76 normal participants with negative results for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and 57 participants with CIN, based on histological examinations. Cluster analysis of nine
Lactobacillus
spp. was performed, and five cluster types were identified. The association between obesity and the
Lactobacillus
community was assessed by logistic regression analysis after adjustment for confounding factors. The proportion of
Lactobacillus iners
increased and that of
Lactobacillus crispatus
decreased according to body mass index (BMI) categories, i.e., underweight (BMI of <18.5 kg m
−2
), normal weight (BMI of 18.5 to 22.9 kg m
−2
), overweight (BMI of 23.0 to 24.9 kg m
−2
), and obese (BMI of ≥25 kg m
−2
). The
L. iners
-dominant type had a significant association with obesity (odds ratio [OR], 7.55 [95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18 to 48.2]), compared to the
L. crispatus
-dominant type. The group with high values for the ratio obtained by dividing the relative abundance of
L. iners
by that of
L. crispatus
had a significant association with obesity (OR, 6.54 [95% CI, 1.22 to 35.1]), compared to the low-ratio group. Associations between obesity and the
L. iners
/
L. crispatus
ratio were observed among young women (OR, 6.26 [95% CI, 1.15 to 33.9]) but not older women and in the normal group (OR, 6.97 [95% CI, 1.20 to 70.4]) but not the CIN group. Obesity was associated with cervical microflora dominated by
L. iners
in reproductive-age women without dysplasia.
Inhibition of Histone Deacetylase Activity Aggravates Coxsackievirus B3-Induced Myocarditis by Promoting Viral Replication and Myocardial Apoptosis
Authors: Zhou Lei , He Xiran , Gao Bo , Xiong Sidong
Published: August 2015

Viral myocarditis, which is most prevalently caused by coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3), is a serious clinical condition characterized by excessive myocardial inflammation. Recent studies suggest that regulation of protein acetylation levels by inhibiting histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity modulates inflammatory response and shows promise as a therapy for several inflammatory diseases. However, the role of HDAC activity in viral myocarditis is still not fully understood. Here, we aim to investigate the role of HDAC activity in viral myocarditis and its underlying mechanism. CVB3-infected BALB/c mice were treated with the HDAC inhibitor (HDACI) suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) or trichostatin A (TSA). We found inhibition of HDAC activity aggravated rather than ameliorated the severity of CVB3-induced myocarditis, which was contrary to our expectations. The aggravated myocarditis by HDACI treatment seemed not to be caused by an elevated inflammatory response but by the increased CVB3 replication. Further, it was revealed that the increased CVB3 replication was closely associated with the HDACI-enhanced autophagosome formation. Inhibition of autophagosome formation by wortmannin or ATG5 short hairpin RNA dramatically suppressed the HDACI-increased CVB3 replication. The increased viral replication subsequently elevated CVB3-induced myocardial apoptosis. Conversely, inhibition of CVB3 replication and ensuing myocardial apoptosis by the antiviral drug ribavirin significantly reversed the HDACI-aggravated viral myocarditis. In conclusion, we elucidate that the inhibition of HDAC activity increases CVB3 replication and ensuing myocardial apoptosis, resulting in aggravated viral myocarditis. Possible adverse consequences of administering HDACI should be considered in patients infected (or coinfected) with CVB3.

IMPORTANCE
Viral myocarditis, which is most prevalently caused by CVB3, is characterized by excessive myocardial inflammation. Inhibition of HDAC activity was originally identified as a powerful anti-cancer therapeutic strategy and was recently found to be implicated in the regulation of inflammatory response. HDACI has been demonstrated to be efficacious in animal models of several inflammatory diseases. Thus, we hypothesize that inhibition of HDAC activity also protects against CVB3-induced viral myocarditis. Surprisingly, we found inhibition of HDAC activity enhanced myocardial autophagosome formation, which led to the elevated CVB3 viral replication and ensuing increased myocardial apoptosis. Viral myocarditis was eventually aggravated rather than ameliorated by HDAC inhibition. In conclusion, we elucidate the role of HDAC activity in viral myocarditis. Moreover, given the importance of HDACI in preclinical and clinical treatments, the possible unfavorable effect of HDACI should be carefully evaluated in patients infected with viruses, including CVB3.
Structures of Coxsackievirus A16 Capsids with Native Antigenicity: Implications for Particle Expansion, Receptor Binding, and Immunogenicity
Authors: Ren Jingshan , Wang Xiangxi , Zhu Ling , Hu Zhongyu , Gao Qiang , Yang Pan , Li Xuemei , Wang Junzhi , Shen Xinliang , Fry Elizabeth E. , Rao Zihe , Stuart David I.
Published: August 2015

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) and coxsackievirus A16 (CVA16) are the primary causes of the epidemics of hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) that affect more than a million children in China each year and lead to hundreds of deaths. Although there has been progress with vaccines for EV71, the development of a CVA16 vaccine has proved more challenging, and the EV71 vaccine does not give useful cross-protection, despite the capsid proteins of the two viruses sharing about 80% sequence identity. The structural details of the expanded forms of the capsids, which possess nonnative antigenicity, are now well understood, but high resolution information for the native antigenic form of CVA16 has been missing. Here, we remedy this with high resolution X-ray structures of both mature and natural empty CVA16 particles and also of empty recombinant viruslike particles of CVA16 produced in insect cells, a potential vaccine antigen. All three structures are unexpanded native particles and antigenically identical. The recombinant particles have recruited a lipid moiety to stabilize the native antigenic state that is different from the one used in a natural virus infection. As expected, the mature CVA16 virus is similar to EV71; however, structural and immunogenic comparisons highlight differences that may have implications for vaccine production.

IMPORTANCE
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is a serious public health threat to children in Asian-Pacific countries, resulting in millions of cases. EV71 and CVA16 are the two dominant causative agents of the disease that, while usually mild, can cause severe neurological complications, leading to hundreds of deaths. EV71 vaccines do not provide protection against CVA16. A CVA16 vaccine or bivalent EV71/CVA16 vaccine is therefore urgently needed. We report atomic structures for the mature CVA16 virus, a natural empty particle, and a recombinant CVA16 virus-like particle that does not contain the viral genome. All three particles have similar structures and identical antigenicity. The recombinant particles, produced in insect cells (a system suitable for making vaccine antigen), are stabilized by recruiting from the insect cells a small molecule that is different from that used by the virus in a normal infection. We present structural and immunogenic comparisons with EV71 to facilitate structure-based drug design and vaccine development.
Envelope Glycoprotein Internalization Protects Human and Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Cells from Antibody-Dependent Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity
Authors: von Bredow Benjamin , Arias Juan F. , Heyer Lisa N. , Gardner Matthew R. , Farzan Michael , Rakasz Eva G. , Evans David T.
Published: August 2015

The cytoplasmic tails of human and simian immunodeficiency virus (HIV and SIV, respectively) envelope glycoproteins contain a highly conserved, membrane-proximal endocytosis motif that prevents the accumulation of Env on the surface of infected cells prior to virus assembly. Using an assay designed to measure the killing of virus-infected cells by antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), we show that substitutions in this motif increase the susceptibility of HIV-1- and SIV-infected cells to ADCC in a manner that directly correlates with elevated Env levels on the surface of virus-infected cells. In the case of HIV-1, this effect is additive with a deletion in
vpu
recently shown to enhance the susceptibility of HIV-1-infected cells to ADCC as a result of tetherin-mediated retention of budding virions on the cell surface. These results reveal a previously unappreciated role for the membrane-proximal endocytosis motif of gp41 in protecting HIV-1- and SIV-infected cells from antibody responses by regulating the amount of Env present on the cell surface.

IMPORTANCE
This study reveals an unappreciated role for the membrane-proximal endocytosis motif of gp41 in protecting HIV-1- and SIV-infected cells from elimination by Env-specific antibodies. Thus, strategies designed to interfere with this mechanism of Env internalization may improve the efficacy of antibody-based vaccines and antiretroviral therapies designed to enhance the immunological control of HIV-1 replication in chronically infected individuals.
Submandibular schwannoma: is excision a ‘gold standard treatment’?
Authors: Loterh Sarah Siaki , Prabhu Vinod , O'Brien Ciaran
Published: August 2015

A 58-year-old man was referred to ear, nose and throat (ENT) with an 8-week history of painless right submandibular swelling with no history of weight loss, dysphagia or difficulty with mastication. On examination, there was enlargement of the right submandibular gland, which was diffuse, nodular and firm; but no calcification of the duct or cervical lymphadenopathy. ENT examination including fibreoptic laryngoscopy was normal. Fine-needle aspiration of the lump was inconclusive. Neck ultrasound scan showed a well-defined 3 cm×3.8 cm×4.3 cm heterogeneous mass with significant internal vascularity, anterior to the right submandibular gland. MRI (T2-weighted MRI) revealed a neurogenic tumour or a non-sarcomatous soft tissue lesion. Complete excision of the lump was performed by intracapsular dissection and the specimen was submitted for histology, which confirmed the diagnosis of ‘Ancient schwannoma’ of the submandibular gland. The management resulted in complete resolution of symptoms with no cranial nerve deficits.
Hepatic decompensation in the absence of obvious precipitants: the potential role of cytomegalovirus infection/reactivation
Authors: Rosi Silvia , Poretto Valentina , Cavallin Marta , Angeli Paolo , Amodio Piero , Sattin Andrea , Montagnese Sara
Published: August 2015

Details of two patients with alcohol-related and mixed aetiology cirrhosis who developed acute-on-chronic liver failure/hepatic decompensation with no obvious precipitants are reported. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection or reactivation was diagnosed in both, and required treatment with ganciclovir in one. Both returned to baseline hepatic function and remain well. Physicians should be alert to the possibility that CMV might cause or contribute to hepatic decompensation in patients with cirrhosis, even if they are not severely immunocompromised, and especially if they are alcohol misusers.
Survey of the UK veterinary profession 2: sources of information used by veterinarians
Authors: Nielsen T. D. , Dean R. S. , Massey A. , Brennan M. L.
Published: August 2015

Access to the most up‐to‐date evidence is an important cornerstone for veterinarians attempting to practice in an evidence‐based manner; therefore, an understanding of what and how information is accessed is vital. The aim of this study was to identify what resources the UK veterinary profession access and regard as most useful. Based on questionnaires received from veterinarians, the Veterinary Times was nominated as most often read journal or magazine by respondents (n=3572, 79 per cent). In Practice (n=3224, 82 per cent) and the Veterinary Record (n=165, 34 per cent) were seen as most useful by clinicians, and non‐clinicians, respectively. Google was the most often nominated electronic resource by all respondents (n=3076, 71 per cent), with Google (n=459, 23 per cent) and PubMed (n=60, 17 per cent) seen as most useful by clinicians and non‐clinicians, respectively. The abstract and conclusion sections were the most read parts of scientific manuscripts nominated by all respondents. When looking for assistance with difficult cases, colleagues were the common information choice for clinicians. Different sections of the veterinary profession access information, and deem resources useful, in different ways. Access to good quality evidence is important for the practice of evidence‐based veterinary medicine, and therefore, researchers should think about disseminating their findings in a targeted way for optimal use by the profession.
Achieving specialist status
Authors: Robinson Philip
Published: August 2015

Few aspiring vets enter vet school with the intention of becoming a government vet and Philip Robinson was no different. But having worked as a clinician, a state vet and an epidemiologist, his career trajectory has led him to become the first RCVS Recognised Specialist in State Veterinary Medicine
Ultraheavy particles at the LHC or a next-generation collider?
Authors: Klinkhamer F. R.
Published: August 2015

If the effective cosmological constant [Formula: see text] of the present universe is due to physical processes in the early universe operating at temperatures just above the electroweak energy scale, it is possible that new particles with multi-TeV masses exist. These ultraheavy particles may (or may not) show up at the large hadron collider (LHC) or a next-generation proton–proton collider. If they do, they may provide new insights into the early universe and fundamental physics.
Numerical investigation on ignition and flame propagation process of partially covered cavity in a supersonic flow
Authors: Cai Zun , Wang Zhen-Guo , Sun Ming-Bo , Li Qing , Wang Hong-Bo
Published: August 2015

In order to study the effect of ignition enhancement of partially covered cavity, ignition and flame propagation process of the partially covered cavity in a scramjet combustor are investigated numerically. Employing the cavity active injection, the characteristics of ignition and flame propagation of three cavity configurations are compared under inflow conditions of Ma = 2.1 with stagnation state [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. It reveals that the cover plate of the cavity is detrimental to flame propagation but beneficial for ignition enhancement. The average static pressure and temperature of the partially covered cavity increases rapidly after ignition and the cover plate works in assembling the fuel in the corner recirculation zone. The covered region will become a fuel-rich region with high pressure and temperature, which acts as an intensified ignition source in the cavity. However, the application of cover plate in the cavity decreases the length-to-depth ratio of the cavity, restricts the flame propagation process and also decreases the thrust generated in the expansion section of the scramjet.
Topological invariance of the Hall conductance and quantization
Authors: Bracken Paul
Published: August 2015

It is shown that the Kubo equation for the Hall conductance can be expressed as an integral which implies quantization of the Hall conductance. The integral can be interpreted as the first Chern class of a [Formula: see text] principal fiber bundle on a two-dimensional torus. This accounts for the conductance given as an integer multiple of [Formula: see text]. The formalism can be extended to deduce the fractional conductivity as well.
Analysis of Phase Truncation Error Based on Multi-Path Pseudo-Interleaved Direct Digital Frequency Synthesis
Authors: Liu Ke , Guo Guangkun , Xiao Yindong , Tian Shulin
Published: August 2015

Low output frequency and spurs are main imperfections in direct digital frequency synthesis (DDFS). For increasing output frequency determined by sampling rate, the structure of multi-path pseudo-interleaved DDFS is proposed. However, it introduces more complex phase truncation error than single path DDFS. In order to analyze the effect of phase truncation error, the model of pseudo-interleaved DDFS with phase truncation is established. Based on the model, the distribution and amplitude of spur caused by phase truncation are discussed and calculated. Then some important conclusions are drawn and proved by experiment, which can provide theoretical supports for spurious performance evaluation and parameter selection while designing signal source or clock generator based on pseudo-interleaved DDFS.
Finite-type 1-cocycles of knots given by Polyak–Viro Formulas
Authors: Mortier Arnaud
Published: August 2015

We present a new method to produce simple formulas for 1-cocycles of knots over the integers, inspired by Polyak–Viro's formulas for finite-type knot invariants. We conjecture that these 1-cocycles represent finite-type cohomology classes in the sense of Vassiliev. An example of degree 3 is studied, and shown to coincide over ℤ2 with the Teiblum–Turchin cocycle [Formula: see text].
Oriented Gordian distance of two-component links with up to seven crossings
Authors: Kanenobu Saori , Kanenobu Taizo
Published: August 2015

The oriented Gordian distance between two oriented links is the minimal number of crossing changes needed to deform one into the other. We compile a table of oriented Gordian distances between 2-component non-splittable links with up to six crossings. In particular, we give a criterion of oriented Gordian distance two using a special value of the Jones polynomial, which allows us to prove that the unlinking number of the 2-component link [Formula: see text] is 3. This is one of the five links for which Kohn could not compute the unlinking number (recently, Nagel and Owens [12] have settled the unlinking numbers of these links).
Some properties of central kernel and central autocommutator subgroups
Authors: Davoudirad Samaneh , Moghaddam Mohammad Reza R. , Rostamyari Mohammad Amin
Published: August 2015

A classical result of Schur states that if the central quotient [Formula: see text] of a group [Formula: see text] is finite, then the commutator subgroup [Formula: see text] is also finite. In this paper we introduce the notion of central autocommutator subgroup of a given group [Formula: see text]. We study this concept and give some new results concerning the central kernel subgroup of [Formula: see text], which was first introduced by F. Haimo in 1955. More precisely, the analogue of Schur’s result is proved. We also construct some upper bounds for the order of central kernel and central autocommutator subgroups of [Formula: see text] in terms of the order of central kernel quotient of [Formula: see text].
Compensatory plasticity in the olfactory epithelium: age, timing, and reversibility
Authors: Barber Casey N. , Coppola David M.
Published: August 2015

Like other biological systems, olfaction responds “homeostatically” to enduring change in the stimulus environment. This adaptive mechanism, referred to as compensatory plasticity, has been studied almost exclusively in developing animals. Thus it is unknown if this phenomenon is limited to ontogenesis and irreversible, characteristics common to some other forms of plasticity. Here we explore the effects of odor deprivation on the adult mouse olfactory epithelium (OE) using nasal plugs to eliminate nasal airflow unilaterally. Plugs were in place for 2–6 wk after which electroolfactograms (EOGs) were recorded from the occluded and open sides of the nasal cavity. Mean EOG amplitudes were significantly greater on the occluded than on the open side. The duration of plugging did not affect the results, suggesting that maximal compensation occurs within 2 wk or less. The magnitude of the EOG difference between the open and occluded side in plugged mice was comparable to adults that had undergone surgical naris occlusion as neonates. When plugs were removed after 4 wk followed by 2 wk of recovery, mean EOG amplitudes were not significantly different between the always-open and previously plugged sides of the nasal cavity suggesting that this form of plasticity is reversible. Taken together, these results suggest that compensatory plasticity is a constitutive mechanism of olfactory receptor neurons that allows these cells to recalibrate their stimulus-response relationship to fit the statistics of their current odor environment.
Allium sativumL. Improves Visual Memory and Attention in Healthy Human Volunteers
Authors: Tasnim Sara , Haque Parsa Sanjana , Bari Md. Sazzadul , Hossain Md. Monir , Islam Sardar Mohd. Ashraful , Shahriar Mohammad , Bhuiyan Mohiuddin Ahmed , Bin Sayeed Muhammad Shahdaat
Published: August 2015

Studies have shown thatAllium sativumL. (AS) protects amyloid-beta peptide-induced apoptosis, prevents oxidative insults to neurons and synapses, and thus prevent Alzheimer’s disease progression in experimental animals. However, there is no experimental evidence in human regarding its putative role in memory and cognition. We have studied the effect of AS consumption by healthy human volunteers on visual memory, verbal memory, attention, and executive function in comparison to control subjects taking placebo. The study was conducted over five weeks and twenty volunteers of both genders were recruited and divided randomly into two groups: A (AS) and B (placebo). Both groups participated in the 6 computerized neuropsychological tests of the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) twice: at the beginning and after five weeks of the study. We found statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in several parameters of visual memory and attention due to AS ingestion. We also found statistically nonsignificant (p>0.05) beneficial effects on verbal memory and executive function within a short period of time among the volunteers. Study for a longer period of time with patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases might yield more relevant results regarding the potential therapeutic role of AS.
A Max-Term Counting Based Knowledge Inconsistency Checking Strategy and Inconsistency Measure Calculation of Fuzzy Knowledge Based Systems
Authors: Zhi Hui-lai
Published: August 2015

The task of finding all the minimal inconsistent subsets plays a vital role in many theoretical works especially in large knowledge bases and it has been proved to be a NP-complete problem. In this work, at first we propose a max-term counting based knowledge inconsistency checking strategy. And, then, we put forward an algorithm for finding all minimal inconsistent subsets, in which we establish a Boolean lattice to organize the subsets of the given knowledge base and use leaf pruning to optimize the algorithm efficiency. Comparative experiments and analysis also show the algorithm’s improvement over past approaches. Finally, we give an application for inconsistency measure calculation of fuzzy knowledge based systems.
An IFOC‐DSVPWM Based DC‐Link Voltage Compensation of Z‐Source Inverter Fed Induction Motor Drive for EVs
Authors: Akkarapaka Ananda Kumar , Singh Dheerendra
Published: August 2015

The drop in DC‐link voltage of adjustable speed drives (ASD) occurs mainly due to the increase in output power demands. This may lead to inefficient operation and eventually the tripping of the drive. This paper presents a Double Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation (DSVPWM) technique for boosting and compensating the DC‐link voltage of Z‐source inverter (ZSI). The DSVPWM technique estimates the required shoot through period of the Z‐source inverter to maintain the DC‐link voltage constant at the desired level through capacitor voltage control. The DSVPWM can obtain maximum boost at any given modulation index in comparison to simple boost control (SBC) method. It also utilizes the dead time more effectively. The speed control of the ZSI fed induction motor drive is done by employing indirect field‐oriented (IFO) control method. A 32‐bit DSP (TMS320F28335) is used to implement the IFOC‐DSVPWM method for ZSI. The power structure and the modulation technique are well suited for electric vehicle application.
Direction of Arrival Estimation Based on DDOA and Self-Organizing Map
Authors: Tan Xiuhui , Hu Hongping , Cheng Rong , Bai Yanping
Published: August 2015

An effective two-level self-organizing map (SOM) neural network for direction of arrival (DOA) of sound signals estimation is proposed. The approach is based on the distance difference of arrival (DDOA) and a uniform linear sensor array in a 2D plane; it performs a nonlinear mapping between the DDOA vectors and angles of arrival (AOA). We found that the topological order of DDOA vectors and AOAs of same signals is uniform; thus, the topological order preserving of SOM network makes it valid to estimate AOA through DDOA. From the results of simulations and lake experiments, it is shown that the network has the advantage of accuracy and robustness, can be trained in advance, and is easy to implement.
Optimization of Deep Sedation with Spontaneous Respiration for Therapeutic Endoscopy Combining Propofol and Bispectral Index Monitoring
Authors: Matsumoto Kohei , Nagahara Akihito , Matsumoto Kenshi , Akazawa Yoichi , Komori Hiroyuki , Nakagawa Yuta , Takeda Tsutomu , Ueyama Hiroya , Shimada Yuji , Asaoka Daisuke , Hojo Mariko , Watanabe Sumio
Published: August 2015

Background/Aims.This study aimed to establish optimal propofol anesthesia for therapeutic endoscopy, which has not been established.Methodology.We retrospectively investigated data on 89 patients who underwent upper-GI endoscopic submucosal dissection or endoscopic mucosal resection under anesthesia with propofol. Examined doses of propofol were changed according to efficacy and/or adverse events and classified into 5 periods. A bispectral index (BIS) monitor was used at Period 5 to decrease the incidence of adverse events caused by oversedation. The initial dose of propofol was administered after bolus injection of pethidine hydrochloride (0.5 mg/kg), and 1.0 mL of propofol was added every minute until the patients fell asleep. Continuous and bolus infusion were performed to maintain sedation. When the patient moved or an adverse event occurred, the maintenance dose examined was increased or decreased by 5 mL/h regardless of body weight.Results.Dose combinations (introduction : maintenance) and patient numbers for each period were as follows: Period 1 (n=27), 0.5 mg/kg : 5 mg/kg/h; Period 2 (n=11), 0.33 mg/kg : 3.3 mg/kg/h; Period 3 (n=7), 0.5 mg/kg : 3.3 mg/kg/h; Period 4 (n=14), 0.5 mg/kg : 2.5 mg/kg/h; Period 5 (n=30), 0.5 mg/kg : 2.5 mg/kg/h, using BIS monitor. During Period 5, an adverse event occurred in 10.0% of patients, which was lower than that for Periods 1–4.Conclusions.Period 5 propofol anesthesia with BIS protocol could be safe and useful for therapeutic endoscopy under deep sedation with spontaneous respiration.
Chronic Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Presenting 29 Years following Trauma
Authors: Miller Sarah , Kumar Prashant , Van den Bosch Rene , Khanafer Adib
Published: August 2015

Blunt, nonpenetrating injuries of the thoracic aorta are uncommon and associated with a high mortality rate within the first hour. Aortic injury is missed in 1-2% of patients that survive to hospital, and a chronic thoracic aortic aneurysm may subsequently form. We present a case in which a chronic thoracic aortic aneurysm was diagnosed 29 years following a significant motor vehicle accident. We discuss the epidemiology, presentation, and management of this uncommon consequence of blunt, nonpenetrating aortic injury. Our case illustrates an important clinical lesson; a past medical history of trauma should not be overlooked at any patient assessment.
Synthesis and Validation of a Hydroxypyrone‐Based, Potent, and Specific Matrix Metalloproteinase‐12 Inhibitor with Anti‐Inflammatory Activity In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Aerts J. , Vandenbroucke R. E. , Dera R. , Balusu S. , Van Wonterghem E. , Moons L. , Libert C. , Dehaen W. , Arckens L.
Published: August 2015

A hydroxypyrone‐based matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor was synthesized and assayed for its inhibitory capacity towards a panel of ten different MMPs. The compound exhibited selective inhibition towards MMP‐12. The effects of inhibition of MMP‐12 on endotoxemia and inflammation‐induced blood‐cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) disruption were assessed both in vitro and in vivo. Similar to MMP‐12 deficient mice, inhibitor‐treated mice displayed significantly lower lipopolysaccharide‐ (LPS‐) induced lethality compared to vehicle treated controls. Following LPS injection Mmp-12 mRNA expression was massively upregulated in choroid plexus tissue and a concomitant increase in BCSFB permeability was observed, which was restricted in inhibitor‐treated mice. Moreover, an LPS‐induced decrease in tight junction permeability of primary choroid plexus epithelial cells was attenuated by inhibitor application in vitro. Taken together, this hydroxypyrone‐based inhibitor is selective towards MMP‐12 and displays anti‐inflammatory activity in vitro and in vivo.
Experiment Investigation on Fretting Wear and Wear Debris Performance for the Stem‐Cement Interface
Authors: Zhang Lanfeng , Ge Shirong , Liu Hongtao
Published: August 2015

After the interface debonding, the body protein fluid is subsequently pumped into stem‐cement fretting wear interface, serving as the lubricant. On the stem surface, whether there is the influence of protein absorption on fretting wear or not is considered in this study. The biotribological properties at the stem‐cement interface were investigated by SEM. The result of hysteresis loops shows that elasticity and plasticity performance of the frictional interface materials can be damaged by fretting fatigue and material energy dissipation will increase periodically. The wear quantity of cement is mainly influenced by load and displacement. The maximum wear loss of bone cement could reach 1.997 mg. Bone cement and titanium alloy wear debris, whose size distributions are widely spread from 1 to 110 μm and 5 to 150 μm, respectively, are shaped like tuber, tear, sheet, strip, and sphere, which will induce the osteocyte damage.