bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexual Problems During the First 2 Years of Adjuvant Treatment with Aromatase Inhibitors
Authors: Schover Leslie R. , Baum George P. , Fuson Lisa A. , Brewster Abenaa , Melhem-Bertrandt Amal
Published: August 2014

Introduction

Sexual dysfunction has only recently been recognized as a highly prevalent side effect of adjuvant aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy for breast cancer.

Aims

A cross-sectional survey using standardized measures of female sexual function was designed to provide a detailed view of sexual problems during the first 2 years of adjuvant AI therapy and secondarily to examine whether sexual dysfunction leads to nonadherence to this therapy.

Methods

Questionnaires were mailed to all 296 women in a breast oncology registry who had been prescribed a first-time AI for localized breast cancer 18–24 months previously.

Main Outcome Measures

Items assessed medication adherence, demographic, and medical information. Scales included the Female Sexual Function Index, the Menopausal Sexual Interest Questionnaire, the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised, the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial Eight Symptom Scale to assess menopausal symptoms, and the Merck Adherence Estimator®.

Results

Questionnaires were returned by 129 of 296 eligible women (43.6%). Respondents were 81% non-Hispanic white with a mean age of 63 and 48% had at least a college degree. Only 15.5% were nonadherent. Ninety-three percent of women scored as dysfunctional on the Female Sexual Function Index, and 75% of dysfunctional women were distressed about sexual problems. Although only 52% of women were sexually active when starting their AI, 79% of this group developed a new sexual problem. Fifty-two percent took action to resolve it, including 24% who stopped partner sex, 13% who changed hormone therapies, and 6% who began a vaginal estrogen. Scores on the Adherence Estimator (beliefs about efficacy, value, and cost of medication) were significantly associated with adherence (P = 0.0301) but sexual function was not.

Conclusions

The great majority of women taking AIs have sexual dysfunction that is distressing and difficult to resolve. Most continue their AI therapy, but a large minority cease sexual activity.
Chiari‐Like Malformation and Syringomyelia in American Brussels Griffon Dogs
Authors: Freeman A.C. , Platt S.R. , Kent M. , Huguet E. , Rusbridge C. , Holmes S.
Published: August 2014

Background

Although Chiari‐like malformation (CM) and syringomyelia (SM) have been described in many small breed dogs, the prevalence and clinical manifestations of this complex have not been documented in a large cohort of American Brussels Griffon (ABG) dogs.

Objectives

To characterize the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of CM and SM in the ABG breed.

Animals

Eighty‐four American Kennel Club registered ABG dogs were recruited.

Methods

Prospective study. Complete histories and neurologic examinations were obtained before MRI. Images were blindly reviewed and calculations were made by using OsiriX. All analyses were performed by Student's t‐test, Spearman's correlation, ANOVA, and chi‐square test where appropriate.

Results

Chiari‐like malformation and SM were present in 65% and 52% of dogs, respectively. Twenty‐eight percent of dogs had neurologic deficits and 20% had neck pain. Mean central canal (CC) transverse height was 2.5 mm with a mean length of 3.6 cervical vertebrae. Neurologic deficits were significantly associated with a larger syrinx (P = .04, P = .08) and syrinx size increased with age (P = .027). SM was associated with a smaller craniocervical junction (CCJ) height (P = .04) and larger ventricles (P = .0001; P < .001).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Syringomyelia and CM are prevalent in American Brussels Griffon dogs. Syrinx size is associated with neurologic deficits, CM, larger ventricles, a smaller craniocervical junction height, neurologic deficits, and cerebellar herniation. Fifty‐two percent of dogs with a SM were clinically normal.
Liquidity Traps: an Interest‐rate‐based Exit Strategy
Authors: Schmitt‐Grohé Stephanie , Uribe Martín
Published: August 2014

This paper proposes a strategy for escaping liquidity traps based on an augmented Taylor‐type interest‐rate feedback rule that differs from usual specifications in that when inflation falls below a threshold, the central bank temporarily deviates from the traditional Taylor rule by following a deterministic path for the nominal interest rate that reaches the intended target for this policy instrument in finite time. The proposed policy is designed to set a floor on inflationary expectations. Importantly, the effectiveness of the proposed exiting strategy does not rely on the existence of an accompanying fiscalist (or non‐Ricardian) fiscal stance.
Equilibrium Unemployment in a General Equilibrium Model with Taxes
Authors: Bhattarai Keshab , Dixon Huw
Published: August 2014

With a dynamic computable general equilibrium model with Pissarides and Mortensen and Pissarides type equilibrium unemployment, impacts of tax‐transfer programmes are assessed for the UK. The model contains more desirable structure of households and production sectors and includes more type of shocks in preferences, technology, trade and policy instruments for stochastic analyses than is usual in dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) models. It assesses growth and cycles as well as equity and efficiency effects of policies in the long run simultaneously. The labour–leisure and consumption–saving decisions impact more on growth and welfare of households with efficient matching making transitions to employment easier for job seekers.
Monitoring the levels of important nutrients in the food supply
Authors: Neal B. , Sacks G. , Swinburn B. , Vandevijvere S. , Dunford E. , Snowdon W. , Webster J. , Barquera S. , Friel S. , Hawkes C. , Kelly B. , Kumanyika S. , L'Abbé M. , Lee A. , Lobstein T. , Ma J. , Macmullan J. , Mohan S. , Monteiro C. , Rayner M. , Sanders D. , Walker C. ,   INFORMAS
Published: August 2014

A food supply that delivers energy‐dense products with high levels of salt, saturated fats and trans fats, in large portion sizes, is a major cause of non‐communicable diseases (NCDs). The highly processed foods produced by large food corporations are primary drivers of increases in consumption of these adverse nutrients. The objective of this paper is to present an approach to monitoring food composition that can both document the extent of the problem and underpin novel actions to address it. The monitoring approach seeks to systematically collect information on high‐level contextual factors influencing food composition and assess the energy density, salt, saturated fat, trans fats and portion sizes of highly processed foods for sale in retail outlets (with a focus on supermarkets and quick‐service restaurants). Regular surveys of food composition are proposed across geographies and over time using a pragmatic, standardized methodology. Surveys have already been undertaken in several high‐ and middle‐income countries, and the trends have been valuable in informing policy approaches. The purpose of collecting data is not to exhaustively document the composition of all foods in the food supply in each country, but rather to provide information to support governments, industry and communities to develop and enact strategies to curb food‐related NCDs.
Evidence of temperature‐independent metabolic rates in diurnal Namib Desert tenebrionid beetles
Authors: Lease Hilary M. , Goelst Kathleen , Seely Mary K. , Mitchell Duncan
Published: August 2014

To investigate whether the sensitivity to environmental temperature varies between nocturnal and diurnal species of tenebrionid beetle, the metabolic rates of three diurnal species (Onymacris plana Peringuey, Onymacris rugatipennis Haag and Physadesmia globosa Haag) and three nocturnal species (Epiphysa arenicola Penrith, Gonopus sp. and Stips sp.) of beetles from the Namib Desert are measured over a range of temperatures (15–40 °C) that are experienced by these beetles in their natural habitat. The diurnal species O. plana, O. rugatipennis and P. globosa exhibit temperature‐independent metabolic rates (mean Q10 = 1.2) within temperature ranges that are ecologically relevant for diurnal desert beetles (30–40 °C). Onymacris plana, in particular, has a 20–40 °C rate–temperature slope (0.007 log10 mL O2 h−1 g−1 °C−1; Q10 = 1.1) that is less than half that of the other five beetle species (0.022–0.063 log10 mL O2 h−1 g−1 °C−1; Q10 ranges from 1.3–1.9), suggesting that O. plana is more metabolically independent of temperature than the other nocturnal and diurnal tenebrionids being investigated. Animals with metabolic rates that are decoupled from body temperature (or ambient temperature) may have an ecological advantage that allows them to exploit thermal and spatial niches during extreme temperature conditions.
Regression‐based estimation of ERP waveforms: I. The rERP framework
Authors: Smith Nathaniel J. , Kutas Marta
Published: August 2014

ERP averaging is an extraordinarily successful method, but can only be applied to a limited range of experimental designs. We introduce the regression‐based rERP framework, which extends ERP averaging to handle arbitrary combinations of categorical and continuous covariates, partial confounding, nonlinear effects, and overlapping responses to distinct events, all within a single unified system. rERPs enable a richer variety of paradigms (including high‐N naturalistic designs) while preserving the advantages of traditional ERPs. This article provides an accessible introduction to what rERPs are, why they are useful, how they are computed, and when we should expect them to be effective, particularly in cases of partial confounding. A companion article discusses how nonlinear effects and overlap correction can be handled within this framework, as well as practical considerations around baselining, filtering, statistical testing, and artifact rejection. Free software implementing these techniques is available.
Further Twenty Years of Pathologies? Is Rational Choice better than it used to be?
Authors: Hug Simon
Published: August 2014

Twenty years ago the publication of “Pathologies of rational choice” by Donald Green and Ian Shapiro (1994) stimulated a large debate about the usefulness of rational choice approaches in political science. While the publication of this book has fruitfully led rational choice scholars to be more attentive to links between theoretical models and their empirical implications, some misunderstandings about the theoretical contributions of this approach still affect the discipline. Based on a brief summary about the debate I show the directions in which the rational choice literature has evolved and discuss some recent significant contributions.
Phylogeny of the freshwater crabs of the Western Ghats (Brachyura, Gecarcinucidae)
Authors: Klaus Sebastian , Fernandez Katrina , Yeo Darren C. J.
Published: August 2014

The Western Ghats mountain range in India is a biodiversity hotspot for a variety of organisms including a large number of endemic freshwater crab species and genera of the family Gecarcinucidae. The phylogenetic relationships of these taxa, however, have remained poorly understood. Here, we present a phylogeny that includes 90% of peninsular Indian genera based on mitochondrial 16S rRNA and nuclear histone H3 gene sequences. The subfamily Gecarcinucinae was found to be paraphyletic with members of two other subfamilies, Liotelphusinae and Parathelphusinae, nesting within. We identify a well‐supported clade consisting of north Indian species and one clade comprising mostly south Indian species that inhabit the southern ‘sky islands’ of the Western Ghats. Relationships of early diverging genera, however, were resolved with low support. This study also includes newly sampled material from an isolated mountain plateau in the northern part of the Western Ghats, representing a new species of Gubernatoriana, which we describe here as Gubernatoriana basalticola sp. n. The new species is immediately distinguished from its congeners and the related genera Ghatiana and Inglethelphusa by its carapace and cheliped morphology, which are unique among Indian freshwater crabs. This study highlights the urgent need for continued faunistic studies to assess the true diversity of gecarcinucid crabs on the Indian subcontinent, to fully understand the basal phylogenetic relationships within the freshwater crab family Gecarcinucidae, and to evaluate the conservation threat status and biogeography of the montane freshwater crabs of the Western Ghats.
The Impact of Geometric Variation on Compressor Two-Dimensional Incidence Range
Authors: Goodhand Martin N. , Miller Robert J. , Lung Hang W.
Published: August 2014

An important question for a designer is how, in the design process, to deal with the small geometric variations which result from either the manufacture process or in-service deterioration. For some blade designs geometric variations will have little or no effect on the performance of a row of blades, while in others their effects can be significant. This paper shows that blade designs which are most sensitive are those which are susceptible to a distinct switch in the fluid mechanisms responsible for limiting blade performance. To demonstrate this principle, the sensitivity of compressor 2D incidence range to manufacture variations is considered. Only one switch in mechanisms was observed, the onset of flow separation at the leading edge. This switch is only sensitive to geometric variations around the leading edge, 0–3% of the suction surface. The consequence for these manufacture variations was a 10% reduction in the blade's positive incidence range. For this switch, the boundary in the design space is best defined in terms of the blade pressure distribution. Blade designs where the acceleration exceeds a critical value just downstream of the leading edge are shown to be robust to geometric variation. Two historic designs, supercritical blades and blades with sharp leading edges, though superior in design intent, are shown to sit outside this robust region and thus, in practice, perform worse. The improved understanding of the robust, region of the design space is then used to design a blade capable of a robust, 5% increase in operating incidence range.
Development of Anode Gas Recycle System Using Ejector for 1 kW Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
Authors: Baba Soumei , Kobayashi Nariyoshi , Takahashi Sanyo , Hirano Satoshi
Published: August 2014

An anode gas recycle (AGR) system using an ejector for 1 kW solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) was developed to increase the electrical efficiency of combined power generation. We call this an AGR–SOFC. The effects of recirculation ratio, externally steam feed rate, and fuel utilization were determined experimentally on the AGR–SOFC performance (i.e., output power, stack temperature, and gas composition) using a variable flow ejector and a recirculation ratio of 0.55–0.62, overall fuel utilization of 0.720–84, and steam feed rate of 0–1.5 g/min. A quadrupole mass spectrometer was used to identify the recirculation ratio, the gas composition of reformed gas at the AGR–SOFC inlet, and that of the recycle gas at the outlet. Compared to one-path SOFC systems, i.e., without an AGR, the AGR–SOFC was stable and generated about 15 W more electricity when the overall fuel utilization was 0.84 and the recirculation ratio was 0.622 with no steam supply. This improved performance was due to the reduced H2O concentration in the anodic gas. In addition, although the recirculation ratio did not affect the AGR–SOFC performance, a high recirculation ratio can provide steam produced via the electrochemical reaction to the injected fuel for the steam reforming process.
Land-Sail Vehicle to Generate Electricity
Authors: Wong Kaufui Vincent
Published: August 2014

The sailing record was broken in the fall of 2012. The aerodynamically designed sail allowed the racing boat to skim the water at speeds higher than the prevailing wind speed. This speed sailing record was the initial inspiration of the current work to investigate the creative use of wind to generate electric power in an innovative manner. It has been known for a long time that land yachts have been able to achieve speeds over three times the speed of the prevailing wind. The uplifting message of the current work is that this amplification of the wind speed could be heralding a new breakthrough for power generation from the wind. The current work then proceeds to discuss the components required for a land-based vehicle using an aerodynamically designed sail. There is a discussion of the mechanical systems as well as the principles of the electrical generating system, and the closed loop travel system has been laid out.
Dust Effect on Thermal Performance of Flat Plate Solar Collectors
Authors: Jing Zhao , Zhiping Wang , Kezhen Wang , Jianbo Liu
Published: August 2014

The solar collectors were exposed to the ambient conditions and left without cleaning for three months in winter in Lanzhou. In this paper, the effect of dust accumulation on the instantaneous efficiency, stagnation temperature and temperature rise of flat plate solar collectors is analyzed. The efficiency of solar collectors with and without dust in steady-state condition is measured following the Chinese National Standard GB/T 4271. Beside this, the stagnation test is carried out. The results show that the optical efficiency decrease of 9.7% and the stagnation temperature decrease of 0.3 °C–7.2 °C over time in a solar collector exposed for three months without cleaning. Furthermore, daily test is conducted. The efficiency, dust shading coefficient, and temperature rise of solar collectors are calculated by using experimental data. In this experiment, the dust shading coefficient changes between 0.83 and 0.94 during the whole day, and it is lower at noon than in the morning and evening hours. The efficiency difference and the temperature rise difference between the solar collectors with and without dust also vary with the dust shading coefficient, the optical efficiency, total solar irradiance, and mass flow rate during the whole day.
Alternative Method of Wind Measurement via Interpreting Dynamic Behaviors of a Helium Balloon
Authors: Korprasertsak Nataporn , Leephakpreeda Thananchai
Published: August 2014

Wind measurement is crucial for wind energy assessment and development of wind farms. For conventional measurement, wind sensors are implemented on a wind mast at desired heights. This approach causes substantial costs of construction, time, and maintenance. The paper presents a simple low-cost method of wind measurement via interpreting dynamic behaviors of a helium balloon. A helium balloon is installed at the desired height where it is pulled by a cord of corresponding length. The end of the cord is tied to a specially designed holding mechanism of a rotating arm, which always leads to direction of wind. For wind speed, aerodynamic performance of the helium balloon is numerically investigated by mathematical models. It is found that drag force due to wind through the helium balloon dynamically balances forces of buoyancy, gravity, and tension. Therefore, wind speed at the balloon height can be determined from motion equations and drag equation since variables of the helium balloon are measured such as the swing angle away from vertical line and cord tension. By applying the wind profile power law, the wind speed data at the balloon height can be further adjusted to the values at the desired height. Experiments in a field study are readily performed to show great viability of the proposed methodology.
An Algebraic Approach to Fault Detection for Surge Avoidance in Turbo Compressor
Authors: Alavinia Sayyid Mahdi , Khosrowjerdi Mohammad Javad , Sadrnia Mohammad Ali , Kheiri Hossein , Fateh Mohammad Mehdi
Published: August 2014

This paper presents an innovative algebraic sensor fault detection approach for surge avoidance in turbo compressors (TC) in the natural gas compressor stations (GCS). The main objective is surge avoidance in the presence of sensor faults in TC. In this way, the robust parity space approach for fault detection is extended to highly nonlinear dynamic of TC based on Groebner basis and elimination technique. No work has been previously reported on the use of this technique for nonlinear dynamic systems with parametric uncertainties. This algebraic approach is simulated on the Moore–Greitzer control oriented model in the presence of parametric uncertainties, disturbances, and sensor faults. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed fault detection approach.
Experimental Performance of an Open Ends, Centrally Grooved, Squeeze Film Damper Operating With Large Amplitude Orbital Motions
Authors: San Andrés Luis , Jeung Sung-Hwa
Published: August 2014

Aircraft engines customarily implement squeeze film dampers (SFDs) to dissipate mechanical energy caused by rotor vibration and to isolate the rotor from its structural frame. The paper presents experimental results for the dynamic forced performance of an open ends SFD operating with large amplitude whirl motions, centered and off-centered. The test rig comprises of an elastically supported bearing with a damper section, 127 mm in diameter, having two parallel film lands separated by a central groove. Each film land is 25.4 mm long with radial clearance c = 0.251 mm. The central groove, 12.7 mm long, has a depth of 9.5 mm (38c). An ISO VG 2 lubricant flows into the groove via three 2.5 mm orifices, 120 deg apart, and then passes through the film lands to exit at ambient condition. Two orthogonally placed shakers apply dynamic loads on the bearing to induce circular orbit motions with whirl frequency ranging from 10 Hz to 100 Hz. A static loader, 45 deg away from each shaker, pulls the bearing to a static eccentricity (es). Measurements of dynamic loads and the ensuing bearing displacements and accelerations, as well as the film and groove dynamic pressures, were obtained for eight orbit amplitudes (r = 0.08c to ∼0.71c) and under four static eccentricities (es = 0.0c to ∼0.76c). The experimental damping coefficients increase quickly as the bearing offset increases (es/c → 0.76) while remaining impervious to the amplitude of whirl orbit (r/c → 0.51). The inertia coefficients decrease rapidly as the orbit amplitude grows large, r > 0.51c, but increase with the static eccentricity. A comparison with test results obtained with an identical damper but having a smaller clearance (cs = 0.141 mm) (San Andrés, L., 2012, “Damping and Inertia Coefficients for Two Open Ends Squeeze Film Dampers With a Central Groove: Measurements and Predictions,” ASME J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power, 134(10), p. 102506), show the prior damping and inertia coefficients are larger, ∼5.0 and ∼2.2 times larger than the current ones. These magnitudes agree modestly with theoretical ratios for damping and inertia coefficients scaling as (c/cs)3 = 5.7 and (c/cs) = 1.8, respectively. In spite of the large difference in depths between a groove and a film land, the magnitudes of dynamic pressures recorded at the groove are similar to those in the lands. That is, the groove profoundly affects the dynamic forced response of the test damper. A computational physics model replicates the experimental whirl motions and predicts force coefficients spanning the same range of whirl frequencies, orbit radii, and static eccentricities. The model predictions reproduce with great fidelity the experimental force coefficients. The good agreement relies on the specification of an effective groove depth derived from one experiment.
Temperature gradient approach to grow large, preferentially oriented 6,13-bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl) pentacene crystals for organic thin film transistors
Authors: Asare-Yeboah Kyeiwaa , Frazier Rachel M. , Szulczewski Greg , Li Dawen
Published: August 2014

In this study, 6,13-bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl) (TIPS) pentacene crystalline growth was enhanced using temperature gradient across the substrate. This method induced a preferential crystal orientation in order to alleviate the intrinsic crystallization anisotropy and control film morphology. The temperature gradient led to a solubility difference along the substrate and drove crystallization from the lower-temperature end to the higher. The approach also enables a methodical investigation of how TIPS pentacene crystal morphology depends on temperature. The resulting TIPS pentacene film exhibited a uniform morphology and high percentage of large areal coverage. X-ray diffraction characterization showed that the film crystallinity was not sacrificed when a temperature gradient is applied. The authors demonstrated that organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) based on TIPS pentacene crystals grown using the temperature-gradient method significantly enhanced average mobility when compared to OTFTs using films grown without the temperature gradient.
Signal‐to‐noise assessment for diffusion tensor imaging with single data set and validation using a difference image method with data from a multicenter study
Authors: Wang Zhiyue J. , Chia Jonathan M. , Ahmed Shaheen , Rollins Nancy K.
Published: August 2014

Purpose:

To describe a quantitative method for determination of SNR that extracts the local noise level using a single diffusion data set.

Methods:

Brain data sets came from a multicenter study (eight sites; three MR vendors). Data acquisition protocol required b = 0, 700 s/mm2, fov = 256 × 256 mm2, acquisition matrix size 128 × 128, reconstruction matrix size 256 × 256; 30 gradient encoding directions and voxel size 2 × 2 × 2 mm3. Regions‐of‐interest (ROI) were placed manually on the b = 0 image volume on transverse slices, and signal was recorded as the mean value of the ROI. The noise level from the ROI was evaluated using Fourier Transform based Butterworth high‐pass filtering. Patients were divided into two groups, one for filter parameter optimization (N = 17) and one for validation (N = 10). Six white matter areas (the genu and splenium of corpus callosum, right and left centrum semiovale, right and left anterior corona radiata) were analyzed. The Bland–Altman method was used to compare the resulting SNR with that from the difference image method. The filter parameters were optimized for each brain area, and a set of “global” parameters was also obtained, which represent an average of all regions.

Results:

The Bland–Altman analysis on the validation group using “global” filter parameters revealed that the 95% limits of agreement of percent bias between the SNR obtained with the new and the reference methods were −15.5% (median of the lower limit, range [−24.1%, −8.9%]) and 14.5% (median of the higher limits, range [12.7%, 18.0%]) for the 6 brain areas.

Conclusions:

An FT‐based high‐pass filtering method can be used for local area SNR assessment using only one DTI data set. This method could be used to evaluate SNR for patient studies in a multicenter setting.
Dose response of selected solid state detectors in applied homogeneous transverse and longitudinal magnetic fields
Authors: Reynolds M. , Fallone B. G. , Rathee S.
Published: August 2014

Purpose:

MR‐Linac devices under development worldwide will require standard calibration, commissioning, and quality assurance. Solid state radiation detectors are often used for dose profiles and percent depth dose measurements. The dose response of selected solid state detectors is therefore evaluated in varying transverse and longitudinal magnetic fields for this purpose.

Methods:

The Monte Carlo code PENELOPE was used to model irradiation of a PTW 60003 diamond detector and IBA PFD diode detector in the presence of a magnetic field. The field itself was varied in strength, and oriented both transversely and longitudinally with respect to the incident photon beam. The long axis of the detectors was oriented either parallel or perpendicular to the photon beam. The dose to the active volume of each detector in air was scored, and its ratio to dose with zero magnetic field strength was determined as the “dose response” in magnetic field. Measurements at low fields for both detectors in transverse magnetic fields were taken to evaluate the accuracy of the simulations. Additional simulations were performed in a water phantom to obtain few representative points for beam profile and percent depth dose measurements.

Results:

Simulations show significant dose response as a function of magnetic field in transverse field geometries. This response can be near 20% at 1.5 T, and it is highly dependent on the detectors’ relative orientation to the magnetic field, the energy of the photon beam, and detector composition. Measurements at low transverse magnetic fields verify the simulations for both detectors in their relative orientations to radiation beam. Longitudinal magnetic fields, in contrast, show little dose response, rising slowly with magnetic field, and reaching 0.5%–1% at 1.5 T regardless of detector orientation. Water tank and in air simulation results were the same within simulation uncertainty where lateral electronic equilibrium is present and expectedly differed at the beam edge in transverse field orientations only. Due to the difference in design, the two detectors behaved differently.

Conclusions:

When transverse magnetic fields are present, great care must be taken when using diamond or diode detectors. Dose response varies with relative detector orientation, magnetic field strength, and between detectors. This response can be considerable (∼20% for both detectors). Both detectors in longitudinal fields exhibit little to no dose response as a function of magnetic field. Water tank simulations seem to suggest that the diode detector is better suited to general beam commissioning, and each detector must be investigated separately.
Differences in Isokinetic Strength of the Knee Extensors and Flexors in Men With Isolated and Combined Cruciate-Ligament Knee Injury
Authors: Kaminska Ewa , Piontek Tomasz , Wiernicka Marzena , Cywinska-Wasilewska Grazyna , Lewandowski Jacek , Lochynski Dawid
Published: August 2014

Context:

The extent of knee extensor and flexor weakness after disruption of knee ligaments affects a rehabilitation output and functional recovery and may give prognostic information on a possible risk of development of knee osteoarthritis.

Objective:

The hypothesis tested was whether patients with a multiple-ligament tear would have larger abnormalities in strength of the knee extensors and flexors than patients with an isolated-ligament rupture.

Design:

Cross-sectional study, level III.

Setting:

Outpatient orthopedic clinic.

Participants:

3 groups of recreationally active men: noninjured control (CON, n = 12), with an anterior cruciate ligament injury (ACLI, n = 10), and with combined anterior and posterior cruciate ligament injury (APCLI, n = 9), matched according to age, body mass, and height.

Intervention:

All patients received conservative treatment and rehabilitation and awaited ligament reconstruction surgery.

Main Outcome Measures:

Isokinetic maximum-repetition peak torque per body mass (PT/BM) and total work (TW), PT and TW limb-symmetry index (LSI), and flexor-to-extensor PT ratio were evaluated during concentric knee extension-flexion movements at lower (60°/s) and higher (240°/s) isokinetic velocities.

Results:

The main finding was that compared with the individuals with ACLI, patients with APCLI produced in their injured limbs lower mean TW (extension: 30.3%, flexion: 28.2%) and had lower mean TW LSI (extension 74% in APCLI vs 91.6% in ACLI; flexion 61.3% in APCLI vs 90.8% in ACLI) at the higher but not lower speed of isokinetic testing. However, at the lower velocity the quantified size of reduction in PT/BM and TW was greater in subjects with APCLI than ACLI as compared with the CON individuals.

Conclusions:

After bi-cruciate-ligament injury the capacity to produce torque by concentric muscle contractions throughout knee-extension and-flexion movements performed with high speed is lower in injured limbs than after isolated anterior cruciate ligament tear.
Shapes and vorticities of superfluid helium nanodroplets
Authors: Gomez Luis F. , Ferguson Ken R. , Cryan James P. , Bacellar Camila , Tanyag Rico Mayro P. , Jones Curtis , Schorb Sebastian , Anielski Denis , Belkacem Ali , Bernando Charles , Boll Rebecca , Bozek John , Carron Sebastian , Chen Gang , Delmas Tjark , Englert Lars , Epp Sascha W. , Erk Benjamin , Foucar Lutz , Hartmann Robert , Hexemer Alexander , Huth Martin , Kwok Justin , Leone Stephen R. , Ma Jonathan H. S. , Maia Filipe R. N. C. , Malmerberg Erik , Marchesini Stefano , Neumark Daniel M. , Poon Billy , Prell James , Rolles Daniel , Rudek Benedikt , Rudenko Artem , Seifrid Martin , Siefermann Katrin R. , Sturm Felix P. , Swiggers Michele , Ullrich Joachim , Weise Fabian , Zwart Petrus , Bostedt Christoph , Gessner Oliver , Vilesov Andrey F.
Published: August 2014

X-raying superfluid helium droplets

When physicists rotate the superfluid
4
He, it develops a regular array of tiny whirlpools, called vortices. The same phenomenon should occur in helium droplets half a micrometer in size, but studying individual droplets is tricky. Gomez
et al.
used x-ray diffraction to deduce the shape of individual rotating droplets and image the resulting vortex patterns, which confirmed the superfluidity of the droplets. They found that superfluid droplets can host a surprising number of vortices and can rotate faster than normal droplets without disintegrating.

Science
, this issue p.
906
A chemical signature of first-generation very massive stars
Authors: Aoki W. , Tominaga N. , Beers T. C. , Honda S. , Lee Y. S.
Published: August 2014

How huge early stars enriched the universe

How big did the first generation of stars get? Knowing their size is critical to understanding how they enriched the chemistry of the universe through supernova explosions. According to numerical simulations, some of the earliest stars were more than 100 times the Sun's mass. However, no traces of these live-fast, die-young stars had been detected in any low-mass stars still extant from that era. Aoki
et al.
now show spectra of one such metal-poor star that may have recorded the activity of a very massive predecessor (see the Perspective by Bromm). This observational evidence will spur further supernova models, as none predicts this specific chemical signature.

Science
, this issue p.
912
; see also p.
868
Sequestration of a two-component response regulator by a riboswitch-regulated noncoding RNA
Authors: Mellin J. R. , Koutero Mikael , Dar Daniel , Nahori Marie-Anne , Sorek Rotem , Cossart Pascale
Published: August 2014

A dual-action RNA switch for expression

Riboswitches are short segments of RNA that bind small molecules and switch between two different conformations, thereby regulating gene expression (see the Perspective by Chen and Gottesman). DebRoy
et al.
and Mellin
et al.
find a new class of riboswitches—in two different species of bacteria—that are both part of and regulate the production of a noncoding RNA. Each riboswitch ensures that a particular metabolic pathway is only activated in the presence of an essential small-molecule cofactor. In the absence of the cofactor, the full-length non-coding RNA is made and binds a regulator protein, preventing the regulator protein from inappropriately activating the metabolic pathway.

Science
, this issue p.
937
and p.
940
; see also p.
876
A riboswitch-containing sRNA controls gene expression by sequestration of a response regulator
Authors: DebRoy Sruti , Gebbie Margo , Ramesh Arati , Goodson Jonathan R. , Cruz Melissa R. , van Hoof Ambro , Winkler Wade C. , Garsin Danielle A.
Published: August 2014

A dual-action RNA switch for expression

Riboswitches are short segments of RNA that bind small molecules and switch between two different conformations, thereby regulating gene expression (see the Perspective by Chen and Gottesman). DebRoy
et al.
and Mellin
et al.
find a new class of riboswitches—in two different species of bacteria—that are both part of and regulate the production of a noncoding RNA. Each riboswitch ensures that a particular metabolic pathway is only activated in the presence of an essential small-molecule cofactor. In the absence of the cofactor, the full-length non-coding RNA is made and binds a regulator protein, preventing the regulator protein from inappropriately activating the metabolic pathway.

Science
, this issue p.
937
and p.
940
; see also p.
876
How do coral reefs recover?
Authors: Bruno John F.
Published: August 2014

Experiments on juvenile coral and fish behavior may have implications for reef restoration efforts

[Also see Research Article by

Dixson
et al.

]
Making phloem—a near-death experience
Authors: Geldner Niko
Published: August 2014

How to get rid of the phloem cell nucleus to make a root-to-shoot tip transport system

[Also see Report by

Furuta
et al.

]
Techniques for RNA detection: Where are we headed?
Authors: Stoddart Martin J. , Weldon Don
Published: August 2014

As the messenger of genetic information, RNA plays an important regulatory role in cell and tissue development as well as during disease progression. Understanding the best ways to work with RNA and the various RNA detection methods can help scientists advance our understanding of gene expression patterns and elucidate the roles of different genomic elements in cellular function and dysfunction. A variety of RNA detection methods–including Northern blotting, in situ hybridization, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction–are already available; however, each comes with its own advantages and limitations in signal sensitivity, specificity, and stability. Additionally, most often detection is carried out on lysed cell samples, so a significant amount of information is lost. This webinar will bring together two experts who will share their knowledge and expertise in a variety of RNA detection methodologies, including one that utilizes live cells.
Molecular and Clinical Diagnosis of Group A Streptococcal Pharyngitis in Children
Authors: Felsenstein Susanna , Faddoul Diala , Sposto Richard , Batoon Kristine , Polanco Claudia M. , Dien Bard Jennifer
Published: August 2014

Group A
Streptococcus
(GAS) pharyngitis is a very common condition causing significant morbidity in children. Accurate diagnosis followed by appropriate antimicrobial therapy is recommended to prevent postinfectious sequelae. Diagnosis of GAS pharyngitis by a rapid antigen detection test (RADT) or culture in the absence of discriminating clinical findings remains challenging. Validation of new sensitive rapid diagnostic tests is therefore a priority. The performance of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay (
illumi
gene assay) for the diagnosis of GAS pharyngitis was compared with that of a RADT and standard culture in 361 pediatric throat swab samples. Discrepant results were resolved using an alternate molecular assay. Test results were correlated with clinical presentations in patients positive by either method. The closest estimate of the true prevalence of GAS pharyngitis was 19.7% (71/361 samples). The
illumi
gene assay alone detected 70/71 GAS-positive samples; RADT and culture detected 35/71 and 55/71 samples, respectively. RADT followed by culture confirmation of RADT-negative specimens detected 58/71 cases. The
illumi
gene assay increased identification among children eligible for testing by American College of Physicians (ACP)/American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) criteria from 31 to 39 positive cases, five of which were false positives. Analysis of clinical data in GAS-positive patients indicated that a significantly greater proportion of children with McIsaac scores of ≥4 tested positive by the
illumi
gene assay versus RADT and culture. Overall, the
illumi
gene assay was much more sensitive and was similarly specific for GAS detection, compared to culture alone, RADT alone, or the ACP/AAFP RADT/culture algorithm. Combining high sensitivity with rapidly available results, the
illumi
gene GAS assay is an appropriate alternative to culture for the laboratory diagnosis of GAS pharyngitis in patients for whom testing is clinically indicated.
Rapid Time to Results and High Sensitivity of the CarbaNP Test on Early Cultures
Authors: Lee Lai-yang , Korman Tony M. , Graham Maryza
Published: August 2014

For rapid results, we adapted the CarbaNP test by using 5-hour-old cultures; the sensitivity and specificity for detection of carbapenemase production were 100% for non-OXA-producing organisms. The sensitivity from early cultures was 94% for detection of carbapenemase production in
Enterobacteriaceae
strains. Utilizing younger cultures allows the test to be incorporated into a single day's workflow, facilitating timely patient care and antimicrobial stewardship.
Isolation of Salmonella enterica Serovar Kentucky Strain ST 198 and Its H
2
S-Negative Variant from a Patient: Implications for Diagnosis
Authors: Albert M. John , Al Obaid Khaled , Alfouzan Wadha , Sheikh Abdul Rashid , Udo Edet , Izumiya Hidemasa , Bulach Dieter M. , Seemann Torsten
Published: August 2014

H
2
S-producing multiresistant
Salmonella enterica
serovar Kentucky strain sequence type (ST) 198 and its non-H
2
S-producing variant were isolated from a patient. Whole-genome comparison showed a base addition in the gene encoding molybdenum cofactor biosynthesis protein C, which could affect H
2
S production in the variant. Lack of H
2
S production has implications for diagnosis of salmonella.
Updating the PGMY Primers and Probes for Improved Detection of HPV68a: Validation of Version 2 of the PGMY-CHUV Assay
Authors: Estrade C. , Sahli R.
Published: August 2014

HPV68a is not efficiently detected by PCR with the PGMY primers. Version 2 of the PGMY-CHUV assay (PGv2) was developed from version 1 (PGv1) to evaluate HPV68-discordant results with the Anyplex II HPV28 assay. We now report that PGv2 is significantly more sensitive than PGv1 for HPV68a and as sensitive and specific for the other HPV genotypes during a 1-year prospective validation (
n
= 714 samples).
Characterization of Multiple Cytomegalovirus Drug Resistance Mutations Detected in a Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipient by Recombinant Phenotyping
Authors: Drouot Emilien , Piret Jocelyne , Lebel Marc H. , Boivin Guy
Published: August 2014

Cytomegalovirus resistance to antivirals is a major problem in transplant recipients. We evaluated the impact of five mutations (A594V, L595F, and E655K in the
UL97
gene and V526L and E756K in the
UL54
gene), detected in a blood sample from a stem cell transplant recipient, on drug susceptibilities and replicative capacities of recombinant viruses.
Reassessment of Genotype 1 Hepatitis C Virus Subtype Misclassification by LiPA 2.0: Implications for Direct-Acting Antiviral Treatment
Authors: Guelfo Javier R. , Macias Juan , Neukam Karin , Di Lello Federico A. , Mira Jose A. , Merchante Nicolas , Mancebo María , Nuñez-Torres Rocío , Pineda Juan A. , Real Luis M.
Published: August 2014

The accuracy of LiPA 2.0 for hepatitis C virus 1 (HCV-1) subtype classification was analyzed. LiPA 2.0 genotype results from 101 HCV-1-infected patients were compared to genotype findings determined by direct core sequencing. Eleven (11%) samples were misclassified. Given the influence of the HCV-1-subtype in the anti-HCV therapy response, an alternative classification method is warranted.
Characterization of a Novel Thermostable Nuclease Homolog (Nuc
M
) in a Highly Divergent Staphylococcus aureus Clade
Authors: Schaumburg Frieder , Pauly Maude , Schubert Grit , Shittu Adebayo , Tong Steven , Leendertz Fabian , Peters Georg , Becker Karsten
Published: August 2014

A thermostable nuclease homologue (Nuc
M
) in an animal-associated divergent clade of
Staphylococcus aureus
in sub-Saharan Africa has a highly divergent nucleotide sequence compared to those of the classical
nuc1
and
nuc2
genes of
S. aureus
. Its deduced amino acid sequences, tertiary structures, and nuclease activities, however, are similar.
Role of Hypervariable Region 1 for the Interplay of Hepatitis C Virus with Entry Factors and Lipoproteins
Authors: Bankwitz Dorothea , Vieyres Gabrielle , Hueging Kathrin , Bitzegeio Julia , Doepke Mandy , Chhatwal Patrick , Haid Sibylle , Catanese Maria Teresa , Zeisel Mirjam B. , Nicosia Alfredo , Baumert Thomas F. , Kaderali Lars , Pietschmann Thomas
Published: August 2014

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) particles associate with lipoproteins and infect cells by using at least four cell entry factors. These factors include scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI), CD81, claudin 1 (CLDN1), and occludin (OCLN). Little is known about specific functions of individual host factors during HCV cell entry and viral domains that mediate interactions with these factors. Hypervariable region 1 (HVR1) within viral envelope protein 2 (E2) is involved in the usage of SR-BI and conceals the viral CD81 binding site. Moreover, deletion of this domain alters the density of virions. We compared lipoprotein interaction, surface attachment, receptor usage, and cell entry between wild-type HCV and a viral mutant lacking this domain. Deletion of HVR1 did not affect CD81, CLDN1, and OCLN usage. However, unlike wild-type HCV, HVR1-deleted viruses were not neutralized by antibodies and small molecules targeting SR-BI. Nevertheless, modulation of SR-BI cell surface expression altered the infection efficiencies of both viruses to similar levels. Analysis of affinity-purified virions revealed comparable levels of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) incorporation into viruses with or without HVR1. However, ApoE incorporated into these viruses was differentially recognized by ApoE-specific antibodies. Thus, SR-BI has at least two functions during cell entry. One of them can be neutralized by SR-BI-targeting molecules, and it is critical only for wild-type HCV. The other one is important for both viruses but apparently is not inactivated by the SR-BI binding antibodies and small molecules evaluated here. In addition, HVR1 modulates the conformation and/or epitope exposure of virus particle-associated ApoE.

IMPORTANCE
HCV cell entry is SR-BI dependent irrespective of the presence or absence of HVR1. Moreover, this domain modulates the properties of ApoE on the surface of virus particles. These findings have implications for the development of SR-BI-targeting antivirals. Furthermore, these findings highlight separable functions of SR-BI during HCV cell entry and reveal a novel role of HVR1 for the properties of virus-associated lipoproteins.