bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CpG island methylator phenotype of myelodysplastic syndrome identified through genome‐wide profiling of DNA methylation and gene expression
Authors: Zhao Xiaoli , Yang Feng , Li Shuang , Liu Meixia , Ying Shaoxu , Jia Xiaodong , Wang Xiaoqin
Published: March 2014

The CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) is an epigenetic phenomenon and plays an important role in tumourigenesis in various cancers. The identification of aberrant DNA methylation can be exploited for early diagnosis and risk assessment of patients. We identified a CIMP in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Genes were screened for hypermethylation and transcription downregulation through genome‐wide DNA methylation profiling and gene expression microarrays. Methylation‐specific, real‐time, and bisulfite‐sequencing polymerase chain reaction were performed to validate selected genes. The hypermethylation of genes as a diagnostic tool for the detection of MDS was evaluated. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox regression were performed. A draft of an MDS CIMP was established and revised to 6 genes after validation in 20 patients and 20 controls. Further large‐scale analysis showed that the majority of 211 MDS patients were hypermethylated in 6 genes. The area under the curve of CIMP was 0·9768 (95% confidence interval 0·9609–0·9928). A combination of 5 or more of the methylated genes showed a specificity of 95% and sensitivity of 91% for the diagnosis of MDS. We found CIMP positivity to be a significantly unfavourable prognostic factor for MDS. These results indicate that the newly established CIMP may improve diagnostic accuracy and prognosis assessment in MDS.
“It's not only for sick people”: The place of the local hospital in a rural northern Ontario community
Authors: Wiersma Elaine C. , Koster Rhonda
Published: March 2014

The research explored in this paper is part of a larger project examining the experiences of aging‐in‐place in a rural, northern Ontario context where communities are in a state of economic instability or transition. We focused on a case study of one community in northwestern Ontario, and explored the role and social place of the hospital in a small rural northern town using focused ethnography. In total, 84 people were interviewed, including older adults, health service providers, and other community members. The local hospital played a significant role in the community. The hospital was viewed not only as a community resource and an institution that served the needs of the community, but participants described the hospital in ways that reflected the place of the local hospital in the community. Three main themes were evident emerging from this work: the hospital as a source of community uniqueness, the hospital as a source of security, and the hospital as a source of community development. The findings highlight the importance of a local community hospital, both in terms of added value and community identity.
The impact of delivering GP training on the clinical high risk and first‐episode psychosis on referrals and pathways to care
Authors: Reynolds Nicky , Wuyts Philippe , Badger Steven , Fusar‐Poli Paolo , McGuire Philip , Valmaggia Lucia
Published: March 2014

Aim

This project explored the impact of a general practitioner (GP) training programme on referrals and pathways to care for people at high clinical risk of psychosis or with a first‐episode psychosis. The resources needed to deliver the training were measured to help inform other teams considering this approach. Satisfaction with the training was also explored.

Methods

All of the GP (48) practices in the London Borough of Southwark were approached. Presentations were given on the symptoms of a clinical high‐risk state and the first signs of psychosis alongside information on how to access the teams. Referrals to the prodromal and first‐episode teams 6 months before and after the training were recorded. Resources needed to deliver the training in terms of staff time were recorded. A questionnaire on attendees' satisfaction with the training was given.

Results

Sixty per cent of eligible practices received education. On average, it took 2 h for every two staff members each to deliver the training. Over the 12‐month period, the teams received 148 referrals. The training led to a significant increase in referrals to the two specialized teams and a significant increase in direct referrals to the teams from GPs. Attendees were satisfied with the training.

Conclusions

This study indicates that GP education programmes are a viable and acceptable way of increasing the identification of young people at high clinical risk for psychosis or with a first‐episode psychosis and increasing direct referrals to specialist teams.
Utility of foramen ovale electrodes in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Sheth Sameer A. , Aronson Joshua P. , Shafi Mouhsin M. , Phillips H. Westley , Velez‐Ruiz Naymee , Walcott Brian P. , Kwon Churl‐Su , Mian Matthew K. , Dykstra Andrew R. , Cole Andrew , Eskandar Emad N.
Published: March 2014

Objectives

To determine the ability of foramen ovale electrodes (FOEs) to localize epileptogenic foci after inconclusive noninvasive investigations in patients with suspected mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE).

Methods

We identified patients with medically intractable epilepsy who had undergone FOE investigation for initial invasive monitoring at our institution between 2005 and 2012. Indications for initiating FOE investigation were grouped into four categories: (1) bilateral anterior temporal ictal activity on scalp electroencephalography (EEG), (2) unclear laterality of scalp EEG onset due to muscle artifact or significant delay following clinical manifestation, (3) discordance between ictal and interictal discharges, and (4) investigation of a specific anatomic abnormality or competing putative focus. The FOE investigation was classified as informative if it provided sufficient evidence to make a treatment decision.

Results

Forty‐two consecutive patients underwent FOE investigation, which was informative in 38 patients (90.5%). Of these 38 patients, 24 were determined to be appropriate candidates for resective surgery. Five were localized sufficiently for surgery, but were considered high risk for verbal memory deficit, and nine were deemed poor surgical candidates because of bilateral ictal origins. The remaining 4 of 42 patients had inconclusive FOE studies and were referred for further invasive investigation. Of the 18 patients who underwent resective surgery, 13 (72%) were seizure‐free (Engel class I) at last follow‐up (mean 22.5 months).

Significance

More than 90% of our 42 FOE studies provided sufficient evidence to render treatment decisions. When undertaken with an appropriate hypothesis, FOE investigations are a minimally invasive and efficacious means for evaluating patients with suspected MTLE after an inconclusive noninvasive investigation.

A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here.
1DTempPro: Analyzing Temperature Profiles for Groundwater/Surface‐water Exchange
Authors: Voytek Emily B. , Drenkelfuss Anja , Day‐Lewis Frederick D. , Healy Richard , Lane John W. , Werkema Dale
Published: March 2014

A new computer program, 1DTempPro, is presented for the analysis of vertical one‐dimensional (1D) temperature profiles under saturated flow conditions. 1DTempPro is a graphical user interface to the U.S. Geological Survey code Variably Saturated 2‐Dimensional Heat Transport (VS2DH), which numerically solves the flow and heat‐transport equations. Pre‐ and postprocessor features allow the user to calibrate VS2DH models to estimate vertical groundwater/surface‐water exchange and also hydraulic conductivity for cases where hydraulic head is known.
A Phenomenological Model for Particle Retention in Single, Saturated Fractures
Authors: Rodrigues Sandrina , Dickson Sarah
Published: March 2014

Fractured aquifers are some of the most poorly characterized subsurface environments despite posing one of the highest risks to the protection of potable groundwater. This research was designed to improve the understanding of the factors affecting particle transport through fractures by developing a phenomenological model based on laboratory‐scale transport data. The model presented in this research employed data from over 70 particle tracer tests conducted in single, saturated, variable‐aperture fractures that were obtained from the natural environment and fractured in the laboratory or cast from epoxy in the laboratory. The particles employed were Escherichia coli RS2‐GFP and microspheres. The tracer experiments were conducted in natural (dolomitic limestone and granite) as well as epoxy replicas of the natural fractures. The multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the most important factors influencing particle retention in fractures are the ratio of the ionic strength of solution to collector charge, the ratio of particle to collector charge, and the ratio of advective to diffusive forces as described by the Peclet number. The model was able to reasonably (R2 = 0.64) predict the fraction of particles retained; however, it is evident that some factors not accounted for in the model also contributed to retention. This research presents a novel approach to understanding particle transport in fractures, and illustrates the relative importance of various factors affecting the transport mechanisms. The utility of this model lies in the increased understanding of particle transport in fractures, which is extremely useful for directing future research.
Islamic Migrant Organizations: Little-Studied Actors in Humanitarian Action
Authors: Rosenow-Williams Kerstin , Sezgin Zeynep
Published: March 2014

Since 9/11, attention to Islamic migrant organizations within Western countries has grown. However, the humanitarian activities of these organizations have received only limited attention. Hence, it is not yet clear why these organizations engage in humanitarian crises, which specific role Islam plays in their humanitarian engagement and which factors influence the scope of their activities in humanitarian crises. This paper aims to address these research questions by using approaches from sociology of organizations and presenting three empirical case studies from Germany. Particularly, it argues that although all three case studies are active in humanitarian crises the scope of their activities differs due to their differing organizational characteristics, member interests and external expectations.
Another Colonialism: Africa in the History of European Integration
Authors: Hansen Peo , Jonsson Stefan
Published: March 2014

Today's European Union was founded in a 1950s marked by its member states' involvement in numerous colonial conflicts and with the colonial question firmly entrenched on the European and international agenda. This notwithstanding, there is hardly any scholarly investigations to date that have examined colonialism's bearing on the historical project and process of European integration. In tackling this puzzle, the present article proceeds in two steps. First, it corroborates the claim that European integration not only is related to the history of colonialism but to no little extent determined by it. Second, it introduces a set of factors that explain why the relation between the EU and colonialism has been systematically neglected. Here the article seeks to identify the operations of a colonial epistemology that has facilitated a misrecognition of what postwar European integration was about. As the article argues, this epistemology has enabled colonialism's historical relation to the European integration project to remain undetected and has thus also reproduced within the present EU precisely those colonial or neo‐colonial preconceptions that the European partner states, in official discourse and policy, falsely claim that they have abandoned.
Activation of Systemic Resistance to Magnaporthe oryzae in Rice by Substances Produced by Fusarium solani Isolated from Soil
Authors: Chern Lih‐Ling , Lin Hsiu‐Chuan , Chang Chieh‐Ting , Ko Wen‐Hsiung
Published: March 2014

Of 70 micro‐organisms (fungi, bacteria and actinomycetes) isolated from soil using vegetable tissue baits, 16 produced substances in culture fluids capable of preventing the development of blast caused by Magnaporthe oryzae on rice leaves with little or no inhibitory effect on the conidial germination of the pathogen. Isolate KS‐F14, which secreted substances capable of activating resistance in untreated leaves, was selected and identified as Fusarium solani. The resistance‐inducing substances were effective at pH values ranging from 5 to 10 and were stable under high temperatures, maintaining approximately the same level of activity even after autoclaving for 20 min. After application, the activated resistance in rice leaves persisted for 14 days. The polar solvent extracts of freeze‐dried KS‐F14 secretions were effective in activating resistance against M. oryzae in rice plants. The non‐polar solvent extracts were also effective, albeit not as effective as the polar solvent extracts, indicating that although the majority of the secreted resistance‐inducing compounds are hydrophilic, some of the compounds are hydrophobic. Treating secretions with cation or anion exchange resins only partially reduced their resistance‐inducing ability, suggesting that the resistance‐inducing components include both charged and non‐charged compounds. The resistance‐inducing compounds produced by F. solani have the potential to be developed into a commercial product for the control of rice blast and possibly other plant diseases.
The working experiences of novice psychiatric nurses in Taiwanese culture: a phenomenological study
Authors: Hung B‐J. , Huang X‐Y. , Cheng J‐F. , Wei S‐J. , Lin M‐J.
Published: March 2014

Accessible summary

Novice psychiatric nurses work in a profession that is poorly regarded and receive insufficient training in Taiwan.

Struggling, emulating, prevailing and belonging were experienced by novice nurses as they worked towards becoming a part of the psychiatric nursing staff.

Awareness of problems such as lacking a sense of security, professional competency and having little understanding of mental illness is needed in order to help nurses in providing appropriate care for clients.

Novice psychiatric nurses experience heavy workloads, insufficient training and support in Taiwan. The aim of this study was to understand the working experiences of novice psychiatric nurses during their first year in a clinical setting. A qualitative phenomenological approach, using semi‐structured face‐to‐face interviews was used. Narratives were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven‐step method. Data saturation was reached after interviews were conducted with 15 nurses based on the purposive sampling. Four themes and eight sub‐themes were identified: struggling (lacking a sense of security and competency), emulating (learning the process of interaction with clients and families, learning an appropriate role from nursing staff), prevailing (developing core competency, creating a therapeutic environment) and belonging (coping with the job, becoming a part of the psychiatric nursing staff). The findings from this study demonstrate that nurses are often inadequately prepared for psychiatric nursing. They have little understanding of mental illness, are unable to communicate appropriately with clients and struggle to cope with the conditions. Our study supports the importance for helping nurses to improve their essential knowledge and skills for coping with the job and providing good quality care, particularly in the first year.
Metabolic parameters and their relationship to energy balance in multiparous Simmental, Brown Swiss and Holstein cows in the periparturient period as influenced by energy supply pre‐ and post‐calving
Authors: Urdl M. , Gruber L. , Obritzhauser W. , Schauer A.
Published: March 2014

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of three energy supply (E) levels [low (L), medium (M), high (H)], both pre‐partum (PRE) and post‐partum (POST), and their interactions on metabolic parameters and energy balance (EB) in dairy cows of three breeds. In both phases, E levels applied to a total of 81 multiparous cows of breeds Simmental (SI), Brown Swiss (BS) and Holstein–Friesian (HF; n = 27 for each breed) were 75%, 100% and 125% of recommendations of the German Society of Nutrition Physiology, using a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments. During the pre‐calving period, serum concentrations of non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were higher for LPRE cows, and glucose concentrations were elevated for HPRE cows. During the lactation period, NEFA concentrations were greatest for treatment LPOST. Mean concentrations of β‐hydroxybutyrate (BHB) were highest for cows of the LPOST treatment, intermediate for MPOST and lowest for HPOST. Glucose concentrations were lower for LPOST cows. SI cows had lower BHB concentrations both pre‐ and post‐calving and higher glucose concentrations during early lactation than the other breeds. BHB concentration POST was highest for BS cows. Restricted feeding PRE resulted in a better energy status of cows fed above energy requirements POST (EPRE × EPOST interaction). HF cows had a higher EB pre‐calving, whereas SI cows had a less negative EB during early lactation, compared with the other breeds respectively. Correlations of serum NEFA, BHB and glucose concentrations with EB were strongest during the transition period. Results suggest that controlling energy intake during the dry period might be advantageous for the energy status of dairy cows after calving, whereas energy restriction in early lactation leads to metabolic stress. Evidence is provided of a clear relationship between EB and the blood metabolites NEFA and BHB, especially in the transition period.
Cloacal prolapses in reptiles: a retrospective study of 56 cases
Authors: Hedley J. , Eatwell K.
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVES

To review the types of cloacal prolapses seen in reptiles and to investigate potential risk factors which may be associated with the presence of a cloacal prolapse.

METHOD

Retrospective review of medical records of all reptile cases evaluated at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies between 1999 and 2013; only cases which had a history of cloacal prolapse were included in the study.

RESULTS

Prolapses were identified in 56 of 3019 (1·9%) reptiles examined over the study period. Prolapses were 3·47 times as likely in chelonians and lizards compared to snakes. There were no statistically significant differences between the prevalence of prolapses in males and females. Females were 7·5 times more likely to present with a true cloacal prolapse involving no other organs compared to males, and were 4·83 times more likely to present with a prolapse of the colon.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

These results suggest that cloacal prolapses are not a common occurrence but that species and sex may both influence the prevalence and type of cases seen.
Impact of infection on the prognosis of critically ill cirrhotic patients: results from a large worldwide study
Authors: Gustot Thierry , Felleiter Peter , Pickkers Peter , Sakr Yasser , Rello Jordi , Velissaris Dimitrios , Pierrakos Charalampos , Taccone Fabio S , Sevcik Pavel , Moreno Christophe , Vincent Jean‐Louis ,   the EPIC II Group of Investigators
Published: March 2014

Background

Infections are a leading cause of death in patients with advanced cirrhosis, but there are relatively few data on the epidemiology of infection in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with cirrhosis.

Aims

We used data from the Extended Prevalence of Infection in Intensive Care (EPIC) II 1‐day point‐prevalence study to better define the characteristics of infection in these patients.

Methods

We compared characteristics, including occurrence and types of infections in non‐cirrhotic and cirrhotic patients who had not undergone liver transplantation.

Results

The EPIC II database includes 13 796 adult patients from 1265 ICUs: 410 of the patients had cirrhosis. The prevalence of infection was higher in cirrhotic than in non‐cirrhotic patients (59 vs. 51%, P < 0.01). The lungs were the most common site of infection in all patients, but abdominal infections were more common in cirrhotic than in non‐cirrhotic patients (30 vs. 19%, P < 0.01). Infected cirrhotic patients more often had Gram‐positive (56 vs. 47%, P < 0.05) isolates than did infected non‐cirrhotic patients. Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was more frequent in cirrhotic patients. The hospital mortality rate of cirrhotic patients was 42%, compared to 24% in the non‐cirrhotic population (P < 0.001). Severe sepsis and septic shock were associated with higher in‐hospital mortality rates in cirrhotic than in non‐cirrhotic patients (41% and 71% vs. 30% and 49%, respectively, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Infection is more common in cirrhotic than in non‐cirrhotic ICU patients and more commonly caused by Gram‐positive organisms, including MRSA. Infection in patients with cirrhosis was associated with higher mortality rates than in non‐cirrhotic patients.
Sedentary urchins influence benthic community composition below the macroalgal zone
Authors: Lowe Alexander T. , Whippo Ross , Galloway Aaron W. E. , Britton‐Simmons Kevin H. , Dethier Megan N.
Published: March 2014

Sea urchins are important ecosystem engineers in subtidal ecosystems worldwide, providing biogenic structure and altering nutrient dynamics through intensive grazing and drift algal capture. The current work evaluates red urchin (Strongylocentrotus franciscanus) density on fixed transects through time, individual displacement, and urchin‐associated benthic community composition using a field‐based approach at multiple depths (in and outside of the macroalgal zone) and replicated across sites in the San Juan Archipelago, Washington. Urchins exhibited no large‐scale, temporal or directional changes in density among depths. Furthermore, 87% of individual urchins observed in repeated small‐scale surveys over 3 weeks exhibited no change in position. Individual displacement was negatively correlated to drift algal capture. Evidence of sedentary behavior from the displacement surveys was supported by the sessile and mobile community composition in areas directly under versus adjacent to (control) urchins. The benthos under urchins had a higher percentage of bare space, crustose coralline algae, and increased density of snails, crabs and shrimp relative to associated control plots. Abundance of mobile organisms associating with urchins increased relative to control plots at the deepest survey depth (30 m), indicating a greater strength of interaction with distance from macroalgal production. This work presents evidence of food availability‐related behavior in red urchins and indicates that even when sedentary, urchins have a strong influence on ecosystem structure through increasing availability of shelter and macroalgal detritus to the benthos.
Aerial hearing thresholds and detection of hearing loss in male California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) using auditory evoked potentials
Authors: Mulsow Jason , Houser Dorian S. , Finneran James J.
Published: March 2014

Auditory evoked potential (AEP) measurements are useful for describing the variability of hearing among individuals in marine mammal populations, an important consideration in terms of basic biology and the design of noise mitigation criteria. In this study, hearing thresholds were measured for 16 male California sea lions at frequencies ranging from 0.5 to 32 kHz using the auditory steady state‐response (ASSR), a frequency‐specific AEP. Audiograms for most sea lions were grossly similar to previously reported psychophysical data in that hearing sensitivity increased with increasing frequency up to a steep reduction in sensitivity between 16 and 32 kHz. Average thresholds were not different from AEP thresholds previously reported for male and female California sea lions. Two sea lions from the current study exhibited abnormal audiograms: a 26‐yr‐old sea lion had impaired hearing with a high‐frequency hearing limit (HFHL) between 8 and 16 kHz, and an 8‐yr‐old sea lion displayed elevated thresholds across most tested frequencies. The auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) for these two individuals and an additional 26‐yr‐old sea lion were aberrant compared to those of other sea lions. Hearing loss may have fitness implications for sea lions that rely on sound during foraging and reproductive activities.
The expression of a recombinant glycolate dehydrogenase polyprotein in potato (Solanum tuberosum) plastids strongly enhances photosynthesis and tuber yield
Authors: Nölke Greta , Houdelet Marcel , Kreuzaler Fritz , Peterhänsel Christoph , Schillberg Stefan
Published: March 2014

We have increased the productivity and yield of potato (Solanum tuberosum) by developing a novel method to enhance photosynthetic carbon fixation based on expression of a polyprotein (DEFp) comprising all three subunits (D, E and F) of Escherichia coli glycolate dehydrogenase (GlcDH). The engineered polyprotein retained the functionality of the native GlcDH complex when expressed in E. coli and was able to complement mutants deficient for the D, E and F subunits. Transgenic plants accumulated DEFp in the plastids, and the recombinant protein was active in planta, reducing photorespiration and improving CO2 uptake with a significant impact on carbon metabolism. Transgenic lines with the highest DEFp levels and GlcDH activity produced significantly higher levels of glucose (5.8‐fold), fructose (3.8‐fold), sucrose (1.6‐fold) and transitory starch (threefold), resulting in a substantial increase in shoot and leaf biomass. The higher carbohydrate levels produced in potato leaves were utilized by the sink capacity of the tubers, increasing the tuber yield by 2.3‐fold. This novel approach therefore has the potential to increase the biomass and yield of diverse crops.
Intra‐hospital mortality among neonates transported by ambulance in Colombia
Authors: Alvarado‐Socarras Jorge , Bermon Anderson , Bernal Nancy , Naranjo‐Estupiñán Néstor F , Idrovo Alvaro J
Published: March 2014

Background

The aims of this study were to identify the main variables associated with intra‐hospital mortality among patients transferred to a specialized neonatal care center, and to evaluate agreement and accuracy of referring and admission diagnoses.

Methods

A 6 month observational study was conducted to obtain clinical variables for intra‐hospital mortality among patients requiring interfacility transport. Association among variables was estimated using Poisson regression with robust variance. Agreement was evaluated between diagnosis before and after transfer using Cohen's kappa, sensitivity, specificity and Youden's I.

Results

The study included 191 neonates, 12.57% of whom died. Increased mortality was associated with the Transport Risk Index of Physiologic Stability (TRIPS). The associated variables were as follows: TRIPS (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR], 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–1.08), weight 1500–2499 g (aPR, 0.08; 95%CI: 0.01–0.40), weight >2500 g (aPR, 0.56; 95%CI: 0.02–0.19), cardiopathy (aPR, 0.20 95%CI: 0.05–0.75), congenital defects (aPR, 4.59; 95%CI: 0.97–21.82) and renal failure (aPR, 3.69; 95%CI: 1.26–10.78). Diagnosis remained unchanged for 71.15% of the neonates. The greatest differences were hyaline membrane disease (49.4%) followed by transient tachypnea (59.9%). Youden's I for referral diagnosis was 0.22 for transient tachypnea, 0.66–0.69 for cardiopathy, esophageal atresia and pneumonia, 0.72–0.74 for hyaline membrane disease and pulmonary hypertension, and >0.90 for the remaining diagnoses.

Conclusions

Weight <1500 g, renal failure, congenital defects (except congenital cardiopathies) and high TRIPS were associated with a higher risk of intra‐hospital mortality. The findings suggest that improving transfer time and quality of care in ambulances would decrease mortality.
Drama Innovations in Nikolai Erdman's The Warrant and The Suicide
Authors: KOVALOVA ANNA
Published: March 2014

For many years the playwright Nikolai Erdman and his remarkable impact on Russian theater and drama have been almost forgotten. In the 1990s, however, his drama began attracting critics' attention. Now, as a result, Erdman is viewed as one of the prominent Russian playwrights of the first half of the twentieth century. Although recently Erdman became an important object of research, the innovations of his drama have never been analyzed as specific phenomena. This article is focused on poetics of two main Erdman's plays: “The Warrant” and “The Suicide.” By analyzing the time and space, as well as the plot, dialogue, and characters, the main innovatory elements of these plays are analyzed. According to this analysis, Erdman's dialogue appears to be the playwright's most significant discovery which impacted not only his own drama but the whole Russian theater of the twentieth century as well.
Introspection as a Game of Make‐Believe
Authors: Barz Wolfgang
Published: March 2014

The aim of this article is to provide an account of introspective knowledge concerning visual experiences that is in accordance with the idea of transparent introspection. According to transparent introspection, a person gains knowledge of her own current mental state M solely by paying attention to those aspects of the external world which M is about. In my view, transparent introspection is a promising alternative to inner sense theories. However, it raises the fundamental question why a person who pays attention to something extra‐mental should be epistemically justified in holding a belief about something intra‐mental. In his Naturalizing the Mind, Fred Dretske solves this problem by conceiving of introspection concerning visual experiences as an inference based on a connecting belief. Although Dretske's account proves defective upon closer inspection, its essence can be salvaged by looking upon introspection as being a game of make‐believe.
The heritability of metabolite concentrations in stored human red blood cells
Authors: van 't Erve Thomas J. , Wagner Brett A. , Martin Sean M. , Knudson C. Michael , Blendowski Robyn , Keaton Mignon , Holt Tracy , Hess John R. , Buettner Garry R. , Ryckman Kelli K. , Darbro Benjamin W. , Murray Jeffrey C. , Raife Thomas J.
Published: March 2014

Background

The degeneration of red blood cells (RBCs) during storage is a major issue in transfusion medicine. Family studies in the 1960s established the heritability of the RBC storage lesion based on poststorage adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentrations. However, this critical discovery has not been further explored. In a classic twin study we confirmed the heritability of poststorage ATP concentrations and established the heritability of many other RBC metabolites.

Study Design and Methods

ATP concentrations and metabolomic profiles were analyzed in RBC samples from 18 twin pairs. On samples stored for 28 days, the heritability of poststorage ATP concentrations were 64 and 53% in CP2D‐ and AS‐3–stored RBCs, respectively.

Results

Metabolomic analyses identified 87 metabolites with an estimated heritability of 20% or greater. Thirty‐six metabolites were significantly correlated with ATP concentrations (p ≤ 0.05) and 16 correlated with borderline significance (0.05 ≤ p ≤ 0.10). Of the 52 metabolites that correlated significantly with ATP, 24 demonstrated 20% or more heritability. Pathways represented by heritable metabolites included glycolysis, membrane remodeling, redox homeostasis, and synthetic and degradation pathways.

Conclusion

We conclude that many RBC metabolite concentrations are genetically influenced during storage. Future studies of key metabolic pathways and genetic modifiers of RBC storage could lead to major advances in RBC storage and transfusion therapy.
A new synthesis of the molecular systematics and biogeography of honeyeaters (Passeriformes: Meliphagidae) highlights biogeographical and ecological complexity of a spectacular avian radiation
Authors: Joseph Leo , Toon Alicia , Nyári Árpád S. , Longmore N. Wayne , Rowe Karen M. C. , Haryoko Tri , Trueman John , Gardner Janet L.
Published: March 2014

The passerine family Meliphagidae (the honeyeaters) comprises 175–180 species in 40–50 genera. It is an iconic element of the Australo‐Papuan avifauna and also occurs in Indonesia and on remote Pacific Ocean islands. Building on previous molecular studies that have pioneered a renewed understanding of the family's circumscription and systematics, we present an updated phylogenetic and systematics synthesis of honeyeaters derived from 112 mostly Australian, New Guinean and Wallacean species‐ and subspecies‐rank taxa aligned across 9246 positions spanning four mitochondrial and four nuclear genes. We affirm many of the recent changes advocated to the group's genus‐level systematics and offer some further refinements. The group's radiation appears to coincide broadly with the aridification of Australia in the Miocene, consistent with the time of origin of diversification of extant lineages in several other groups of Australian organisms. Most importantly, the complexity of the biogeography underlying the group's spectacular radiation, especially within Australia, is now apparent. Foremost among such examples is the robust evidence indicating that multiple, independent lineages of honeyeaters, including several monotypic genera, are endemic to the Australian arid zone, presumably having diverged and evolved within it. Also apparent and warranting further study are the phenotypic diversity among close relatives and the remarkably disjunct distributions within some clades, perhaps implying extinction of geographically intermediate lineages. Given such complexity, understanding the evolution of this radiation, which has thus far been intractable, relies on integration of molecular data with morphology, ecology and behaviour.
The -parity conjecture for abelian varieties over function fields of characteristic
Authors: Trihan Fabien , Yasuda Seidai
Published: March 2014

Let$A/K$be an abelian variety over a function field of characteristic$p>0$and let$\ell $be a prime number ($\ell =p$allowed). We prove the following: the parity of the corank$r_\ell $of the$\ell $-discrete Selmer group of$A/K$coincides with the parity of the order at$s=1$of the Hasse–Weil$L$-function of$A/K$. We also prove the analogous parity result for pure$\ell $-adic sheaves endowed with a nice pairing and in particular for the congruence Zeta function of a projective smooth variety over a finite field. Finally, we prove that the full Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer conjecture is equivalent to the Artin–Tate conjecture.
An Open Loop Pulsating Heat Pipe for Integrated Electronic Cooling Applications
Authors: Kearney Daniel , Griffin Justin
Published: March 2014

Increasing trends toward integrated power electronic systems demand advancements in novel, efficient thermal management solutions to cope with the increasing the power density. This paper investigates the performance of a novel open loop pulsating heat pipe embedded in an FR4 organic substrate. The heat pipe is comprised of 26 parallel minichannels, 13 turns with an average hydraulic diameter of 1.7 mm and maximum surface roughness of 2.5 μm. The bulk thermal performance of three saturated working fluids—Novec 649, Novec 7200 and Ethanol (99.8%)—is investigated in terms of fill ratio, three angles of orientation, and applied heat fluxes ranging from 0.4 to 2.5 W/cm2 at subambient pressures. Novec 649 achieved quasi-stable pulsations at lower heat fluxes compared to Novec 7200 and Ethanol (99.8%). In addition, the dielectric Novec 649 fluid showed significant potential for integrated heat spreading applications demonstrating heat transfer of up to 176 W and thermal resistances as low as 0.25 °C/W for a filling ratio of 30%—16 times greater than that of a standard dry FR4 substrate
Ultrasonic Measurements of Contact Stiffness Between Rough Surfaces
Authors: Starzynski Grzegorz , Buczkowski Ryszard
Published: March 2014

We have used an ultrasonic method to determine the normal and shear stiffness for three different surfaces. The degree of hysteresis for the loading/unloading and stiffness ratio is a function of roughness. Nonlinear contact stiffness characteristics are obtained. The ratio of tangential to normal stiffness KT/KN slowly increases in proportion to normal loading. The novelty of our setup is that at the same time we can measure the reflection coefficient, obtain results for three transducers simultaneously, and measure the approach as a function of load. The presented experimental results of normal contact stiffness measurements have been used for the verification of our theoretical model based on a fractal description of rough surfaces (Buczkowski et al., “Fractal Normal Contact Stiffness of Rough Surfaces,” Arch. Mech. (submitted for publication).
Analysis of Supersonic and Transonic Panel Flutter Using a Fluid-Structure Coupling Algorithm
Authors: Mei Guanhua , Zhang Jiazhong , Xi Guang , Sun Xu , Chen Jiahui
Published: March 2014

In order to analyze the supersonic and transonic panel flutter behaviors quantitatively and accurately, a fluid-structure coupling algorithm based on the finite element method (FEM) is proposed to study the two-dimensional panel flutter problem. First, the Von Kármán's large deformation is used to model the panel, and the high speed airflow is approached by the Euler equations. Then, the equation of panel is discretized spatially by the standard Galerkin FEM, and the equations of fluid are discretized by the characteristic-based split finite element method (CBS-FEM) with dual time stepping; thus, the numerical oscillation encountered frequently in the numerical simulation of flow field could be removed efficiently. Further, a staggered algorithm is used to transfer the information on the interface between the fluid and the structure. Finally, the aeroelastic behaviors of the panel in both the supersonic and transonic airflows are studied in details. And the results show that the system can present the flat and stable, simple harmonic oscillation, buckling, and inharmonic oscillation states at Mach 2, considering the effect of the pretightening force; at Mach 1.2, as the panel loses stability, the ensuing limit cycle oscillation is born; at Mach 0.8 and 0.9, positive and negative bucklings are the typical states of the panel as it loses its stability. Further, the transonic stability boundary is obtained and the transonic bucket is precisely captured. More, this algorithm can be applied to the numerical analysis of other complicated problems related to aeroelasticity.
General Identities for Parameterizations of SO(3) With Applications
Authors: de Ruiter Anton H. J. , Richard Forbes James
Published: March 2014

Rotation matrices, which are three-by-three orthonormal matrices with determinant equal to plus one, constitute the special orthogonal group of rigid-body rotations, denoted SO(3). Owing to the three-by-three nature of rotation matrices plus their orthonormality constraint, parameterizations are often used in favor of rotation matrices for computations and derivations. For example, Euler angles and Rodrigues parameters are common three-parameter unconstrained parameterizations, while unit-length quaternions are a popular four-parameter constrained parameterization. In this paper various identities associated with the parameterization of SO(3) are considered. In particular, we present six identities, three related to unconstrained parameterizations and three related to constrained parameterizations. We also discuss rotation matrix perturbations. The utility of these identities is highlighted when deriving the motion equations of a rigid body using Lagrange's equation. We also use them to examine some issues associated with spacecraft attitude determination.
Weighted vowel prototypes in Finnish and German
Authors: Savela Janne , Eerola Osmo , Aaltonen Olli
Published: March 2014

This study explores the perceptual vowel space of the Finnish and German languages, which have a similar vowel system with eight vowels, /ɑ/ /e/ /i/ /o/ /u/ /y/ /æ∼ε/ /ø/. Three different prototypicality measures are used for describing the internal structuring of the vowel categories in terms of the F1 and F2 formant frequencies: The arithmetic mean (centroid) of the F1–F2 space of the category (Pc), the absolute prototype of the category (Pa), and the weighted prototype of the category (Pω), in which the stimulus formant values are weighted by their goodness rating values. The study gave the following main results: (1) in both languages, the inter-subject differences were the smallest in Pω, and on the order of Difference Limen (DL) of F1–F2 frequencies for all of the three measures, (2) the Pa and Pω differed significantly from the centroid, with the absolute prototypes being the most peripheric, (3) the vowel systems of the two languages were similar (Euclidean distances in Pω of Finnish and German 7–34 mels) although minor differences were found in /e/, / ø/, and /u/, and (4) the mean difference of the prototypes from some earlier published production data was 100–150 mels.
The precedence effect and its buildup and breakdown in ferrets and humans
Authors: Tolnai Sandra , Litovsky Ruth Y. , King Andrew J.
Published: March 2014

Although many studies have examined the precedence effect (PE), few have tested whether it shows a buildup and breakdown in nonhuman animals comparable to that seen in humans. These processes are thought to reflect the ability of the auditory system to adjust to a listener's acoustic environment, and their mechanisms are still poorly understood. In this study, ferrets were trained on a two-alternative forced-choice task to discriminate the azimuthal direction of brief sounds. In one experiment, pairs of noise bursts were presented from two loudspeakers at different interstimulus delays (ISDs). Results showed that localization performance changed as a function of ISD in a manner consistent with the PE being operative. A second experiment investigated buildup and breakdown of the PE by measuring the ability of ferrets to discriminate the direction of a click pair following presentation of a conditioning train. Human listeners were also tested using this paradigm. In both species, performance was better when the test clicks and conditioning train had the same ISD but deteriorated following a switch in the direction of the leading and lagging sounds between the conditioning train and test clicks. These results suggest that ferrets, like humans, experience a buildup and breakdown of the PE.
Accounting for nonmonotonic precursor duration effects with gain reduction in the temporal window model
Authors: Roverud Elin , Strickland Elizabeth A.
Published: March 2014

The mechanisms of forward masking are not clearly understood. The temporal window model (TWM) proposes that masking occurs via a neural mechanism that integrates within a temporal window. The medial olivocochlear reflex (MOCR), a sound-evoked reflex that reduces cochlear amplifier gain, may also contribute to forward masking if the preceding sound reduces gain for the signal. Psychophysical evidence of gain reduction can be observed using a growth of masking (GOM) paradigm with an off-frequency forward masker and a precursor. The basilar membrane input/output (I/O) function is estimated from the GOM function, and the I/O function gain is reduced by the precursor. In this study, the effect of precursor duration on this gain reduction effect was examined for on- and off-frequency precursors. With on-frequency precursors, thresholds increased with increasing precursor duration, then decreased (rolled over) for longer durations. Thresholds with off-frequency precursors continued to increase with increasing precursor duration. These results are not consistent with solely neural masking, but may reflect gain reduction that selectively affects on-frequency stimuli. The TWM was modified to include history-dependent gain reduction to simulate the MOCR, called the temporal window model-gain reduction (TWM-GR). The TWM-GR predicted rollover and the differences with on- and off-frequency precursors whereas the TWM did not.
Compressive geoacoustic inversion using ambient noise
Authors: Yardim Caglar , Gerstoft Peter , Hodgkiss William S. , Traer James
Published: March 2014

Surface generated ambient noise can be used to infer sediment properties. Here, a passive geoacoustic inversion method that uses noise recorded by a drifting vertical array is adopted. The array is steered using beamforming to compute the noise arriving at the array from various directions. This information is used in two different ways: Coherently (cross-correlation of upward/downward propagating noise using a minimum variance distortionless response fathometer), and incoherently (bottom loss vs frequency and angle using a conventional beamformer) to obtain the bottom properties. Compressive sensing is used to invert for the number of sediment layer interfaces and their depths using coherent passive fathometry. Then the incoherent bottom loss estimate is used to refine the sediment thickness, sound speed, density, and attenuation values. Compressive sensing fathometry enables automatic determination of the number of interfaces. It also tightens the sediment thickness priors for the incoherent bottom loss inversion which reduces the search space. The method is demonstrated on drifting array data collected during the Boundary 2003 experiment.
Feedback of the Magnetosphere
Authors: Borovsky Joseph E.
Published: March 2014

A dense cold plasma from Earth's ionosphere can counter strong solar wind.

[Also see Report by

Walsh
et al.

]
Sabotaged Scientist Sues Yale and Her Lab Chief
Authors: Enserink Martin
Published: March 2014

Lawsuit claims that research leader retaliated against the victim after misconduct was discovered.
Major Conservation Group Guts Science Team in Strategy Shift
Authors: Stokstad Erik
Published: March 2014

Laying off staff scientists, the World Wildlife Fund moves away from centralized research to rely more on outsourced expertise.
Chemical Atlas Shows Where Seas Are Tainted—And Where They Can Bloom
Authors: Malakoff David
Published: March 2014

Oceanographers have released a digital atlas containing remarkably detailed maps of ocean chemistry.
Dazzling History
Authors: Sumner Thomas
Published: March 2014

Over the past century, x-ray crystallography has transformed scientists' understanding of the structure and behavior of materials.
Genome Sequence of Mycoplasma hyorhinis Strain DBS 1050
Authors: Dabrazhynetskaya Alena , Soika Valerii , Volokhov Dmitriy , Simonyan Vahan , Chizhikov Vladimir
Published: March 2014

Mycoplasma hyorhinis
is known as one of the most prevalent contaminants of mammalian cell and tissue cultures worldwide. Here, we present the complete genome sequence of the fastidious
M. hyorhinis
strain DBS 1050.
Hemiconvulsion-hemiplegia-epilepsy syndrome: clinical course and neuroradiological features in a 20-month-old girl
Authors: Bhat Ramesh Y , Kakkar Shruti , Prakashini Koteshwara
Published: March 2014

Hemiconvulsion-hemiplegia-epilepsy (HHE) syndrome involves initial sudden and prolonged unilateral convulsive seizures, followed by transient or permanent hemiplegia and epilepsy during infancy or early childhood. Seizures are prolonged, difficult to control and sometimes may require surgery. Hemiplegia varies in intensity, differs from Todd paralysis and disappears in about 20% of cases. Neuroimaging characteristically shows brain atrophy more pronounced on the hemisphere contralateral to the side of hemiplegia with dilation of the ventricular system. A 20-month-old girl presented with left hemiconvulsions and left hemiplegia lasting for a prolonged period. Seizures failed to resolve with various anticonvulsants even after many physician contacts. Characteristic neuroimaging findings, seizure control with carbamazepine and valproate, subsequent recovery of hemiplegia and attainment of developmental milestones observed on follow-up confirmed HHE syndrome. The case highlights the need for good seizure control in this syndrome.