bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structures of two bacterial resistance factors mediating tRNA-dependent aminoacylation of phosphatidylglycerol with lysine or alanine
Authors: Hebecker Stefanie , Krausze Joern , Hasenkampf Tatjana , Schneider Julia , Groenewold Maike , Reichelt Joachim , Jahn Dieter , Heinz Dirk W. , Moser Jürgen
Published: August 2015

Significance

Lipid homeostasis is a fundamental process for understanding antimicrobial susceptibility. Modification of the polar head group of phosphatidylglycerol into the respective aminoacyl-ester of phosphatidylglycerol is a widely used strategy to mediate bacterial resistance. Here we present the structures of the catalytic domains of aminoacyl-phosphatidylglycerol synthases fromPseudomonas aeruginosaandBacillus licheniformis. These prototypical enzymes specifically catalyze the tRNA-dependent synthesis of alanyl-phosphatidylglycerol and lysyl-phosphatidylglycerol, respectively. A central tunnel architecture facilitates binding of the polar aminoacyl-tRNA molecule opposite the hydrophobic lipid substrate as a fundamental principle for the catalysis at the water–lipid interface. Specific inhibition of aminoacyl-phosphatidylglycerol synthases might be a promising strategy to render Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria more susceptible to antimicrobial treatment.
Inhibitory effects of N,N,N-trimethyl phytosphingosine-iodide on melanogenesis via ERK activation-mediated MITF degradation
Authors: Lee Woo Jin , Bang Seunghyun , Chung Bo Young , Jung Hyejung , Oh Eok Soo , Chang Sung Eun
Published: August 2015

N,N,N-trimethyl phytosphingosine-iodide (TMP) was recently developed as an antitumor agent. We examined the effects of TMP on melanogenesis and its related signaling pathways in normal human melanocytes. Our results showed that melanin is significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner in both cells following liposomal TMP treatment. We also investigated changes in the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), which is related to the degradation of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF). Our results indicated that liposomal TMP treatment leads to the phosphorylation of ERK, which reduces both MITF and tyrosinase protein levels. Treatment with PD98059, an ERK pathway-specific inhibitor, restored liposomal TMP-induced reductions in melanin, abrogated reductions in tyrosinase activity, and downregulated MITF and tyrosinase protein. In conclusion, these results suggest that the inhibitory effects of TMP on melanogenesis are due to MITF and tyrosinase downregulation via ERK activation.
Dynamic Adjustment in US Agriculture under Climate Change
Authors: Yang Sansi , Shumway C. Richard
Published: August 2015

We construct a stochastic dynamic dual model to investigate the structural adjustment of two aggregate output and three aggregate input categories in US agriculture under stochastic climatic change. More than a century of national annual data (1910–2011) is used in the empirical analysis. No constraints on asset fixity are imposed. Results indicate that, with rational expectations, both output categories as well as all input categories exhibit quasi‐fixity in response to market change and stochastic climate change. Crops adjust more than twice as fast as livestock—49% versus 20% of the way toward their long‐run equilibrium in one year. Fertilizer adjusts most rapidly toward equilibrium levels (88% in one year), and capital adjusts most slowly (5% in one year). Labor oscillates rather than converging smoothly toward equilibrium; its distance from equilibrium is the same as if it adjusted 59% of the way toward its optimal level in one year. Failing to anticipate climate change dramatically slows the estimated rate of adjustment for two netputs and modestly speeds the rate for two others, thus likely increasing overall adjustment costs. Failing to account for uncertainty in anticipated climate change has little impact on adjustment rates.
Genetic and environmental control of host-gut microbiota interactions
Authors: Org Elin , Parks Brian W. , Joo Jong Wha J. , Emert Benjamin , Schwartzman William , Kang Eun Yong , Mehrabian Margarete , Pan Calvin , Knight Rob , Gunsalus Robert , Drake Thomas A. , Eskin Eleazar , Lusis Aldons J.
Published: August 2015

Genetics provides a potentially powerful approach to dissect host-gut microbiota interactions. Toward this end, we profiled gut microbiota using 16s rRNA gene sequencing in a panel of 110 diverse inbred strains of mice. This panel has previously been studied for a wide range of metabolic traits and can be used for high-resolution association mapping. Using a SNP-based approach with a linear mixed model, we estimated the heritability of microbiota composition. We conclude that, in a controlled environment, the genetic background accounts for a substantial fraction of abundance of most common microbiota. The mice were previously studied for response to a high-fat, high-sucrose diet, and we hypothesized that the dietary response was determined in part by gut microbiota composition. We tested this using a cross-fostering strategy in which a strain showing a modest response, SWR, was seeded with microbiota from a strain showing a strong response, A×B19. Consistent with a role of microbiota in dietary response, the cross-fostered SWR pups exhibited a significantly increased response in weight gain. To examine specific microbiota contributing to the response, we identified various genera whose abundance correlated with dietary response. Among these, we choseAkkermansia muciniphila, a common anaerobe previously associated with metabolic effects. When administered to strain A×B19 by gavage, the dietary response was significantly blunted for obesity, plasma lipids, and insulin resistance. In an effort to further understand host-microbiota interactions, we mapped loci controlling microbiota composition and prioritized candidate genes. Our publicly available data provide a resource for future studies.
A hierarchy of respect
Authors: Wilson Doirean
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– Interviews two black minority ethnic (BME) male youths who were raised in high knife and gun-crime areas of London.

Design/methodology/approach

– Considers whether feral youth behavior might have something to do with British youths’ need for respect.

Findings

– Quotes one of the youths as saying it is disrespectful to enter their territory without permission.

Practical implications

– Quotes the other as saying that BME male youths do not get respect from the British police, the politicians or the society and so do not have a voice.

Social implications

– Considers that society might therefore benefit from changing its attitude to BME youth.

Originality/value

– Contains the views of two BME young people who were prepared to be named in an interview that would provide them with the opportunity to air their views without criticism.
Micro/macro fatigue crack growth rate model for 2024-T3 aluminum panel
Authors: Sih George
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– Fatigue crack growth rate data for 2024-T3 aluminum are found using three parameters d*, σ* and μ* for short and long cracks for Regions I-III in conventional fatigue. Asymptotic solution of a line crack with a micro-tip is found to yield a singular stress behavior of order 0.75 in contrast to the 0.50 order known for the macrocrack. The difference is due to the micro-macro interaction effects. The three parameters account for the combined effects of load, material and geometry via the tip region. Data for short and long cracks lie on a straight with a slope of about 3.9-4.8 for R values of 0.286-0.565. The results were based on an initial crack a1 mm where a is the half length for a central crack panel. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The belief that specimen fatigue data could assist the design of structural components was upended when FAA discovered that the NASGRO FCGD are not valid for short cracks that are tight and may even be closed. The regular ΔK vs da/dN model was limited to long cracks. The issue become critical for short cracks connecting the long ones of a few mm to cm or even m according to da/dN for the same crack history. The danger of short/long fatigue crack growth (SLFCG) prompted FAA to introduce an added test known as Limit of Validity (LOV), a way of setting empirical limits for structural components. The dual scale SLFCG data from ΔK micro/macro provide support for the LOV tests.

Findings

– Data for short and long cracks lie on a straight with a slope of about 3.9-4.8 for R values of 0.286-0.565. The single dual scale relation on ΔK micro/macro can switch from microscopic to macroscopic or vice and versa. The difference is fundamental. Order other than 0.75 can be obtained for simulating different microstructure effects as well as different materials and test conditions.

Originality/value

– Scale shifting from short to long fatigue cracks for 2024-T3 aluminum is new. The crack driving force is found to depend on the crack tightness. The sigmoidal curve based on the regular ΔK plot disappeared. The data from ΔK micro/macro for short cracks may supplement the FAA LOV tests for setting more reliable fatigue safe limits.
Taphonomic Patterning of Cemetery Remains Received at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Boston, Massachusetts
Authors: Pokines James T. , Zinni Debra Prince , Crowley Kate
Published: August 2015

A sample of 49 cases of cemetery remains received at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Massachusetts (OCME‐MA), in Boston was compared with published taphonomic profiles of cemetery remains. The present sample is composed of a cross section of typical cases in this region that ultimately are derived from modern to historical coffin burials and get turned over to or seized by law enforcement. The present sample was composed of a large portion of isolated remains, and most were completely skeletonized. The most prevalent taphonomic characteristics included uniform staining (77.6%), coffin wear (46.9%), and cortical Exfoliation (49.0%). Other taphonomic changes occurring due to later surface exposure of cemetery remains included subaerial weathering, animal gnawing, algae formation, and excavation marks. A case of one set of skeletal remains associated with coffin artifacts and cemetery offerings that was recovered from transported cemetery fill is also presented.
Chronotropic Incompetence and Dynamic Postexercise Autonomic Dysfunction Are Associated with the Presence and Severity of Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Ioakeimidis Nikolaos , Samentzas Alexios , Vlachopoulos Charalambos , Aggelis Athanassios , Stefanadis Christodoulos , Tousoulis Dimitrios
Published: August 2015

Background

Exercise stress testing (EST) is crucial to determine cardiovascular (CV) risk in men with erectile dysfunction (ED). Low exercise workload, a slower rate of recovery following exercise, and an impaired capacity to increase heart rate (HR) during exercise testing (chronotropic incompetence) are independent predictors of adverse CV outcomes. Aim of this study was to investigate the association between ED and EST parameters.

Methods

A total of 180 ED patients and 50 men without ED underwent maximal EST. Exercise parameters including exercise capacity (metabolic equivalents, METS), peak exercise time, HR at six METS, peak exercise, HR recovery (HRR) at 1 and 2 minutes and chronotropic index (CI) were evaluated in all individuals. Endothelial function was evaluated with flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery.

Results

ED patients had lower peak exercise time and thus lower calculated exercise capacity (P < 0.001) and reduced CI (P < 0.01) compared to men without ED. There was a significant association of ED severity with duration of exercise, peak workload, HRR 2 minutes after exercise, and CI (all P < 0.05). There also was a positive relation of HRR and CI with FMD (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study shows interrelationships between exercise capacity, HRR, CI, and ED. Abnormal HRR and CI are associated with systemic endothelial dysfunction. These findings imply pathophysiological links and may have important implications for the estimation of cardiovascular risk in ED patients.
High rate of hematological responses to sorafenib in FLT3‐ITD acute myeloid leukemia relapsed after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: De Freitas Tiago , Marktel Sarah , Piemontese Simona , Carrabba Matteo G. , Tresoldi Cristina , Messina Carlo , Lupo Stanghellini Maria Teresa , Assanelli Andrea , Corti Consuelo , Bernardi Massimo , Peccatori Jacopo , Vago Luca , Ciceri Fabio
Published: August 2015

Relapse represents the most significant cause of failure of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for FLT3‐ITD‐positive acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and available therapies are largely unsatisfactory. In this study, we retrospectively collected data on the off‐label use of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor sorafenib, either alone or in association with hypomethylating agents and adoptive immunotherapy, in 13 patients with post‐transplantation FLT3‐ITD‐positive AML relapses. Hematological response was documented in 12 of 13 patients (92%), and five of 13 (38%) achieved complete bone marrow remission. Treatment was overall manageable in the outpatient setting, although all patients experienced significant adverse events, especially severe cytopenias (requiring a donor stem cell boost in five patients) and typical hand‐foot syndrome. None of the patients developed graft‐vs.‐host disease following sorafenib alone, whereas this was frequently observed when this was given in association with donor T‐cell infusions. Six patients are alive and in remission at the last follow‐up, and four could be bridged to a second allogeneic HSCT, configuring a 65 ± 14% overall survival at 100 d from relapse. Taken together, our data suggest that sorafenib might represent a valid treatment option for patients with FLT3‐ITD‐positive post‐transplantation relapses, manageable also in combination with other therapeutic strategies.
The relevance of geographical knowledge for the challenges facing society: Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) Medals and Awards ceremony 2015
Authors: Rees Judith , Batty Michael , Theroux Paul , Daniels Stephen , Mistry Jay , Valentine Gill
Published: August 2015

The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)'s annual Medals and Awards recognise achievements in researching, communicating and teaching a wide range of geographical knowledge. The speeches and citations are a record of the 2015 ceremony, with contributions from Paul Theroux, Professors Michael Batty, Stephen Daniels, Gill Valentine and Dr Jay Mistry. The speeches include comments on the importance of geography for understanding and tackling challenges facing society, urban modelling, travel, landscapes, and community led research.
Identification of an RNA element for specific coordination of A‐to‐I RNA editing on HTR2C pre‐mRNA
Authors: Fukuda Masatora , Oyama Yui , Nishitarumizu Azusa , Omura Miki , Nose Kanako , Deshimaru Masanobu
Published: August 2015

Adenosine‐to‐Inosine (A‐to‐I) RNA editing is an intracellular mechanism in which inosine is specifically substituted against adenosine by the action of adenosine deaminases acting on RNA (ADARs). Serotonin 2C receptor (HTR2C) is encoded through combinatorial A‐to‐I RNA editing at recoding sites (A – E site) on its pre‐mRNA. Although the efficiency of RNA editing at particular sites is known to be critical for modulating the serotonin signaling, the mechanistic details of site‐specific editing on HTR2C pre‐mRNA are not fully understood. Toward complete understanding of this mechanism, we discovered an RNA element, which coordinates site‐specific RNA editing on HTR2C pre‐mRNA by an in vitro editing assay and secondary structural analysis of mutant HTR2C RNA fragments. Our results showed that HTR2C pre‐mRNA forms a characteristic structure, which was restricted by the internal loop and Watson–Crick base‐pair interaction on site E, for intrinsic editing. We suggest that the internal loop would contribute toward adjusting the relative distance and/or geometry between the editing sites and the scaffold for ADAR.
A population management system for improving colorectal cancer screening in a primary care setting
Authors: Wu Charlotte A. , Mulder Amara L. , Zai Adrian H. , Hu Yuanshan , Costa Manuela , Tishler Lori Wiviott , Saltzman John R. , Ellner Andrew L. , Bitton Asaf
Published: August 2015

Rationale

Provision of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in primary care is suboptimal; failure to observe screening guidelines poses unnecessary risks to patients and doctors.

Aims and objectives

Implement a population management system for CRC screening; evaluate impact on compliance with evidence‐based guidelines.

Methods

Design

A quasi‐experimental, prospective quality improvement study design using pre‐post‐analyses with concurrent controls.

Setting

Six suites within an academic primary care practice.

Participants

5320 adults eligible for CRC screening treated by 70 doctors.

Intervention

In three intervention suites, doctors reviewed real‐time rosters of patients due for CRC screening and chose practice delegate outreach or default reminder letter. Delegates tracked overdue patients, made outreach calls, facilitated test ordering, obtained records and documented patient deferral, exclusion or decline. In three control suites, doctors followed usual preventive care practices.

Main outcome measures

CRC screening compliance (including documented decline, deferral or exclusion) and CRC screening completion rates over 5 months.

Results

At baseline, there was no significant difference in CRC screening compliance (I: 80.4% and C: 79.6%, P = 0.439) and CRC screening completion rates (I: 78.3% and C: 77.3%, P = 0.398) between intervention and control groups. Post‐intervention, compliance rates (I: 88.1% and C: 80.5%, P < 0.01) and completion rates (I: 81.0% and C: 78.1%, P < 0.05) were significantly higher in the intervention group.

Conclusions

A population management system using closed‐loop communication may improve CRC screening compliance and completion rates within academic primary care practices. Team‐based care using well‐designed IT systems can enable sharing of patient care responsibilities and improve patient outcomes.
Heat Resistances of Candida Apicola and Aspergillus Niger Spores Isolated From Date Fruit Surface
Authors: Belbahi Amine , Bohuon Philippe , Leguérinel Ivan , Meot Jean‐Michel , Loiseau Gérard , Madani Khodir
Published: August 2015

Candida apicola and Aspergillus niger strains were isolated and identified from Deglet‐Nour dates, and their loads were determined on the fruit surface. The thermal inactivation of their spores was evaluated between 42 and 70C. The estimated D values for C. apicola and A. niger were D50 = 2.3 ± 0.4 min and D50 = 22.1 ± 2.1 min, respectively. The zT values obtained were 9.4 ± 2.6 and 9.6 ± 1.0C for C. apicola and A. niger, respectively. The experimental survival spores obtained on the date surface during non‐isothermal treatment were compared with the simulated data based on the Bigelow method and on pasteurization value calculations. C. apicola and A. niger spores can be inactivated by relatively low temperatures. Validation shows that this model and its parameters can be used to optimize pasteurization of these fungal spores on the surface of fruits using the temperature–time profile data. These thermal treatments can pasteurized date surface while minimizing the color date degradation.

Practical Applications

This study contributes to the design and control of an effective heat treatment against the fungi that cause particular safety and spoilage problems during the preservation and packaging of fragile fresh fruits such as fresh dates.
A two‐step optimization approach for nonlocal total variation‐based Rician noise reduction in magnetic resonance images
Authors: Liu Ryan Wen , Shi Lin , Yu Simon C. H. , Wang Defeng
Published: August 2015

Purpose:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) often suffers from apparent noise during image acquisition and transmission. The degraded data can easily result in nonrobust postprocessing steps in medical image analysis. The purpose of this study is to eliminate noise effects and improve image quality using a nonlocal feature‐preserving denoising method.

Methods:

From a statistical point of view, the magnitude MR images in the presence of noise are usually modeled using a Rician distribution. In the maximum a posteriori framework, a nonlocal total variation (NLTV)‐based feature‐preserving MRI Rician denoising model is proposed by taking full advantage of high degree of selfsimilarity and redundancy within MR images. However, the nonconvex data‐fidelity term and nonsmooth NLTV regularizer make the denoising problem difficult to solve. To guarantee solution stability, a piecewise convex function is first introduced to approximate the nonconvex version. In what follows, a two‐step optimization approach is developed to solve the resulting convex denoising model. In each step of this approach, the subproblem can be efficiently solved using existing optimization algorithms. The method performance is evaluated using synthetic and clinical MRI data sets as well as one diffusion tensor MRI (DTI) data set. Extensive experiments are conducted to compare the proposed method with several state‐of‐the‐art denoising methods.

Results:

For the synthetic and clinical MRI data sets, the proposed method considerably outperformed other competing denoising methods in terms of both quantitative and visual quality evaluations. It was capable of effectively removing noise in MR images and enhancing tissue characterization. The advantage of the proposed method became more significant as the noise level increased. For the DTI data set, compared with other denoising methods, the proposed method not only preserved the apparent diffusion coefficient but also generated more regular fractional anisotropy (FA) and color‐coded FA without obvious visual artifacts.

Conclusions:

This study describes and validates a nonlocal feature‐preserving method for Rician noise reduction on synthetic and real MRI data sets. By exploiting the feature‐preserving capability of NLTV regularizer, the proposed method maintains a good balance between noise reduction and fine detail preservation. The experiments have demonstrated a huge potential of the proposed method for routine clinical practice.
A feasibility study on monitoring the evolution of apparent diffusion coefficient decrease during thermal ablation
Authors: Plata Juan C. , Holbrook Andrew B. , Marx Michael , Salgaonkar Vasant , Jones Peter , Pascal‐Tenorio Aurea , Bouley Donna , Diederich Chris , Sommer Graham , Pauly Kim Butts
Published: August 2015

Purpose:

Evaluate whether a decrease in apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), associated with loss of tissue viability (LOTV), can be observed during the course of thermal ablation of the prostate.

Methods:

Thermal ablation was performed in a healthy in vivo canine prostate model (N = 2, ages: 5 yr healthy, mixed breed, weights: 13–14 kg) using a transurethral high‐intensity ultrasound catheter and was monitored using a strategy that interleaves diffusion weighted images and gradient‐echo images. The two sequences were used to measure ADC and changes in temperature during the treatment. Changes in temperature were used to compute expected changes in ADC. The difference between expected and measured ADC, ADCDIFF, was analyzed in regions ranging from moderate hyperthermia to heat fixation. A receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to select a threshold of detection of LOTV. Time of threshold activation, tLOTV, was compared with time to reach CEM43 = 240,tDOSE.

Results:

The observed relationship between temperature and ADC in vivo (2.2%/ °C, 1.94%–2.47%/ °C 95% confidence interval) was not significantly different than the previously reported value of 2.4%/ °C in phantom. ADCDIFF changes after correction for temperature showed a mean decrease of 25% in ADC 60 min post‐treatment in regions where sufficient thermal dose (CEM43 > 240) was achieved. Following our ROC analysis, a threshold of 2.25% decrease in ADCDIFF for three consecutive time points was chosen as an indicator of LOTV. The ADCDIFF was found to decrease quickly (1–2 min) after reaching CEM43 = 240 in regions associated with heat fixation and more slowly (10–20 min) in regions that received slower heating.

Conclusions:

Simultaneous monitoring of ADC and temperature during treatment might allow for a more complete tissue viability assessment of ablative thermal treatments in the prostate. ADCDIFF decreases during the course of treatment may be interpreted as loss of tissue viability.
Estimated 10-year cardiovascular mortality seriously underestimates overall cardiovascular risk
Authors: Jørstad Harald T , Colkesen Ersen B , Boekholdt S Matthijs , Tijssen Jan G , Wareham Nicholas J , Khaw Kay-Tee , Peters Ron J
Published: August 2015

Objective

The European Society of Cardiology's prevention guideline suggests that the risk of total (fatal plus non-fatal) cardiovascular disease (CVD) may be calculated from the risk of CVD mortality using a fixed multiplier (3×). However, the proposed multiplier has not been validated. We investigated the ratio of total CVD to CVD mortality in a large population-based cohort.

Methods

CVD mortality and total CVD (fatal plus non-fatal CVD requiring hospitalisation) were analysed using Kaplan-Meier estimates among 24 014 men and women aged 39–79 years without baseline CVD or diabetes mellitus in the prospective population-based European Prospective Investigation of Cancer and Nutrition-Norfolk cohort. CVD outcomes included death and hospitalisations for ischaemic heart disease, heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral artery disease or aortic aneurysm. The main study outcome was the ratio of 10-year total CVD to 10-year CVD mortality stratified by age and sex.

Results

Ten year CVD mortality was 3.9% (900 CVD deaths, 95% CI 3.6% to 4.1%); the rate of total CVD outcomes was 21.2% (4978 fatal or non-fatal CVD outcomes, 95% CI 20.7% to 21.8%). The overall ratio of total CVD to CVD mortality was 5.4. However, we found major differences in this ratio when stratified by gender and age. In young women (39–50 years), the ratio of total CVD to CVD mortality was 28.5, in young men (39–50 years) 11.7. In the oldest age group, these ratios were considerably lower (3.2 in women and 2.4 in men aged 75–79 years).

Conclusions

The relationship between 10-year total CVD and CVD mortality is dependent on age and sex, and cannot be estimated using a fixed multiplier. Using CVD mortality to estimate total CVD risk leads to serious underestimation of risk, particularly in younger age groups, and particularly in women.
Thermodynamics and geometrothermodynamics of Born–Infeld black holes with cosmological constant
Authors: Quevedo Hernando , Quevedo María N. , Sánchez Alberto
Published: August 2015

In this paper, we investigate a class of spherically symmetric Born–Infeld black holes which contains the mass, electric charge, Born–Infeld parameter and the cosmological constant as physical parameters. We show that for the mass to be an extensive thermodynamic variable, it is necessary to consider the cosmological constant and the Born–Infeld parameter as thermodynamic variables as well. We analyze the properties of such a thermodynamic system, explore the range of values where the system is thermodynamically well-defined, and the phase transition structure. In addition, we show that the equilibrium manifold in the context of geometrothermodynamics reproduces correctly the thermodynamic properties of this black hole class.
A Locked Nucleic Acid Probe Based on Selective Salt-Induced Effect Detects Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms
Authors: Zhang Jing , Wu Huizhe , Chen Qiuchen , Zhao Pengfei , Zhao Haishan , Yao Weifan , Wei Minjie
Published: August 2015

Detection of single based genetic mutation by using oligonucleotide probes is one of the common methods of detecting single nucleotide polymorphisms at known loci. In this paper, we demonstrated a hybridization system which included a buffer solution that produced selective salt-induced effect and a locked nucleic acid modified 12 nt oligonucleotide probe. The hybridization system is suitable for hybridization under room temperature. By using magnetic nanoparticles as carriers for PCR products, the SNPs (MDR1C3435T/A) from 45 volunteers were analyzed, and the results were consistent with the results from pyrophosphoric acid sequencing. The method presented in this paper differs from the traditional method of using molecular beacons to detect SNPs in that it is suitable for research institutions lacking real-time quantitative PCR detecting systems, to detect PCR products at room temperature.
Placental Anthropometric Features: Maternal and Neonate Characteristics in North Central Nigeria
Authors: Afodun Adam Moyosore , Ajao Moyosore Salihu , Enaibe Bernard Ufuoma
Published: August 2015

The objectives of the study were to determine placental weight as well as factors associated with low placental weight and to determine its impact on some anthropometrical parameters in the newborn. A total of 300 freshly delivered placentas were examined in this longitudinal-prospective study. Sobi Specialist Hospital, Alagbado, Ilorin, and Surulere Medical Centre, Eruda, Ilorin, were used for sample collections. Informed consent was obtained from patients and institutional ethical clearance was obtained from Kwara State Ministry of Health (MOH/KS/ECI/777/82). Semistructured questionnaire was used to gather data on the patients and newborns demographic indices. Analysis of variance, Student’st-test, regression analysis, and Pearson moment correlation statistical analysis were employed to analyze the data. The mean wet placental weight for normal pregnancies was 529 g (SD = 84.01). Placental weight to birth weight ratio of 1 : 5.83 was generated, 529 g impact on newborn head circumference (mean: male = 35.30 cm, female = 34.90 cm) having a linear correlation. Regression analysis showed negative association between female babies (2.99 kg) placental weight (r=0.369;P≤0.05), birth weight, and cord length (mean = 58.4 cm). Placental weight correlation with male newborn weight (3.14 kg) had placental birth weight ratio of 0.679 between 90th and 10th percentileP<0.05with head circumference (r=0.473,P<0.05), lower limit placental diameter 22.80 ± 1.76 cm (SD = 4.8), BMI ≤ 19.50, and Apgar score of 7/10. It is concluded that blood holding capacity of the placenta (relative to weight) and the maternal-dietary have influence on placental weight. Differences in hormonal environment in utero and pathologic adaptation of placenta, due to racial factors, significantly contributed to the size of newborn baby.
Morphological and molecular taxonomic analysis of Pseudopoda Jäger, 2000 (Araneae: Sparassidae: Heteropodinae) in Sichuan Province, China
Authors: JÄGER PETER , LI SHUQIANG , KREHENWINKEL HENRIK
Published: August 2015

The genus Pseudopoda Jäger, 2000 is revised from material collected in Sichuan province. A molecular analysis shows the utility of DNA markers to support taxonomic hypotheses in Sparassidae.       Two new species are described: Pseudopoda coenobium spec. nov. from Emeishan (male, female) and Pseudopoda wu spec. nov. from Lugu Lake at the border to Yunnan (male, female). The latter species exhibits a unique reduction of the conductor and a strongly developed embolus. The female of Pseudopoda virgata (Fox, 1936) is described for the first time, the male is redescribed, the known range of the geographical distribution is considerably extended to the East (Baoxing and Tienqiang County), the vertical distribution range is extended from 300 m to slightly more than 2000 m. The male of Pseudopoda signata Jäger, 2001 is described for the first time, the female is redescribed, the known distribution range of this species is extended from Muge Cuo Lake over Kangding town to the valleys of Paomashan, Gonggashan and Yanzi. It shows a strong morphological variation, which may be interpreted as developing subspecies status in different valleys. However, according to results from a molecular analysis it is clearly considered intraspecific variability. Three further species are recorded from Sichuan: Pseudopoda emei Zhang et al., 2013, Pseudopoda sp. cf. yunnanensis (Yang & Hu, 2001) and Pseudopoda rivicola Jäger and Vedel, 2007.
New data on the subgenus Gnathopaederus of the genus Paederus (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Paederinae) of mainland China
Authors: PENG ZHONG , LI QI-LI , LI LI-ZHEN , GU FU-KANG
Published: August 2015

Paederus (Gnathopaederus) xuei Peng & Li sp. n. (Yunnan: Dawei Shan) and P. (G.) cheni Peng & Li sp. n. (Hunan: Badagong Shan) are described and illustrated. Additional records of P. (G.) bursavacua Willers, 2001, P. (G.) szechuanus (Chapin, 1927) and P. (G.) yunnanensis Willers, 2001 are reported.
Characterising the biophysical properties of normal and hyperkeratotic foot skin
Authors: Hashmi Farina , Nester Christopher , Wright Ciaran , Newton Veronica , Lam Sharon
Published: August 2015

Background

Plantar foot skin exhibits unique biophysical properties that are distinct from skin on other areas of the body. This paper characterises, using non‐invasive methods, the biophysical properties of foot skin in healthy and pathological states including xerosis, heel fissures, calluses and corns.

Methods

Ninety three people participated. Skin hydration, elasticity, collagen and elastin fibre organisation and surface texture was measured from plantar calluses, corns, fissured heel skin and xerotic heel skin. Previously published criteria were applied to classify the severity of each skin lesion and differences in the biophysical properties compared between each classification.

Results

Calluses, corns, xerotic heel skin and heel fissures had significantly lower levels of hydration; less elasticity and greater surface texture than unaffected skin sites (p < 0.01). Some evidence was found for a positive correlation between hydration and elasticity data (r ≤ 0.65) at hyperkeratotic sites. Significant differences in skin properties (with the exception of texture) were noted between different classifications of skin lesion.

Conclusions

This study provides benchmark data for healthy and different severities of pathological foot skin. These data have applications ranging from monitoring the quality of foot skin, to measuring the efficacy of therapeutic interventions.
CO2 Adsorption Performance of Mesoporous Ceria with Co-adsorbed Water
Authors: Kamimura Yoshihiro , Endo Akira
Published: August 2015

We investigated the CO2 adsorption of mesoporous ceria under high humidity. In the presence of co-adsorbed water, mesoporous ceria sustained reversible CO2 adsorption–desorption behavior with a high CO2 uptake, whereas zeolite 13X exhibited almost no CO2 adsorption under these conditions over a wide pressure range. In situ FT-IR data showed that the adsorbed CO2 on the ceria surface was primarily in the form of hydrogen carbonate, and that this state was not changed even after water vapor was introduced.
Correction of coronal alignment correlates with reconstruction of joint height in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty
Authors: Kuwashima U. , Okazaki K. , Tashiro Y. , Mizu-Uchi H. , Hamai S. , Okamoto S. , Murakami K. , Iwamoto Y.
Published: August 2015

Objectives

Because there have been no standard methods to determine pre-operatively the thickness of resection of the proximal tibia in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), information about the relationship between the change of limb alignment and the joint line elevation would be useful for pre-operative planning. The purpose of this study was to clarify the correlation between the change of limb alignment and the change of joint line height at the medial compartment after UKA.

Methods

A consecutive series of 42 medial UKAs was reviewed retrospectively. These patients were assessed radiographically both pre- and post-operatively with standing anteroposterior radiographs. The thickness of bone resection at the proximal tibia and the distal femur was measured radiographically. The relationship between the change of femorotibial angle (δFTA) and the change of joint line height, was analysed.

Results

The mean pre- and post-operative FTA was 180.5° (172.2° to 184.8°) and 175.0° (168.5° to 178.9°), respectively. The mean δFTA was 5.5° (2.3° to 10.1°). The joint line elevation of the tibia (JLET) was 4.4 mm (2.1 to 7.8). The δFTA was correlated with the JLET (correlation coefficient 0.494, p = 0.0009).

Conclusions

This study indicated that there is a significant correlation between the change of limb alignment and joint line elevation. This observation suggests that it is possible to know the requirement of elevation of the joint line to obtain the desired correction of limb alignment, and to predict the requirement of bone resection of the proximal tibia pre-operatively. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2015;4:128–133
Euskahaldun: euskararen aldeko martxa baten sare sozialetako islaren bilketa eta analisia
Authors: Zubiaga Arkaitz
Published: August 2015

Gutxi dira sare sozialetan oinarrituz euskara landu duten ikerketa-lanak, eta are gutxiago Euskal Herrian ospatutako ekitaldiek sare sozialetan utzitako aztarnak aztertu dituztenak. Hutsune hori bete eta arlo honetan ikerketa sustatzeko asmoz, lan aitzindaria aurkeztea du helburu artikulu honek. Horretarako, "Euskahaldun" lemapean 2015eko Korrika martxak Twitter sare sozialean sortutako jarduna batzeko jarraitutako metodologia azaldu eta emaitza aztertzen dugu artikulu honetan. Gure analisiak erakusten duenez, emozio handieneko momentuak Twitterren ere islatzen dira, txio kopuru handiagoa sortuz. Horrez gain, euskal komunitatean ikusgarritasuna lortu eta informazioa lau haizetara zabaltzeko ekitaldiarekin lotutako kontu ofiziala izatearen garrantzia erakusten dugu, eta baita kazetari eta komunikabideen parte-hartzearen beharra ere. Guztion eskura jarri ditugu Twitterrekin antzeko analisiak egiteko tresnak, antzeko ikerketa-lanak sustatzeko asmoz.
Un estudio de caso sobre errores y dificultades observadas en la elaboración de algunas gráficas estadísticas
Authors: Ruiz Molano Angélica Marcela
Published: August 2015

El presente artículo busca recuperar los resultados de una investigación llevada a cabo dentro la asignatura de práctica intermedia III, correspondiente a sexto semestre del proyecto curricular Licenciatura en educación básica con énfasis en matemáticas LEBEM de la Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas. Esta investigación se llevó a cabo mediante un estudio de caso, observando lo realizado por los estudiantes de grado quinto en la aplicación del instrumento de investigación y llevando un análisis centrado en los errores y dificultades en la elaboración de gráficos estadísticos, que fueron realizados por niños entre 10 a 14 años de edad. Además se tuvo en cuenta el desarrollo de los tres momentos que realiza el docente: una fase pre activa, interactiva y pos activa. Para organizar y analizar los resultados se realizó una clasificación en indicadores de análisis observables. Se consideraron varias tesis para la  determinación de los niveles de comprensión de los gráficos, que permitieron identificar errores y dificultades frecuentes en la elaboración de los gráficos estadísticos, consultando investigaciones anteriores. 
Argumentación en la escuela primaria: trabajo colaborativo y B-learning
Authors: Torres Escobar Adriana Carolina
Published: August 2015

Esta investigación de corte cualitativo y con diseño de investigación-acción se interesa en cualificar los argumentos escritos de estudiantes de tercer ciclo. Durante las intervenciones se planteó a los estudiantes preguntas controversiales relacionadas con problemáticas de su entorno e interés para que ellos desde la escritura como proceso lograran construir argumentos. Lo anterior, apoyado desde el trabajo colaborativo en un ambiente de aprendizaje Blended  learning (ambiente presencial y ambiente virtual). En todo el proceso de intervención de la investigación los estudiantes trabajaron colaborativamente empleando estrategias de planificación, revisión y corrección de información en los dos ambientes. A partir de la experiencia investigativa en el aula, se hace una propuesta dirigida a docentes de tercer ciclo para favorecer el proceso de argumentación escrita.
Pedagogía alemana o la religiosidad estética de la guerra
Authors: Maldonado García Miguel Ángel
Published: August 2015

El presente artículo de reflexion remueve tres sedimentos semánticos que cristalizaron en el concepto de pedagogía alemana: Bildung, Bildungsroman y Paideia escriben la utopía alemana en el fragor revolucionario y sobre las cenizas grecolatinas. Mediante la historia de los conceptos de R. Koselleck (Begriffsgeschichte), se abordan cuatro textos canónicos escritos entre los siglos XVIII y XX en medio de la guerra. Se observa cómo el método experimental entró en diálogo con una nueva religiosidad social, comprometió la pedagogía y logró convertirse en la utopía singular y colectiva de Alemania en una perspectiva estética y cultural.
Intervención psicopedagógica en aulas hospitalarias: hacia una pedagogía incluyente en contextos adversos
Authors: Clavijo Zapata Sandra Julieth , López Arboleda Gloria María , Rodríguez Bustamante Alexander
Published: August 2015

El presente artículo pretende reflexionar, desde una perspectiva analítica, interpretativa y crítica, la propuesta de diseñar un programa de intervención psicopedagógica, encausado a dar continuidad a los procesos escolares de niños entre 6 y 16 años, integrados en el aula hospitalaria Pablito, del Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe de la ciudad de Medellín. Se parte de la posición de que el niño se ve influido por el escenario de hospitalización, que puede desencadenar situaciones de estrés, debidas por ejemplo a la pérdida de actividades escolares, la inmersión en un medio extraño, la experiencia del dolor y las intervenciones quirúrgicas. Se tienen en cuenta concepciones actuales de la intervención psicopedagógica, que proponen que ésta ha trascendido el campo de la escuela para llevarla al lugar en donde se encuentre el estudiante, incluso en el contexto hospitalario
Juego de mesa El escarabajo dorado
Authors: Vargas Jhon Fredy
Published: August 2015

El juego es una actividad humana fundamental y esencial para desarrollar actitudes y habilidades del ser humano. El juego que nos permite ser seres integrales. Hiuzinga ya lo mencionó cuando hizo hincapié en que el juego es la forma más virtual que los humanos usamos con una "finalidad terapéutica". Es por eso que presentamos una diatriba a favor del juego en relación con la literatura, la lectura y la escritura en el aula de clases. Consecuentemente, la conjunción de estos elementos configura una didáctica con énfasis lúdico. La transmediación de la literatura al juego de mesa permite un acercamiento más significativo de los estudiantes a la lectura, la escritura, las Tics y la literatura en el escenario del juego.
Early Modern Sovereignty and Its Limits
Authors: Straumann Benjamin
Published: August 2015

My Article seeks to explore a few antecedents of the idea that sovereignty may be encumbered with some obligations and duties vis-à-vis non-sovereigns and even strangers. Theories about limitations on sovereignty and obligations on the part of sovereigns often arose out of the fertile conceptual ground of Roman private law, in particular rules of property law governing usufruct and rules of contract law, such as those governing mandate. Early modern thinkers, especially Hugo Grotius (1583-1645), built on these ideas and, in addition, developed an account of moral and legal obligations arising, independently of God’s will, from a universal human nature. Building on Cicero, Grotius was among the first early-modern thinkers to elaborate the distinction between “perfect” duties of justice and “imperfect” duties of beneficence, an important idea that had wide influence through the work of Emer de Vattel (1714-1767). The Article closes by offering a few observations on the trajectories within which Professor Benvenisti’s concept of “sovereigns as trustees of humanity” could be situated.
Adjustment of the Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI) Outpatient: An Initial Report
Authors: Cavanaugh JL , Wasyliw OE
Published: August 2015

Adjustment to outpatient treatment of not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI) patients following discharge from inpatient settings was explored by following 44 subjects in a 2-year, longitudinal study. Data obtained for each subject included demographic characteristics, Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Research Diagnostic Criteria (SADS-RDC) diagnosis, and Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). Repeated measures included the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Change Form (SADS-C), Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90), and Holmes ahe Inventory. No recidivism occurred for any crime against persons, 25% of subjects were rehospitalized, and those subjects remaining in outpatient treatment showed a general pattern of stable to modestly improving functioning. Implications for safe and effective community treatment of NGRI acquittees are discussed.
Enzyme Assays for the Identification of Gastric Fluid
Authors: Lee HC , Gaensslen RE , Galvin C , Pagliaro EM
Published: August 2015

Simple, reliable procedures for the assay of pepsin and rennin-like enzyme activities are described as a means of identifying gastric fluid-containing samples in forensic science laboratories. These samples are usually vomitus, or stomach contents originating from wounds that perforate the stomach. They may be encountered at scenes or on articles submitted for examination, in fresh form or as dried stains. The pepsin activity assay is based on proteolytic activity with bovine albumin as substrate and the rennin-like activity assay is based on the coagulation of milk protein.
Fatal Malignant Hyperthermia as a Result of Ingestion of Tranylcypromine (Parnate®) Combined with White Wine and Cheese
Authors: Mirchandani H , Reich LE
Published: August 2015

Fatal malignant hyperthermia occurred in a patient who was taking tranylcypromine (Parnate®) and ingested wine and cheese. The case findings are presented along with a review of the literature concerning adverse interactions between monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors and certain foods and beverages. Hyperthermia and its possible causative mechanisms and treatments are discussed. The facts suggest that the complicated dietary restrictions attending the use of MAO inhibitors and the possibility of severe and even catastrophic reactions resulting from violations of these restrictions make the use of these drugs fraught with danger and therefore not a first choice for the treatment of depression.
Evaluation of Antisera for Bloodstain Grouping II. Ss, Kell, Duffy, Kidd, and Gm/Km
Authors: Gaensslen RE , Lee HC , Pagliaro EM , Bremser JK , Carroll-Reho J
Published: August 2015

Thirty-one different examples of commercially available blood grouping antisera specific for the S, s, K, k, Fya, Fyb, Jka, and Jkb antigens and anti-human globulin sera were serologically evaluated with red cells and in absorption-elution tests to determine their applicability to bloodstain antigen determinations. Nineteen examples of commercially available antisera specific for various Gm and Km antigens and their corresponding anti-D reagents were likewise evaluated in inhibition tests with sera and bloodstains. Elution tests with the blood grouping antisera and inhibition tests with the Gm/Km antisera on a series of aging bloodstains on cotton cloth, and on bloodstains on a number of different substrata, demonstrated that properly evaluated commercial antisera are useful reagents for bloodstain grouping in forensic serology.