bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subordination and information status
Authors: McGloin Naomi H.
Published: May 2014

This paper examines one type of subordinate construction in Japanese, namely, complement clauses, in particular those where two different complementizers, to and koto, are interchangeable.  Despite the general notion that main clauses code foreground information (or express a main assertion) while subordinate clauses code background information (or less profiled information), our examination shows that some subordinate clauses do code more important foreground information.  Subordinate clauses are not by any means a unitary category; they display differing degrees of subordination.  My goals, therefore, are to delineate differences between the two complementizer uses, and to show that clauses with to and koto present differing degrees of subordination, and that there is a correlation between degree of subordination and information status.
Grammar of the internal expressive sentences in Japanese
Authors: Iwasaki Shoichi
Published: May 2014

‘Internal expressive sentences’ such as a! itai ‘Oh, it hurts,’ or aa yokatta ‘Oh, I’m so happy!,’ reveal directly what the speaker perceives or senses internally, and contrast sharply with ‘descriptive sentences,’ such as taroo wa kuma o uchitometa ‘Taro shot the bear.’ This distinction has been noted in both Japanese and European languages but has not received much attention in linguistics in general. This paper explores this neglected type of sentence in terms of their morphosyntactic patterns (co-occurrence with outcry vocalization, such as a!, aa, waa, restricted predicate forms, the clipped adjective form, and inability to code an experiencer), semantic primitives labeled as Experience, Stimulus and Receptor, and extralinguistic factors based on neurological states of perception, emotion and feeling.
Hateful metrics and the bitterest pill of scholarly publishing
Authors: McGuigan Glenn S.
Published: May 2014

Glenn McGuigan is a specialist business librarian at Penn State who has written about change in university libraries, and about the impact of the academic publishing industry on scholarly publishing.
CtIP-mediated resection is essential for viability and can operate independently of BRCA1
Authors: Polato Federica , Callen Elsa , Wong Nancy , Faryabi Robert , Bunting Samuel , Chen Hua-Tang , Kozak Marina , Kruhlak Michael J. , Reczek Colleen R. , Lee Wen-Hwa , Ludwig Thomas , Baer Richard , Feigenbaum Lionel , Jackson Stephen , Nussenzweig André
Published: May 2014

Homologous recombination (HR) is initiated by DNA end resection, a process in which stretches of single-strand DNA (ssDNA) are generated and used for homology search. Factors implicated in resection include nucleases MRE11, EXO1, and DNA2, which process DNA ends into 3′ ssDNA overhangs; helicases such as BLM, which unwind DNA; and other proteins such as BRCA1 and CtIP whose functions remain unclear. CDK-mediated phosphorylation of CtIP on T847 is required to promote resection, whereas CDK-dependent phosphorylation of CtIP-S327 is required for interaction with BRCA1. Here, we provide evidence that CtIP functions independently of BRCA1 in promoting DSB end resection. First, using mouse models expressing S327A or T847A mutant CtIP as a sole species, and B cells deficient in CtIP, we show that loss of the CtIP-BRCA1 interaction does not detectably affect resection, maintenance of genomic stability or viability, whereas T847 is essential for these functions. Second, although loss of 53BP1 rescues the embryonic lethality and HR defects in BRCA1-deficient mice, it does not restore viability or genome integrity in CtIP−/− mice. Third, the increased resection afforded by loss of 53BP1 and the rescue of BRCA1-deficiency depend on CtIP but not EXO1. Finally, the sensitivity of BRCA1-deficient cells to poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibition is partially rescued by the phospho-mimicking mutant CtIP (CtIP-T847E). Thus, in contrast to BRCA1, CtIP has indispensable roles in promoting resection and embryonic development.
Quasar-Lyman α forest cross-correlation from BOSS DR11: Baryon Acoustic Oscillations
Authors: Font-Ribera Andreu , Kirkby David , Busca Nicolas , Miralda-Escudé Jordi , Ross Nicholas P. , Slosar Anže , Rich James , Aubourg Éric , Bailey Stephen , Bhardwaj Vaishali , Bautista Julian , Beutler Florian , Bizyaev Dmitry , Blomqvist Michael , Brewington Howard , Brinkmann Jon , Brownstein Joel R. , Carithers Bill , Dawson Kyle S. , Delubac Timothée , Ebelke Garrett , Eisenstein Daniel J. , Ge Jian , Kinemuchi Karen , Lee Khee-Gan , Malanushenko Viktor , Malanushenko Elena , Marchante Moses , Margala Daniel , Muna Demitri , Myers Adam D. , Noterdaeme Pasquier , Oravetz Daniel , Palanque-Delabrouille Nathalie , Pâris Isabelle , Petitjean Patrick , Pieri Matthew M. , Rossi Graziano , Schneider Donald P. , Simmons Audrey , Viel Matteo , Yeche Christophe , York Donald G.
Published: May 2014

We measure the large-scale cross-correlation of quasars with the Lyα forest absorption, using over 164,000 quasars from Data Release 11 of the SDSS-III Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey. We extend the previous study of roughly 60,000 quasars from Data Release 9 to larger separations, allowing a measurement of the Baryonic Acoustic Oscillation (BAO) scale along the line of sightc/(H(z= 2.36)rs) = 9.0±0.3 and across the line of sightDA(z= 2.36)/rs= 10.8±0.4, consistent with CMB and other BAO data. Using the best fit value of the sound horizon from Planck data (rs= 147.49 Mpc), we can translate these results to a measurement of the Hubble parameter ofH(z= 2.36) = 226±8 km s−1 Mpc−1and of the angular diameter distance ofDA(z= 2.36) = 1590±60 Mpc. The measured cross-correlation function and an update of the code to fit the BAO scale (baofit) are made publicly available.
A hyponormal weighted shift on a directed tree whose square has trivial domain
Authors: Jabłoński Zenon , Jung Il Bong , Stochel Jan
Published: May 2014

It is proved that, up to isomorphism, there are only two directed trees that admit a hyponormal weighted shift with nonzero weights whose square has trivial domain. These are precisely those enumerable (i.e., countably infinite) directed trees, one with root, the other without, whose every vertex has an enumerable set of successors. An example of a nonzero hyponormal composition operator in an

L
2

L^2

-space whose square has trivial domain is established.
Neoliberalism and the Equality Act 2010: A Missed Opportunity for Gender Justice?
Authors: Burton Becci
Published: May 2014

The pursuit of gender equality in the UK has been a prominent concern in recent years. Notwithstanding several advances in this area, the current situation is clearly unsatisfactory. This essay aims to assess the extent to which the Equality Act 2010 can improve the situation and finally contribute to achieving gender equality in our society. As a child of the New Labour era, the Equality Act is evaluated in light of two features of New Labour ideology that betray its neoliberal roots: the centrality of market values and the conflation of moral responsibility with rational action. Further, the legacy of the subsequent Conservative-led Coalition Government is considered. This essay also uses the work of Nancy Fraser to draw parallels between the problems posed for feminism by neoliberal capitalism and the failings of the Equality Act. Thus, it is shown that neoliberalism has prevented the Act from having a genuinely transformative effect. Fraser's thesis also lays the groundwork for developing a more effective equality strategy for the future. Ultimately, this will require feminism to mount an attack on neoliberalism by reuniting the three strands of gender justice—redistribution, recognition and representation.
The Type Ia supernovae rate with Subaru/XMM-Newton Deep Survey
Authors: Okumura Jun E. , Ihara Yutaka , Doi Mamoru , Morokuma Tomoki , Pain Reynald , Totani Tomonori , Barbary Kyle , Takanashi Naohiro , Yasuda Naoki , Aldering Greg , Dawson Kyle , Goldhaber Gerson , Hook Isobel , Lidman Chris , Perlmutter Saul , Spadafora Anthony , Suzuki Nao , Wang Lifan
Published: May 2014

We present measurements of the rates of high-redshift Type Ia supernovae derived from the Subaru/XMM-Newton Deep Survey (SXDS). We carried out repeated deep imaging observations with Suprime-Cam on the Subaru Telescope, and detected 1040 variable objects over 0.918 deg2 in the Subaru/XMM-Newton Deep Field. From the imaging observations, light curves in the observed i ′ band are constructed for all objects, and we fit the observed light curves with template light curves. Out of the 1040 variable objects detected by the SXDS, 39 objects over the redshift range 0.2 < z < 1.4 are classified as Type Ia supernovae using the light curves. These are among the most distant SN Ia rate measurements to date. We find that the Type Ia supernova rates increase up to z ∼ 0.8 and may then flatten at higher redshift. The rates can be fitted by a simple power law, rV(z) = r0(1 + z)α with $r_0=0.20^{+0.52}_{-0.16}$(stat.)$^{+0.26}_{-0.07}$(syst.) × 10−4 yr−1 Mpc−3, and $\alpha =2.04^{+1.84}_{-1.96}$(stat.)$^{+2.11}_{-0.86}$(syst.).
Polymyxa graminis Isolates from Australia: Identification in Wheat Roots and Soil, Molecular Characterization, and Wide Genetic Diversity
Authors: Cox B. A. , Luo H. , Jones R. A. C.
Published: May 2014

Polymyxa graminis is an obligate parasite of roots and an important vector of viruses that damage cereal crops in different parts of the world. In 2011 and 2012, P. graminis was identified infecting 11 wheat root samples from three widely dispersed locations in southwest Australia. Its presence was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and confirmed by DNA sequencing of the transcribed regions of its ribosomal RNA genes (rDNA) and observing sporosori of characteristic morphology and size in stained wheat roots. Also, when soil samples were collected from two locations where P. graminis was found and wheat bait plants grown in them, P. graminis was detected in their roots by PCR. Ribosomal DNA sequences of six southwest Australian isolates were obtained from wheat roots, and one northeast Australian isolate from barley roots. When these seven P. graminis sequences were compared with others from GenBank by phylogenetic analysis, three southwest Australian isolates were classified as P. graminis f. sp. temperata (ribotypes Ia and Ib), and three as f. sp. tepida (ribotypes IIa and IIb). P. graminis f. sp. temperata and tepida both occur in temperate growing regions of other continents and are associated with transmission of soil-borne viruses to cereal crops. The P. graminis isolate from northeast Australia was sufficiently distinct from the five existing sequence groups for it to be placed into a newly proposed grouping, ribotype VI, which also included an isolate from tropical West Africa. However, when randomly collected wheat leaf samples from 39 field crops from 27 widely dispersed locations, 21 individual wheat plant samples collected from low lying areas within 21 fields at 11 locations, and wheat bait plants growing in five soil samples from two locations were tested by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR for the presence of Soil-borne wheat mosaic virus, Soil-borne cereal mosaic virus, Wheat spindle streak mosaic virus, and furoviruses in general, no virus infection was detected. These findings suggest at least three P. graminis introductions into Australia, and the occurrence of f. sp. temperata (ribotype I) and f. sp. tepida (ribotype II) suggests that, if not already present, soil-borne cereal viruses are likely to become established should they become introduced to the continent in the future.
Colon High‐Resolution Manometry
Authors: El‐Chammas Khalil I. , Tipnis Neelesh A. , Simpson Pippa M. , Sood Manu R.
Published: May 2014

Objectives:

Colon manometry is usually performed using the 8‐pressure sensor water‐perfused manometry system. High‐resolution manometry (HRM), using closely spaced solid‐state pressure recording sensors, provides more detailed information of gut luminal pressure changes, and, by displaying the HRM data as a pressure topography plot (PTP), helps with data interpretation. Our aim was to compare the colon and rectal luminal pressure data obtained using 8 pressure sensors and displayed as conventional line plot (CLP) with data obtained using a custom‐made solid state manometry catheter with 36 pressure recording sensors and displayed as PTP.

Methods:

We evaluated colon manometry patterns during fasting, response to meal, and bisacodyl stimulation in 10 patients with constipation and stool expulsion disorders. The data from 8 pressure sensors were displayed as CLP and data from 36 pressure sensors as PTP. Two gastroenterologists independently interpreted these studies. We calculated variability in interpreting colon, rectal, and anal manometry data.

Results:

Intermode, interobserver, and intraobserver reliability were good to excellent for recognizing colon contraction patterns when data are displayed as PTP compared with when displayed as CLP, whereas the reliability for recognizing anal contractions were poor to excellent.

Conclusions:

Colonic and anal manometry patterns are easily recognized when HRM data are expressed as PTP. Obtaining information of colonic luminal pressure changes with rectum and anal pressure changes using HRM can help better understand the pathophysiology of pediatric constipation and stool expulsion disorders.
Maternally derived chemical defences are an effective deterrent against some predators of poison frog tadpoles (
Oophaga pumilio
)
Authors: Stynoski Jennifer L. , Shelton Georgia , Stynoski Peter
Published: May 2014

Parents defend their young in many ways, including provisioning chemical defences. Recent work in a poison frog system offers the first example of an animal that provisions its young with alkaloids after hatching or birth rather than before. But it is not yet known whether maternally derived alkaloids are an effective defence against offspring predators. We identified the predators of
Oophaga pumilio
tadpoles and conducted laboratory and field choice tests to determine whether predators are deterred by alkaloids in tadpoles. We found that snakes, spiders and beetle larvae are common predators of
O. pumilio
tadpoles. Snakes were not deterred by alkaloids in tadpoles. However, spiders were less likely to consume mother-fed
O. pumilio
tadpoles than either alkaloid-free tadpoles of the red-eyed treefrog,
Agalychnis
callidryas
, or alkaloid-free
O. pumilio
tadpoles that had been hand-fed with
A. callidryas
eggs. Thus, maternally derived alkaloids reduce the risk of predation for tadpoles, but only against some predators.
Insecticide exposure impacts vector–parasite interactions in insecticide-resistant malaria vectors
Authors: Alout Haoues , Djègbè Innocent , Chandre Fabrice , Djogbénou Luc Salako , Dabiré Roch Kounbobr , Corbel Vincent , Cohuet Anna
Published: May 2014

Currently, there is a strong trend towards increasing insecticide-based vector control coverage in malaria endemic countries. The ecological consequence of insecticide applications has been mainly studied regarding the selection of resistance mechanisms; however, little is known about their impact on vector competence in mosquitoes responsible for malaria transmission. As they have limited toxicity to mosquitoes owing to the selection of resistance mechanisms, insecticides may also interact with pathogens developing in mosquitoes. In this study, we explored the impact of insecticide exposure on
Plasmodium falciparum
development in insecticide-resistant colonies of
Anopheles gambiae s.s.
, homozygous for the
ace-1 G119S
mutation (Acerkis) or the
kdr L1014F
mutation (Kdrkis). Exposure to bendiocarb insecticide reduced the prevalence and intensity of
P. falciparum
oocysts developing in the infected midgut of the Acerkis strain, whereas exposure to dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane reduced only the prevalence of
P. falciparum
infection in the Kdrkis strain. Thus, insecticide resistance leads to a selective pressure of insecticides on
Plasmodium
parasites, providing, to our knowledge, the first evidence of genotype by environment interactions on vector competence in a natural
Anopheles–Plasmodium
combination
.
Insecticide applications would affect the transmission of malaria in spite of resistance and would reduce to some degree the impact of insecticide resistance on malaria control interventions.
Stochastic modelling and predictability: analysis of a low-order coupled ocean–atmosphere model
Authors: Vannitsem Stéphane
Published: May 2014

There is a growing interest in developing stochastic schemes for the description of processes that are poorly represented in atmospheric and climate models, in order to increase their variability and reduce the impact of model errors. The use of such noise could however have adverse effects by modifying in undesired ways a certain number of moments of their probability distributions. In this work, the impact of developing a stochastic scheme (based on stochastic averaging) for the ocean is explored in the context of a low-order coupled (deterministic) ocean–atmosphere system. After briefly analysing its variability, its ability in predicting the oceanic flow generated by the coupled system is investigated. Different phases in the error dynamics are found: for short lead times, an initial overdispersion of the ensemble forecast is present while the ensemble mean follows a dynamics reminiscent of the combined amplification of initial condition and model errors for deterministic systems; for longer lead times, a reliable diffusive ensemble spread is observed. These different phases are also found for ensemble-oriented skill measures like the Brier score and the rank histogram. The implications of these features on building stochastic models are then briefly discussed.
Scaling laws for parametrizations of subgrid interactions in simulations of oceanic circulations
Authors: Kitsios V. , Frederiksen J. S. , Zidikheri M. J.
Published: May 2014

Parametrizations of the subgrid eddy–eddy and eddy–meanfield interactions are developed for the simulation of baroclinic ocean circulations representative of an idealized Antarctic Circumpolar Current. Benchmark simulations are generated using a spectral spherical harmonic quasi-geostrophic model with maximum truncation wavenumber of
T
=504, which is equivalent to a resolution of 0.24
°
globally. A stochastic parametrization is used for the eddy–eddy interactions, and a linear deterministic parametrization for the eddy–meanfield interactions. The parametrization coefficients are determined from the statistics of benchmark simulations truncated back to the large eddy simulation (LES) truncation wavenumber,
T
R
<
T
. A stochastic technique is used to determine the eddy–eddy coefficients, and a new least-squares regression method for the eddy–meanfield terms. Truncations are repeated for various
T
R
, and the resolution dependence of the subgrid coefficients is identified. The mean jet structure and the kinetic and potential energy spectra resulting from the LESs closely agree with those from the benchmark simulations.
(2Z)-2-Benzylidene-4-n-butyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzothiazin-3-one
Authors: Sebbar Nada Kheira , El Fal Mohammed , Essassi El Mokhtar , Saadi Mohamed , El Ammari Lahcen
Published: May 2014

In the title compound, C19H19NOS, the six-membered heterocyclic ring of the benzothiazine fragment exhibits a screw boat conformation. The plane of the fused benzene ring makes a dihedral angle of 72.38 (12)° with that of the terminal phenyl ring, and is nearly perpendicular to the mean plane formed by the atoms through then-butyl chain, as indicated by the dihedral angle of 88.1 (2)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked by C—H...O interactions to form supramolecular chains along [110].
1-[Bis(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]-4-[(2Z)-3-phenylprop-2-en-1-yl]piperazine-1,4-diium dichloride hemihydrate
Authors: Shivaprakash S. , Chandrasekara Reddy G. , Jasinski Jerry P.
Published: May 2014

The asymmetric unit of the title monohydrated salt, 2C26H28F2N22+·4Cl−.H2O, consists of a 1-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]-4-[(2Z)-3-phenylprop-2-en-1-yl]piperazine-1,4-diium cation with a diprotonated piperizine ring in close proximity to two chloride anions and a single water molecule that lies on a twofold rotation axis. In the cation, the piperazine ring adopts a slightly distorted chair conformation. The dihedral angles between the phenyl ring and the 4-fluorophenyl rings are 89.3 (9) and 35.0 (5)°. The two fluorophenyl rings are inclined at 65.0 (5)° to one another. In the crystal, N—H...Cl hydrogen bonds and weak C—H...Cl intermolecular interactions link the molecules into chains along [010]. In addition, weak C—H...O interactions between the piperizine and prop-2-en-1-yl groups with the water molecule, along with weak C—H...Cl interactions between the prop-2en-1-yl and methyl groups with the chloride ions, weak C—H...F interactions between the two fluorophenyl groups and weak O—H...Cl interactions between the water molecule and chloride ions form a three-dimensional supramolecular network.
Tetrakis(2,6-dimethylpyridinium) dihydrogen decavanadate dihydrate
Authors: Rakovský Erik , Krivosudský Lukáš
Published: May 2014

The structure of the title compound, (C7H10N)4[H2V10O28]·2H2O, was solved from a non-merohedrally twinned crystal (ratio of twin components ∼0.6:0.4). The asymmetric unit consists of one-half decavanadate anion (the other half completed by inversion symmetry), two 2,6-dimethylpyridinium cations and one water molecule of crystallization. In the crystal, the components are connected by strong N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a supramolecular chain along theb-axis direction. There are weak C—H...O interactions between the chains.
Bi-objective optimization of induction machine using interval-based interactive algorithms
Authors: Samarkanov Dmitry , Gillon Frédéric , Brochet Pascal , Laloy Daniel
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– Discrete highly constrained optimization of induction machine taking into consideration two objective functions: efficiency and total costs of production. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Interactive and semi-interactive interval-based optimization methods were used. Two concepts of multi-objective discrete optimization were proposed.

Findings

– Proposed methodology and algorithms allow decision maker (DM) participate in the process of optimal design and therefore decrease the total time of optimization process. The search procedure is straightforward and it does not require special skills of DM. Presented methods were successfully versified for the problem of optimal design with discrete variables.

Research limitations/implications

– Three interval algorithms suitable for inverse problems are researched and verified. It generally can be used for multi-objective problems. The dominance principles for interval boxes are showed in the paper. Proposed algorithms are based on the idea of hybridization of exact and evolutionary methods.

Practical implications

– Proposed approaches were successfully implemented within computer-aided application which is used by manufacturer of high power induction machine.

Originality/value

– The concept of pareto-domination using the interval boxes can be treated as original. The paper researched several elimination rules and discusses the difference between different approaches.
Developmental pathways to smoking cessation
Authors: Sohlberg Tove , Wennberg Peter
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– To a great extent research about smoking cessation has focussed on effects from different support programs and means, in spite of that several studies have shown that over 90 percent quit smoking without such help. Factors that are important for the individual in the process from being a smoker to becoming smoke-free is less examined and also how these factors interact. The purpose of this paper is to describe typical careers or pathways that end up with a successful smoking cessation.

Design/methodology/approach

– Respondents were recruited during Oct 2009-May 2010 via screening-questions in the so-called Monitor – project. By the turn of each month 1,500 individuals, aged 16-84, from a representative sample in the Swedish population, were interviewed via telephone. Respondents who stated being previous daily smokers, but smoke-free for at least 12 months, and agreed to participate were asked to answer a postal survey (n=1,683) concerning their process to a smoke-free life. The analyses of data included the linking of individuals between different states in the stages toward becoming smoke-free.

Findings

– Several typical pathways were described and respondents with more severe smoking habits followed different pathways than individuals with milder problems. Nicotine replacement therapys or Swedish smoke-free tobacco was not found to be a component in any of the typical pathways.

Originality/value

– Smoking cessation is a heterogeneous phenomenon and individuals can follow several pathways to become smoke-free, therefore this study adds to a more nuanced picture of smoking cessation and also expands the knowledge concerning smoking cessation in individual long-term processes.
Is there a right time for corporate investment?
Authors: Maung Min , H. Chowdhury Reza
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to determine whether corporate investment in real fixed assets in hot issue markets leads to higher income to shareholders than that in other equity market conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors address the research question in two steps: first, the authors identify how security issuances in hot and cold issue markets influence corporate investment decisions. Second, the authors examine how debt- and equity-financed investments in two different market conditions affect future holding period returns. The sample includes an unbalanced panel data set consisting of all non-financial and non-utility US companies from 1973 to 2006. The authors apply both firm- and industry-level fixed effect methods to estimate the coefficients of two separate empirical models.

Findings

– The authors find that equity issuances increase firms' capital investments in hot issue markets. These equity-financed investments in hot equity markets result in higher returns to shareholders compared to those in other market conditions. Therefore, there exists a window of opportunity for firms to issue new equities and make investments, which in turn improve shareholders' wealth.

Practical implications

– The findings convey a critical message to corporate managers about the right timing of equity-financed capital investments.

Originality/value

– While earlier research focuses on determining a specific equity market condition that favours new issuances, this paper determines a particular equity market condition when firms typically choose value-enhancing equity-backed projects for investment.
In Vitro Generation of Atrioventricular Heart Valve Neoscaffolds
Authors: Weymann Alexander , Radovits Tamás , Schmack Bastian , Li Shiliang , Korkmaz Sevil , Soós Pál , Istók Roland , Veres Gabor , Chaimow Nicole , Karck Matthias , Szabó Gábor
Published: May 2014

Tissue engineering of cardiovascular structures represents a novel approach to improve clinical strategies in heart valve disease treatment. The aim of this study was to engineer decellularized atrioventricular heart valve neoscaffolds with an intact ultrastructure and to reseed them with umbilical cord‐derived endothelial cells under physiological conditions in a bioreactor environment. Mitral (n = 38) and tricuspid (n = 36) valves were harvested from 40 hearts of German Landrace swine from a selected abattoir. Decellularization of atrioventricular heart valves was achieved by a detergent‐based cell extraction protocol. Evaluation of the decellularization method was conducted with light microscopy and quantitative analysis of collagen and elastin content. The presence of residual DNA within the decellularized atrioventricular heart valves was determined with spectrophotometric quantification. The described decellularization regime produced full removal of native cells while maintaining the mechanical stability and the quantitative composition of the atrioventricular heart valve neoscaffolds. The surface of the xenogeneic matrix could be successfully reseeded with in vitro‐expanded human umbilical cord‐derived endothelial cells under physiological flow conditions. After complete decellularization with the detergent‐based protocol described here, physiological reseeding of the xenogeneic neoscaffolds resulted in the formation of a confluent layer of human umbilical cord‐derived endothelial cells. These results warrant further research toward the generation of atrioventricular heart valve neoscaffolds on the basis of decellularized xenogeneic tissue.
Heart rate passivity of cerebral tissue oxygenation is associated with predictors of poor outcome in preterm infants
Authors: Mitra S , Czosnyka M , Smielewski P , O'Reilly H , Brady K , Austin T
Published: May 2014

Aim

Near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and transcranial Doppler (TCD) allow non‐invasive assessment of cerebral haemodynamics. We assessed cerebrovascular reactivity in preterm infants by investigating the relationship between NIRS‐ and TCD‐derived indices and correlating them with severity of clinical illness.

Methods

We recorded the NIRS‐derived cerebral tissue oxygenation index (TOI) and TCD‐derived flow velocity (Fv), along with other physiological variables. Moving correlation coefficients between measurements of cerebral perfusion (TOI, Fv) and heart rate were calculated. We presumed that positivity of these correlation coefficients – tissue oxygenation heart rate reactivity index (TOHRx) and flow velocity heart rate reactivity index (FvHRx) – would indicate a direct relationship between cerebral perfusion and cardiac output representing impaired cerebrovascular autoregulation.

Results

We studied 31 preterm infants at a median age of 2 days, born at a median gestational age of 26 + 1 weeks. TOHRx was significantly correlated with gestational age (R = −0.57, p = 0.007), birth weight (R = −0.58, p = 0.006) and the Clinical Risk Index for Babies II (R = 0.55, p = 0.0014). TOHRx and FvHRx were significantly correlated (R = 0.39, p = 0.028).

Conclusion

Heart rate has a key influence on cerebral haemodynamics in preterm infants, and TOHRx may be of diagnostic value in identifying impaired cerebrovascular reactivity leading to adverse clinical outcome.
Relationship of climatic conditions to fecal corticosterone levels of captive cheetahs reared in Japan
Authors: Uetake Katsuji , Une Yumi , Ito Shu , Yamabe Marino , Toyoda Hideto , Tanaka Toshio
Published: May 2014

To assess the stress level of cheetahs reared in Japan and to identify the prime components of the climatic conditions that affect their thermal stress, fecal corticosterone was monitored for 8 months from May to the following January. A total of 203 fecal samples were gathered in the morning from seven adult cheetahs that were kept at a zoological garden in Wakayama, Japan. Cheetahs were on exhibit singly or together with a harmonious conspecific during the day, but housed singly at night. Although the monthly fluctuation in corticosterone concentrations was not significant, the concentrations were relatively low during the summer season. Individual differences among cheetahs and the interaction effect between individual and month on the corticosterone concentrations were significant. Whereas the corticosterone concentrations negatively correlated with air temperature, they were positively correlated with the amount of rainfall. The highest air temperature and the amount of rainfall were extracted as the prime factors affecting corticosterone concentrations. These results suggest that cheetahs reared in Japan are somewhat subjected to thermal stress, particularly on cooler and/or rainy days.
Estimating the effectiveness in HIV prevention trials by incorporating the exposure process: Application to HPTN 035 data
Authors: Zhang Jingyang , Brown Elizabeth R.
Published: May 2014

Estimating the effectiveness of a new intervention is usually the primary objective for HIV prevention trials. The Cox proportional hazard model is mainly used to estimate effectiveness by assuming that participants share the same risk under the covariates and the risk is always non‐zero. In fact, the risk is only non‐zero when an exposure event occurs, and participants can have a varying risk to transmit due to varying patterns of exposure events. Therefore, we propose a novel estimate of effectiveness adjusted for the heterogeneity in the magnitude of exposure among the study population, using a latent Poisson process model for the exposure path of each participant. Moreover, our model considers the scenario in which a proportion of participants never experience an exposure event and adopts a zero‐inflated distribution for the rate of the exposure process. We employ a Bayesian estimation approach to estimate the exposure‐adjusted effectiveness eliciting the priors from the historical information. Simulation studies are carried out to validate the approach and explore the properties of the estimates. An application example is presented from an HIV prevention trial.
Comparison of two dental implant surface modifications on implants with same macrodesign: an experimental study in the pelvic sheep model
Authors: Ernst Sabrina , Stübinger Stefan , Schüpbach Peter , Sidler Michéle , Klein Karina , Ferguson Stephen J. , von Rechenberg Brigitte
Published: May 2014

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare two different surfaces of one uniform macro‐implant design in order to focus exclusively on the osseointegration properties after 2, 4 and 8 weeks and to discuss the animal model chosen.

Material and methods

In six mature sheep, n = 36 implants with a highly crystalline and phosphate‐enriched anodized titanium oxide surface (TiU) and n = 36 implants with a hydrophilic, sandblasted, large grit and acid‐etched surface (SLA) were placed in the pelvic bone. TiU implants were custom‐made to match the SLA implant design. The implant stability and bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) were assessed by resonance frequency (ISQ), backscatter scanning electron microscopy (B‐SEM), light microscopy (LM), micro‐CT and intravital fluorochrome staining. Biomechanical removal torque testing was performed.

Results

Overall, no statistically significant differences in BIC total (trabecular + cortical) between TiU and SLA were found via LM and B‐SEM. BIC values (B‐SEM; LM) in both groups revealed a steady rise in trabecular bone attachment to the implant surface after 2, 4 and 8 weeks. In the 2‐ to 4‐week time interval in the TiU group (P = 0.005) as well as in the SLA group (P = 0.01), a statistically significant increase in BIC trabecular could be observed via LM. B‐SEM values confirmed the statistically significant increase for TiU (P = 0.001). In both groups, BIC trabecular values after 8 weeks were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) than after 2 weeks (B‐SEM; LM). Biomechanical data confirmed the histological data.

Conclusion

The two surfaces proved comparable osseointegration in this sheep model.
Effect of green tea extract and mouthwash without alcohol on Candida albicans biofilm on acrylic resin
Authors: Antunes Débora P. , Salvia Ana Carolina R.D. , de Araújo Rodrigo M. , Di Nicoló Rebeca , Koga Ito Cristiane Y. , de Araujo Maria A.M.
Published: May 2014

Objective

To evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of green tea and the oral antiseptic without alcohol, on Candida albicans biofilm formation to heat‐curing acrylic resin plates.

Background

Candida is associated with oral candidiasis in poorly cleaned dentures.

Material and methods

Standardised specimens of heat‐cured (Conv; n = 30) or microwave‐cured acrylic resin (Mw; n = 30) were obtained and divided into six groups (n = 10): G1 = Conv resin and green tea aqueous extract, G2 = Conv resin and mouthwash, G3 = control of Conv resin, G4 = Mw resin and green tea aqueous extract, G5 = Mw resin and mouthwash and G6 = control of Mw‐cured resin. The specimens were contaminated with 10 ml of Sabouraud dextrose broth inoculated with 0.1 ml of standard suspension containing 1 × 106 cells/ml of C. albicans and incubated for 24 h at 37°C. After this period, they were immersed in the aqueous extract or in mouthwash for 15 min. The control groups were treated with sterile distilled water. Aliquots of 0.1 ml were plated on Sabouraud dextrose agar and incubated at 37°C for 24 h. The numbers of colony‐forming units per test specimen (CFU/TS) were calculated, and the results statistically analysed by two‐way anova and Tukey's tests (5%).

Results

Statistically significant difference was observed for the aqueous extract groups (G1; 33.65%) and mouthwash (G2; 17.06%), when compared to control (G3; 100%), for Conv resin. For the Mw resin, there was significant difference between mouthwash (G5; 43.16%) and control (G6; 100%).

Conclusion

The aqueous extract of green tea and mouthwash led to a reduction in the number of viable fungal cells in biofilm formed on acrylic resin.
Headache in a Patient With Crowned Dens: Report of a New Case
Authors: Viana Michele , Sainaghi Pier P. , Stecco Alessandro , Mortara Franco , Sprenger Till , Goadsby Peter J.
Published: May 2014

Background

Crowned dens syndrome (CDS) is a clinical‐radiological entity characterized by acute attacks of neck pain with fever, rigidity, general signs of inflammation, and calcification of the periodontoid articular structures.

Methods

Case report with 42 months follow‐up.

Case description

An 81‐year‐old man, who had never suffered from headache before July 2010, developed strictly left‐sided headaches. The pain was restricted to the left side of the scalp and felt more intense in the frontal area. The intensity was moderate to high with a throbbing quality. The pain had an orthostatic component and was worsened by neck hyperextension and Valsalva maneuvers. Neurological and general examinations were normal, except for a reduced range of motion of the neck. He was prescribed indomethacin orally 25 mg t.i.d. and had a partial response. After a week, he was given a dosage of 50 mg t.i.d. with complete remission of the pain. Brain magnetic resonance imaging was normal, while an magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine showed a non‐homogeneous mass behind the odontoid process of C2, narrowing the subarachnoid space in C1, stretching the posterior longitudinal ligament, and touching the left vertebral artery. A computed tomography scan showed calcification of the soft tissue around the odontoid process and a thickening of the left C2 root. After 4 months, the indomethacin dosage was reduced step‐by‐step. Indomethacin was discontinued in March 2012. Since then, the headache has not recurred.

Discussion

We here present the case of a patient with headache and radiological findings of crowned dens. However, the clinical presentation differed from previous CDS cases in the literature in that the pain was unilateral with frontal localization and throbbing quality, as well as an orthostatic component and lack of either fever or inflammatory signs. The differential diagnosis also includes a remitting form of hemicrania continua, presenting with an atypical presentation, with neuroimaging incidental finding of CDS.

Conclusion

This case widens the spectrum of the clinical presentation of crowned dens, a condition that should be kept in mind in cases of unilateral headache in older patients.
Inter‐Organizational Learning in Supply Chains: A Focus on Logistics Service Providers and Their Customers
Authors: Manuj Ila , Omar Ayman , Pohlen Terrance L.
Published: May 2014

The learning process between supply chain entities is explored from the perspective of senior third‐party executives. Through grounded theory, a theoretical framework emerged that extends our understanding of learning within a supply chain by identifying the major constructs and learning stages comprising the basic social process of inter‐organizational learning. This framework provides significant insights into the complex process employed in a supply chain to share, disseminate, and store information; co‐create knowledge; and to derive a competitive advantage.
Contribution of cardiorespiratory fitness, relative to traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors, to common carotid intima–media thickness
Authors: Scholl J. , Bots M. L. , Peters S. A. E.
Published: May 2014

Background

Studies have suggested that being slightly overweight but fit is better for cardiovascular health than being somewhat leaner but unfit. Here, we sought to determine the contribution of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), relative to the presence of risk factors, to common carotid intima–media thickness (CIMT), a measurement of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease risk.

Methods

Data were analysed from a cohort of 7300 German employed individuals aged 46 (±7) years who participated in a preventive health check‐up at a specialized prevention centre. In addition to traditional cardiovascular disease risk factor assessment, participants performed an exercise test with spirometry to exhaustion, and common CIMT was measured. Individuals were defined as being fit or unfit based on the median age‐ and sex‐specific relative maximum oxygen consumption.

Results

In a multivariable analysis, there was a strong inverse association between CRF and common CIMT. Individuals who were considered fit and did not have any cardiovascular disease risk factors had the lowest common CIMT values (reference group). Those who were unfit and had an increased risk factor level always had the highest common CIMT values. Good CRF partly compensated for the increased common CIMT due to a risk factor. However, unfit individuals without increased risk factor levels had a common CIMT that was not significantly different from that of the reference group, whereas fit individuals who smoked, had a high body mass index, a low HDL cholesterol concentration or a high systolic blood pressure had an increase in common CIMT.

Conclusion

Cardiorespiratory fitness is a major determinant of common CIMT. Improved CRF does slightly, but not completely, abolish the adverse consequences of cardiovascular disease risk factors on common CIMT.
Concurrent West Nile Virus Infection in Pneumococcal Meningitis: Clinical and MRI Features
Authors: Szatmary Gabriella , Leis A. Arturo
Published: May 2014

We report the clinical and neuroimaging findings of an immunocompetent patient with concurrent pneumococcal and West Nile virus meningoencephalitis with relapsing clinical course despite a full course of antibiotic treatment. The patient developed acute oculomotor nerve palsy with pupillary involvement and bilateral hearing loss, and delayed right leg monoparesis. We speculate that coexisting bacterial and viral neuroinvasive infections contributed to the unusual clinical and imaging manifestations, and that overwhelming laboratory and clinical features of bacterial meningitis masked the typical features of CNS viral infection. Therefore, atypical presentations of bacterial meningitis should raise a high index of suspicion for coexisting infections, even in immunocompetent patients, and evolving neuroimaging findings may be helpful in substantiating clinical suspicion and guiding further management.
Genetic structure of the reef grouper Epinephelus merra in the West Indian Ocean appears congruent with biogeographic and oceanographic boundaries
Authors: Muths Delphine , Tessier Emmanuel , Bourjea Jerome
Published: May 2014

The reef fauna connectivity of the West Indian Ocean (WIO) is one of the least studied globally. Here we use genetic analyses of the grouper Epinephelus merra (Bloch 1793) to determine patterns of connectivity and to identify barriers to dispersal in this WIO marine area. Phylogeographic and population‐level analyses were conducted on cytochrome b sequences and microsatellites (13 loci) from 557 individuals sampled in 15 localities distributed across the West Indian Ocean. Additional samples from the Pacific Ocean were used to benchmark the WIO population structure. The high level of divergence revealed between Indian and Pacific localities (of about 4.5% in sequences) might be the signature of the major tectonic and climatic changes operating at the Plio‐Pleistocene transition, congruently with numerous examples of Indo‐Pacific speciation. In comparison, the E. merra sequences from the Indian Ocean constitute a monophyletic clade with a low average genetic distance (d < 0.5%). However both genetic markers indicated some structure within this ocean. The main structure revealed was the isolation of the Maldives from the WIO localities (a different group signature identified by clustering analysis, great values of differentiation). Both marker types reveal further significant structure within the WIO, mainly the isolation of the Mascarene Islands (significant AMOVA and isolation‐by‐distance patterns) and some patchy structure between the northernmost localities and within the Mozambique Channel. The WIO genetic structure of E. merra appeared congruent with main biogeographic boundaries and oceanographic currents.
Clinical and pathological analyses of transplant glomerulopathy cases
Authors: Shimizu Tomokazu , Ishida Hideki , Toki Daisuke , Nozaki Taiji , Omoto Kazuya , Tanabe Kazunari , Honda Kazuho , Koike Junki
Published: May 2014

Aim

Transplant glomerulopathy (TG) is included as one of the criteria of chronic active antibody‐mediated rejection (c‐AMR) in Banff 09 classification. In this report, we discuss the clinical and pathological analyses of cases of TG after renal transplantation.

Patients

TG was diagnosed in 86 renal allograft biopsy specimens (BS) obtained from 50 renal transplant patients followed up at our institute between January 2006 and October 2012. We retrospectively reviewed the data of these 86 BS and 50 patients.

Results

Among the 50 patients, 42 (84%) had a history of acute rejection (AR); of these, 30 (60%) had acute antibody‐mediated rejection (a‐AMR). Among the 86 BS of TG, the TG was mild in 35 cases (cg1 in Banff classification), moderate in 28 cases (cg2) and severe in 23 cases (cg3). Peritubular capillaritis was present in 74 BS (86%), transplant glomerulitis in 65 (76%), interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IF/TA) in 71 (83%), thickening of the peritubular capillary (PTC) basement membrane in 72 (84%), and interstitial inflammation in 40 (47%). C4d deposition in the PTC was present in 49 BS (57%); 39 of these 49 BS showed diffuse C4d deposits in the PTC (C4d3), while the remaining 10 BS showed focal deposits (C4d2). Diffuse C4d deposition in the glomerular capillaries (GC) was seen in 70 BS (81%), while focal C4d deposition in the GC was seen in 9 (11%). In the assay using plastic beads coated with HLA antigen performed in 67 serum samples obtained in the peri‐biopsy period, circulating ant‐HLA alloantibody was detected in 55 (82%); in 33 of the 55 (49%) samples, donor‐specific antibodies (DSA) were detected. Among our study, the findings in 22 BS (26%) fully met the criteria for c‐AMR in Banff ’09 classification, including TG, C4d deposition in the PTC and presence of DSA, while those in 27 BS were suspicious of c‐AMR. Deterioration of the renal allograft function after the biopsies was seen in 31 patients (62%), of which 11 lost their graft.

Conclusions

We suggest that histopathological changes of transplant glomerulopathy might be accompanied by inflammation of the microvasculature, such as transplant glomerulitis and peritubular capillaritis, thickening of the peritubular capillary basement membrane, and circulating anti‐HLA antibodies. C4d deposition in the PTC is not always present in biopsy specimens of TG. We speculated that C4d deposition in the GC, rather than that in the PTC might be a more characteristic manifestation of TG. Many of the patients with TG had a history of AR. Anti‐HLA antibody Class II, particularly when the antibody was DSA Class II, appeared to be associated with the development of TG. The prognosis of grafts exhibiting TG was not too good even under the currently used immunosuppressive protocol.