bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What clinicians can learn from schema change in sport
Authors: James Ian , Goodman Matt , Reichelt F. Katharina
Published: November 2013

The term schema is often used to describe core beliefs, both functional and dysfunctional, developed in childhood. We believe that this view is rather mono-dimensional, and that by taking a broader perspective lessons can be learned from other fields. In this paper we examine the various theories of schema with a particular focus on the memory perspective to examine the acquisition of skills in sports. In terms of memory theory, performance of a set of actions (running a race, jumping a hurdle, playing chess) creates neural activity in the body across numerous domains (motor, visual, psychological), and repetition lays down a neural network that can be built upon and altered over time. We believe that the examples discussed in the context of sport can be used to help clinicians reflect on the concept of schema, and thereby re-examine assessment and treatment options.
Syntheses of indolo[1,2-a]quinazolinone derivatives via palladium catalyzed intramolecular C–H amidation
Authors: Kotipalli Trimurtulu , Kavala Veerababurao , Janreddy Donala , Kuo Chun-Wei , Kuo Ting-Shen , Huang Hsiu-Ni , He Chiu-Hui , Yao Ching-Fa
Published: November 2013

The synthesis of indolo[1,2-a]quinazolinone starting from 2-iodobenzamide and indole derivatives is reported.
Experimental and theoretical studies on nickel–zinc-catalyzed cross-coupling of gem-dibromoalkenes with P(O)–H compounds
Authors: Liu Liu Leo , Lv Ye , Wu Yile , Gao Xiang , Zeng Zhiping , Gao Yuxing , Tang Guo , Zhao Yufen
Published: November 2013

A new stereoselective one-pot protocol for the preparation of E-alkenyl-phosphorus compounds under catalysis of an inexpensive nickel–zinc catalyst system has been developed, which provides a potential useful method for C–P bond formation.
Absolute redox potential of liquid water: a first-principles theory
Authors: Lucking Michael , Sun Yi-Yang , West Damien , Zhang Shengbai
Published: November 2013

The absolute redox potential of liquid water has been calculated by a first-principles method with good agreement with experimental data.
High performance Cr, N-codoped mesoporous TiO2microspheres for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Bi Zhonghe , Paranthaman M. Parans , Guo Bingkun , Unocic Raymond R. , Meyer III Harry M. , Bridges Craig A. , Sun Xiao-Guang , Dai Sheng
Published: November 2013

We develop a simple hydrothermal process followed by post-nitridation treatment for the synthesis of chromium, nitrogen-codoped titanium oxide, which exhibits a remarkable charge–discharge capacity at a rate of 5 C and shows an excellent stability for over 300 cycles as an anode material for lithium ion batteries.
The external Q factor of a dual-feed coupling for superconducting radio frequency cavities: Theoretical and experimental studies
Authors: Dai J. , Belomestnykh S. , Ben-Zvi I. , Xu Wencan
Published: November 2013

We propose a theoretical model based on network analysis to study the external quality factor (Q factor) of dual-feed coupling for superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) cavities. Specifically, we apply our model to the dual-feed 704 MHz half-cell SRF gun for Brookhaven National Laboratory's prototype Energy Recovery Linac (ERL). The calculations show that the external Q factor of this dual-feed system is adjustable from 104 to 109 provided that the adjustment range of a phase shifter covers 0°–360°. With a period of 360°, the external Q factor of the coupling system changes periodically with the phase difference between the two coupling arms. When the RF phase of both coupling arms is adjusted simultaneously in the same direction, the external Q factor of the system also changes periodically, but with a period of 180°.
Effects of dilute aqueous NaCl solution on caffeine aggregation
Authors: Sharma Bhanita , Paul Sandip
Published: November 2013

The effect of salt concentration on association properties of caffeine molecule was investigated by employing molecular dynamics simulations in isothermal-isobaric ensemble of eight caffeine molecules in pure water and three different salt (NaCl) concentrations, at 300 K temperature and 1 atm pressure. The concentration of caffeine was taken almost at the solubility limit. With increasing salt concentration, we observe enhancement of first peak height and appearance of a second peak in the caffeine-caffeine distribution function. Furthermore, our calculated solvent accessible area values and cluster structure analyses suggest formation of higher order caffeine cluster on addition of salt. The calculated hydrogen bond properties reveal that there is a modest decrease in the average number of water-caffeine hydrogen bonds on addition of NaCl salt. Also observed are: (i) decrease in probability of salt contact ion pair as well as decrease in the solvent separated ion pair formation with increasing salt concentration, (ii) a modest second shell collapse in the water structure, and (iii) dehydration of hydrophobic atomic sites of caffeine on addition of NaCl.
Monte Carlo modeling of transport in PbSe nanocrystal films
Authors: Carbone I. , Carter S. A. , Zimanyi G. T.
Published: November 2013

A Monte Carlo hopping model was developed to simulate electron and hole transport in nanocrystalline PbSe films. Transport is carried out as a series of thermally activated hopping events between neighboring sites on a cubic lattice. Each site, representing an individual nanocrystal, is assigned a size-dependent electronic structure, and the effects of particle size, charging, interparticle coupling, and energetic disorder on electron and hole mobilities were investigated. Results of simulated field-effect measurements confirm that electron mobilities and conductivities at constant carrier densities increase with particle diameter by an order of magnitude up to 5 nm and begin to decrease above 6 nm. We find that as particle size increases, fewer hops are required to traverse the same distance and that site energy disorder significantly inhibits transport in films composed of smaller nanoparticles. The dip in mobilities and conductivities at larger particle sizes can be explained by a decrease in tunneling amplitudes and by charging penalties that are incurred more frequently when carriers are confined to fewer, larger nanoparticles. Using a nearly identical set of parameter values as the electron simulations, hole mobility simulations confirm measurements that increase monotonically with particle size over two orders of magnitude.
Conformation sensitive charge transport in conjugated polymers
Authors: Mattias Andersson L. , Hedström Svante , Persson Petter
Published: November 2013

Temperature dependent charge carrier mobility measurements using field effect transistors and density functional theory calculations are combined to show how the conformation dependent frontier orbital delocalization influences the hole- and electron mobilities in a donor-acceptor based polymer. A conformationally sensitive lowest unoccupied molecular orbital results in an electron mobility that decreases with increasing temperature above room temperature, while a conformationally stable highest occupied molecular orbital is consistent with a conventional hole mobility behavior and also proposed to be one of the reasons for why the material works well as a hole transporter in amorphous bulk heterojunction solar cells.
Simulations of solid-liquid friction at ice-Ih/water interfaces
Authors: Louden Patrick B. , Gezelter J. Daniel
Published: November 2013

We have investigated the structural and dynamic properties of the basal and prismatic facets of the ice Ih/water interface when the solid phase is drawn through the liquid (i.e., sheared relative to the fluid phase). To impose the shear, we utilized a velocity-shearing and scaling approach to reverse non-equilibrium molecular dynamics. This method can create simultaneous temperature and velocity gradients and allow the measurement of transport properties at interfaces. The interfacial width was found to be independent of the relative velocity of the ice and liquid layers over a wide range of shear rates. Decays of molecular orientational time correlation functions gave similar estimates for the width of the interfaces, although the short- and longer-time decay components behave differently closer to the interface. Although both facets of ice are in “stick” boundary conditions in liquid water, the solid-liquid friction coefficients were found to be significantly different for the basal and prismatic facets of ice.
Direct measurement of activation time and nucleation rate in capillary-condensed water nanomeniscus
Authors: Sung Baekman , Kim Jongwoo , Stambaugh Corey , Chang Sung-Jin , Jhe Wonho
Published: November 2013

We demonstrate real-time observation of nucleation of the single water nanomeniscus formed via capillary condensation. We directly measure (i) activation time by time-resolved atomic force microscopy and (ii) nucleation rate by statistical analysis of its exponential distribution, which is the experimental evidence that the activation process is stochastic and follows the Poisson statistics. It implies that formation of the water nanomeniscus is triggered by nucleation, which requires activation for producing a nucleus. We also find the dependence of the nucleation rate on the tip-sample distance and temperature.
Plasticity mechanism for copper extrusion in through-silicon vias for three-dimensional interconnects
Authors: Jiang Tengfei , Wu Chenglin , Spinella Laura , Im Jay , Tamura Nobumichi , Kunz Martin , Son Ho-Young , Gyu Kim Byoung , Huang Rui , Ho Paul S.
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we demonstrated the plasticity mechanism for copper (Cu) extrusion in through-silicon via structures under thermal cycling. The local plasticity was directly observed by synchrotron x-ray micro-diffraction near the top of the via with the amount increasing with the peak temperature. The Cu extrusion was confirmed by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) measurements and found to be consistent with the observed Cu plasticity behavior. A simple analytical model elucidated the role of plasticity during thermal cycling, and finite element analyses were carried out to confirm the plasticity mechanism as well as the effect of the via/Si interface. The model predictions were able to account for the via extrusions observed in two types of experiments, with one representing a nearly free sliding interface and the other a strongly bonded interface. Interestingly, the AFM extrusion profiles seemed to contour with the local grain structures near the top of the via, suggesting that the grain structure not only affects the yield strength of the Cu and thus its plasticity but could also be important in controlling the pop-up behavior and the statistics for a large ensemble of vias.
Interface structure and work function of W-Cu interfaces
Authors: Liang C. P. , Fan J. L. , Gong H. R. , Liao Xiangke , Zhu Xiaoqian , Peng Shaoliang
Published: November 2013

First principles calculation reveals that W-Cu interfaces have high interface strength when the number of overlayers is less than 2, and that (111)Cu/(110)W and (110)Cu/(110)W interfaces with one overlayer are both energetically favorable with big negative interface energies. Calculation also shows that negative interface energy serves as the driving force for interdiffusion and alloying of immiscible W and Cu, and that interface orientation fundamentally induces different behaviors of work functions of W-Cu interfaces. The calculated results agree well with experimental observations, and clarify two experimental controversies regarding interface stability and work function of W-Cu interfaces in the literature.
Strain analysis of compositionally tailored interfaces in InAs/GaSb superlattices
Authors: Mahalingam Krishnamurthy , Haugan Heather J. , Brown Gail J. , Aronow Andrew J.
Published: November 2013

The effect of interface composition control on interfacial strain distribution in InAs/GaSb superlattices on (100)-GaSb substrates is investigated by atomic resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy. The interface composition was controlled by either depositing InSb at each interface or soaking the GaSb-on-InAs interface under Sb2 atmosphere. The strain profiles reveal a distinct difference in the extent to which the superlattice strain is balanced using the two methods. In particular, they indicate that the degree of strain balance achievable with soaking is inherently limited by the arsenic surface coverage during GaSb-on-InAs interface formation, emphasizing the influence of V/III flux ratio at this interface. The results also explain observed X-ray diffraction profiles.
Study of carrier recombination transient characteristics in MOCVD grown GaN dependent on layer thickness
Authors: Gaubas E. , Čeponis T. , Jasiunas A. , Jelmakas E. , Juršėnas S. , Kadys A. , Malinauskas T. , Tekorius A. , Vitta P.
Published: November 2013

The MOCVD grown GaN epi-layers of different thickness have been examined in order to clarify a role of surface recombination, to separate an impact of radiative and non-radiative recombination and disorder factors. The microwave probed –photoconductivity (MW-PC) and spectrally resolved photo-luminescence (PL) transients were simultaneously recorded under ultraviolet (UV) light 354 nm pulsed 500 ps excitation. The MW-PC transients exhibited the carrier decay components associated with carrier decay within micro-crystals and the disordered structure on the periphery areas surrounding crystalline columns. Three PL bands were resolved within PL spectrum, namely, the exciton ascribed UV-PL band edge for hν>3.3 eV, blue B-PL band for 2.5 < hν < 3.0 eV and yellow Y-PL band with hν < 2.4 eV. It has been obtained that intensity of UV-PL band increases with excitation density, while intensity of B-PL band is nearly invariant. However, intensity of the Y-PL increases with reduction of the excitation density. The Y-PL can be associated with trapping centers. A reduction of UV excitation density leads to a decrease of the relative amplitude of the asymptotic component within the MW-PC transients and to an increase of the amplitude as well as duration of the yellow spectral band (Y-PL) asymptotic component. Fractional index α with values 0.5 < α < 0.8 was evaluated for the stretched-exponent component which fits the experimental transients determined by the disordered structure ascribed to the periphery areas surrounding the crystalline columns.
The derivation of scaling relationship between acoustic and electromagnetic scattering by spheres
Authors: Feng Yongpan , Ge Junxiang , Wan Fayu
Published: November 2013

The rigorous theory of the conversion between the scattering of uniform plane electromagnetic wave by a perfectly conducting sphere and the scattering of uniform plane acoustic wave by a rigid sphere is studied in this paper. The conversion formula between these two different scattering based on two calibration curves is derived, which describes the quantitative relationship between acoustic and electromagnetic wave scattering at arbitrary frequencies by spheres of arbitrary sizes. In addition, the scaling relationship of the sizes of those two spheres and the corresponding frequencies are discussed in detail, and an indirect method of measurement of electromagnetic scattering by the spheres is proposed.
Low-temperature Synthesis of Nanocrystalline LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 and its Application as Cathode Material in High-power Li-ion Batteries
Authors: Ullah Shafiq , Ahmed Fiaz , Badshah Amin , Altaf Ataf Ali , Raza Ramsha , Lal Bhajan , Hussain Rizwan
Published: November 2013

Nickel-doped lithium manganate spinels are a potential material for future energy storage owing to high cell potential and low price. Phase-pure spinels are difficult to prepare by conventional solid-state synthesis methods owing to loss of oxygen from the crystal lattice at high temperature (~800°C). Loss of oxygen causes Jahn–Teller distortion and Mn4+ is converted into Mn3+, which results in undesired double-plateau discharge and reduction in capacity and stability of the material. In this study, nanocrystalline phase-pure LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 was prepared by co-precipitation with cyclohexylamine followed by calcination at a low temperature of 500°C. X-ray diffraction studies confirmed that a highly crystalline face-centred cubic product is formed with F-d3m space group. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscope studies confirmed that the particles are in the nano range with a porous structure. The as-prepared LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 showed a high initial specific capacity (up to 130 mA h g–1) and retained up to 120 mA h g–1 up to 50 cycles. The material has high conductivity and remains stable up to a 20-C discharge rate.
Malaria life cycle intensifies both natural selection and random genetic drift
Authors: Chang Hsiao-Han , Moss Eli L. , Park Daniel J. , Ndiaye Daouda , Mboup Souleymane , Volkman Sarah K. , Sabeti Pardis C. , Wirth Dyann F. , Neafsey Daniel E. , Hartl Daniel L.
Published: November 2013

Significance

Genomic sequences of 159 isolates of the malaria parasite
Plasmodium falciparum
exhibited highly unusual patterns of single-nucleotide polymorphism. We hypothesized that these patterns might result from the repeated bottlenecks in host–vector and vector–host transmission as well as the intense competition between parasites within a single host. Computer simulations of the malaria life cycle recapitulated the unusual patterns of polymorphism observed. In the classical Wright–Fisher model in population genetics, random changes in gene frequency caused by finite population size (random drift) diminish the efficiency of natural selection. The trade-off between drift and selection has been widely assumed to be robust to details of the life cycle. In the malaria parasite, however, both selection and drift are simultaneously enhanced.
Iranian Membership in the World Trade Organization: An Unclear Future
Authors: Arjomandy Danial
Published: November 2013

Iran is the largest economy that is not currently included in the World Trade Organization (WTO). This paper addresses why Iran has not yet joined the WTO and whether it is ready to join. Iran's interaction with the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) in 1948 marks the beginning of the relationship between Iran and the WTO. To determine why Iran has not yet entered the WTO, the role and penetration of powerful members of the WTO and Iran's economic position are examined. To determine whether Iran is ready to join the WTO, literature is reviewed concerning the effects of joining for the five most-affected major industries in Iran. The major disadvantages of joining the WTO are described as short-term effects, and the advantages of joining are described as long-term goals. Currently, no clear scheme has been offered to handle the negative effects on the Iranian economy. As the major player, the Iranian government could achieve the long-term goals with a realistic and well-planned strategy or miss the mark through its inattention to the critical economic effects.
Learning what from where: Effects of Spatial Regularity on Nonspatial Sequence Learning and Updating
Authors: Filipowicz Alex , Anderson Britt , Danckert James
Published: November 2013

The current study examined the influence of redundant stimulus features on our ability to build and update representations of our environment. We hypothesized that our ability to process redundant spatial features would speed our ability to adapt to changing nonspatial regularities. Using a computerized version of the children's game “rock–paper–scissors”, undergraduates were instructed to win as often as possible against a computer opponent. The computer's plays were repeating sequences of five choices that were presented either with spatial regularity (i.e., “rock” would always appear on the left, “paper” in the middle, and “scissors” on the right) or without spatial regularity (i.e., the items were equally likely to appear in any of the three locations). Once participants learned a sequence, the computer switched to a different sequence without participants being informed that a switch had occurred. Redundant spatial regularity improved a participant's ability both to learn sequences of plays and to update their plays to reflect new computer sequences. Our results suggest that our perceptual system is sensitive to redundant spatial stimulus features and that this information can improve learning and updating.
Hypomethylation signature of tumor-initiating cells predicts poor prognosis of ovarian cancer patients
Authors: Liao Yu-Ping , Chen Lin-Yu , Huang Rui-Lan , Su Po-Hsuan , Chan Michael W.Y. , Chang Cheng-Chang , Yu Mu-Hsien , Wang Peng-Hui , Yen Ming-Shyen , Nephew Kenneth P. , Lai Hung-Cheng
Published: November 2013

DNA methylation contributes to tumor formation, development and metastasis. Epigenetic dysregulation of stem cells is thought to predispose to malignant development. The clinical significance of DNA methylation in ovarian tumor-initiating cells (OTICs) remains unexplored. We analyzed the methylomic profiles of OTICs (CP70sps) and their derived progeny using a human methylation array. qRT–PCR, quantitative methylation-specific PCR (qMSP) and pyrosequencing were used to verify gene expression and DNA methylation in cancer cell lines. The methylation status of genes was validated quantitatively in cancer tissues and correlated with clinicopathological factors. ATG4A and HIST1H2BN were hypomethylated in OTICs. Methylation analysis of ATG4A and HIST1H2BN by qMSP in 168 tissue samples from patients with ovarian cancer showed that HIST1H2BN methylation was a significant and independent predictor of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that patients with a low level of HIST1H2BN methylation had poor PFS (hazard ratio (HR), 4.5; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.4–14.8) and OS (HR, 4.3; 95% CI, 1.3–14.0). Hypomethylation of both ATG4A and HIST1H2BN predicted a poor PFS (HR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.0–3.6; median, 21 months) and OS (HR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.0–3.0; median, 40 months). In an independent cohort of ovarian tumors, hypomethylation predicted early disease recurrence (HR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1–2.5) and death (HR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.0–1.9). The demonstration that expression of ATG4A in cells increased their stem properties provided an indication of its biological function. Hypomethylation of ATG4A and HIST1H2BN in OTICs predicts a poor prognosis for ovarian cancer patients.
Structural insight into DNA binding and oligomerization of the multifunctional Cox protein of bacteriophage P2
Authors: Berntsson Ronnie P.-A. , Odegrip Richard , Sehlén Wilhelmina , Skaar Karin , Svensson Linda M. , Massad Tariq , Högbom Martin , Haggård-Ljungquist Elisabeth , Stenmark Pål
Published: November 2013

The Cox protein from bacteriophage P2 is a small multifunctional DNA-binding protein. It is involved in site-specific recombination leading to P2 prophage excision and functions as a transcriptional repressor of the P2 Pc promoter. Furthermore, it transcriptionally activates the unrelated, defective prophage P4 that depends on phage P2 late gene products for lytic growth. In this article, we have investigated the structural determinants to understand how P2 Cox performs these different functions. We have solved the structure of P2 Cox to 2.4 Å resolution. Interestingly, P2 Cox crystallized in a continuous oligomeric spiral with its DNA-binding helix and wing positioned outwards. The extended C-terminal part of P2 Cox is largely responsible for the oligomerization in the structure. The spacing between the repeating DNA-binding elements along the helical P2 Cox filament is consistent with DNA binding along the filament. Functional analyses of alanine mutants in P2 Cox argue for the importance of key residues for protein function. We here present the first structure from the Cox protein family and, together with previous biochemical observations, propose that P2 Cox achieves its various functions by specific binding of DNA while wrapping the DNA around its helical oligomer.
Construction of biomimetic smart nanochannels for confined water
Authors: Wen Liping , Jiang Lei
Published: November 2013

In this review, we focus on the confined water that exists in one-dimensional micro/nano composite structures, particularly inside biological nanochannels. Using these nanochannels as inspiration, we discuss a strategy for the design and construction of biomimetic smart nanochannels. Unique features of the inner surfaces of a nanochannel's wall have similar properties to living systems. Importantly, the abiotic analogs have potential applications in, for example, sensing, energy conversion and filtering.
Interactions of Genotype and Glutenin Subunit Composition on Breadmaking Quality of Durum 1AS•1AL‐1DL Translocation Lines
Authors: Klindworth Daryl L. , Hareland Gary A. , Elias Elias M. , Ohm Jae‐Bom , Puhr Dehdra , Xu Steven S.
Published: November 2013

Dual‐purpose durum (Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum) wheat, having both good pasta and breadmaking quality, would be an advantage in the market. In this study, we evaluated the effects of genotype and varying HMW and LMW glutenin subunit composition on durum breadmaking quality. Genotypes included five near‐isogenic backgrounds that also differed by variability at the Glu‐D1d (HMW subunits 1Dx5+1Dy10), Glu‐B1 (presence or absence of subunit 1By8), and Glu‐B3 (LMWI or LMWII pattern) loci. Quality tests were conducted on genotypes grown at five North Dakota locations. Genotype had a stronger influence on free asparagine content than glutenin subunit composition. Genotypes carrying Glu‐D1d had higher glutenin content than lines that did not carry Glu‐D1d. Among Rugby translocation genotypes, lines carrying LMWI had higher gliadin content and better loaf volume than genotypes carrying LMWII. Absence of 1By8 produced major reductions in loaf volume in nontranslocation lines regardless of whether LMWI or LMWII was present. In contrast, the presence of Glu‐D1d compensated well for the absence of 1By8 regardless of which LMW pattern was present. The durum genotypes did not have loaf volumes equal to bread wheat cultivars, and results suggest that improved extensibility is needed to improve durum breadmaking quality.
Melanin Is Not Required for Turgor Generation but Enhances Cell-Wall Rigidity in Appressoria of the Corn Pathogen Colletotrichum graminicola
Authors: Ludwig Nancy , Löhrer Marco , Hempel Marcus , Mathea Sebastian , Schliebner Ivo , Menzel Matthias , Kiesow Andreas , Schaffrath Ulrich , Deising Holger B. , Horbach Ralf
Published: November 2013

The ascomycete and causative agent of maize anthracnose and stem rot, Colletotrichum graminicola, differentiates melanized infection cells called appressoria that are indispensable for breaching the plant cell wall. High concentrations of osmolytes accumulate within the appressorium, and the internal turgor pressure of up to 5.4 MPa provides sufficient force to penetrate the leaf epidermis directly. In order to assess the function of melanin in C. graminicola appressoria, we identified and characterized the polyketide synthase 1 (CgPKS1) gene which displayed high similarity to fungal polyketide synthases (PKS) involved in synthesis of 1,3,6,8-tetrahydronaphthalene, the first intermediate in melanin biosynthesis. Cgpks1 albino mutants created by targeted gene disruption were unable to penetrate intact leaves and ruptured frequently but, surprisingly, were able to penetrate ultrathin polytetrafluoroethylene membranes mimicking the plant surface. Nonmelanized Cgpks1 appressoria were sensitive to externally applied cell-wall-degrading enzymes whereas melanized appressoria were not affected. Expression studies using a truncated CgPKS1 fused to green fluorescent protein revealed fluorescence in immature appressoria and in setae, which is in agreement with transcript data obtained by RNA-Seq and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Unexpectedly, surface scans of mutant and wild-type appressoria revealed considerable differences in cell-wall morphology. Melanization of appressoria is indispensable for successful infection of intact leaves. However, cell collapse experiments and analysis of the appressorial osmolyte content by Mach-Zehnder interferometry convincingly showed that melanin is not required for solute accumulation and turgor generation, thus questioning the role of melanin as a barrier for osmolytes in appressoria of C. graminicola.
Efficient Extra- and Intracellular Alkalinization Improves Cardiovascular Functions in Severe Lactic Acidosis Induced by Hemorrhagic Shock
Authors: Kimmoun Antoine , Ducrocq Nicolas , Sennoun Nacira , Issa Khodr , Strub Charlène , Escanyé Jean-Marie , Leclerc Sébastien , Levy Bruno
Published: November 2013

Background:

Lactic acidosis is associated with cardiovascular failure. Buffering with sodium bicarbonate is proposed in severe lactic acidosis. Bicarbonate induces carbon dioxide generation and hypocalcemia, both cardiovascular depressant factors. The authors thus investigated the cardiovascular and metabolic effects of an adapted sodium bicarbonate therapy, including prevention of carbon dioxide increase with hyperventilation and ionized calcium decrease with calcium administration.

Methods:

Lactic acidosis was induced by hemorrhagic shock. Twenty animals were randomized into five groups: (1) standard resuscitation with blood retransfusion and norepinephrine (2) adapted sodium bicarbonate therapy (3) nonadapted sodium bicarbonate therapy (4) standard resuscitation plus calcium administration (5) hyperventilation. Evaluation was focused in vivo on extracellular pH, on intracellular pH estimated by P31 nuclear magnetic resonance and on myocardial contractility by conductance catheter. Aortic rings and mesenteric arteries were isolated and mounted in a myograph, after which arterial contractility was measured.

Results:

All animals in the hyperventilation group died prematurely and were not included in the statistical analysis. When compared with sham rats, shock induced extracellular (median, 7.13; interquartile range, [0.10] vs. 7.30 [0.01]; P = 0.0007) and intracellular acidosis (7.26 [0.18] vs. 7.05 [0.13]; P = 0.0001), hyperlactatemia (7.30 [0.01] vs. 7.13 [0.10]; P = 0.0008), depressed myocardial elastance (2.87 [1.31] vs. 0.5 [0.53] mmHg/μl; P = 0.0001), and vascular hyporesponsiveness to vasoconstrictors. Compared with nonadapted therapy, adapted bicarbonate therapy normalized extracellular pH (7.03 [0.12] vs. 7.36 [0.04]; P < 0.05), increased intracellular pH to supraphysiological values, improved myocardial elastance (1.68 [0.41] vs. 0.72 [0.44] mmHg/μl; P < 0.05), and improved aortic and mesenteric vasoreactivity.

Conclusions:

A therapeutic strategy based on alkalinization with sodium bicarbonate along with hyperventilation and calcium administration increases pH and improves cardiovascular function.
Head-to-tail square-shaped cyclic hydrogen bonds leading to dimeric aggregates: 1,8-dibenzoyl-2,7-dihydroxynaphthalene and a comparison with its analogous benzoylnaphthalene
Authors: Mohri Saki , Yoshiwaka Sayaka , Isozaki Katsuhiro , Yonezawa Noriyuki , Okamoto Akiko
Published: November 2013

The title compound, C24H16O4, crystallized with two independent molecules in the asymmetric unit. Both carbonyl groups in these molecules form intramolecular O—H...O=C hydrogen bonds with neighbouring hydroxy groups, affording six-membered cyclic structures. In the crystal, dimeric aggregates arise from two intermolecular O—H...O=C hydrogen bonds between both independent molecules, forming head-to-tail square-shaped cyclic ...O...H...O...H... hydrogen bonds. These dimeric aggregates are connected into layers in thebcplane by intermolecular (naphthalene)C—H...O=C interactions. On the other hand, the analogous compound bearing methoxy groups at the 2- and 7-positions of the naphthalene ring, namely 1,8-dibenzoyl-2,7-dimethoxynaphthalene [Nakaemaet al.(2008).Acta Cryst.E64, o807], forms a three-dimensional molecular networkviaC—H...O=C and π–π interactions between the benzoyl groups. These results show that the intramolecular O—H...O=C hydrogen bonds in the title compound control the orientations of the benzoyl groups and thus promote the formation of the cyclic intermolecular O—H...O=C interactions involving the same donor and acceptor groups in pairs of molecules.
The invasion of southern South America by imported bumblebees and associated parasites
Authors: Schmid‐Hempel Regula , Eckhardt Michael , Goulson David , Heinzmann Daniel , Lange Carlos , Plischuk Santiago , Escudero Luisa R. , Salathé Rahel , Scriven Jessica J. , Schmid‐Hempel Paul
Published: November 2013

The Palaearctic Bombus ruderatus (in 1982/1983) and Bombus terrestris (1998) have both been introduced into South America (Chile) for pollination purposes. We here report on the results of sampling campaigns in 2004, and 2010–2012 showing that both species have established and massively expanded their range.

Bombus terrestris, in particular, has spread by some 200 km year−1 and had reached the Atlantic coast in Argentina by the end of 2011. Both species, and especially B. terrestris, are infected by protozoan parasites that seem to spread along with the imported hosts and spillover to native species.

Genetic analyses by polymorphic microsatellite loci suggest that the host population of B. terrestris is genetically diverse, as expected from a large invading founder population, and structured through isolation by distance. Genetically, the populations of the trypanosomatid parasite, Crithidia bombi, sampled in 2004 are less diverse, and distinct from the ones sampled later. Current C. bombi populations are highly heterozygous and also structured through isolation by distance correlating with the genetic distances of B. terrestris, suggesting the latter's expansion to be a main structuring factor for the parasite.

Remarkably, wherever B. terrestris spreads, the native Bombus dahlbomii disappears although the reasons remain unclear. Our ecological and genetic data suggest a major invasion event that is currently unfolding in southern South America with disastrous consequences for the native bumblebee species.
Validation of Real‐time PCR Assays for Bioforensic Detection of Model Plant Pathogens
Authors: James Mindy , Blagden Trenna , Moncrief Ian , Burans James P. , Schneider Katherine , Fletcher Jacqueline
Published: November 2013

The U.S. agricultural sector is vulnerable to intentionally introduced microbial threats because of its wide and open distribution and economic importance. To investigate such events, forensically valid assays for plant pathogen detection are needed. In this work, real‐time PCR assays were developed for three model plant pathogens: Pseudomonas syringae pathovar tomato, Xylella fastidiosa, and Wheat streak mosaic virus. Validation included determination of the linearity and range, limit of detection, sensitivity, specificity, and exclusivity of each assay. Additionally, positive control plasmids, distinguishable from native signature by restriction enzyme digestion, were developed to support forensic application of the assays. Each assay displayed linear amplification of target nucleic acid, detected 100 fg or less of target nucleic acid, and was specific to its target pathogen. Results obtained with these model pathogens provide the framework for development and validation of similar assays for other plant pathogens of high consequence.
Stability of Morphine, Codeine, and 6‐Acetylmorphine in Blood at Different Sampling and Storage Conditions
Authors: Papoutsis Ioannis , Nikolaou Panagiota , Pistos Constantinos , Dona Artemisia , Stefanidou Maria , Spiliopoulou Chara , Athanaselis Sotirios
Published: November 2013

The stability of drugs in biological specimens is a major concern during the evaluation of the toxicological results. The stability of morphine, codeine, and 6‐acetyl‐morphine in blood was studied after different sampling conditions: (i) in glass, polypropylene or polystyrene tubes, (ii) with addition of dipotassium ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (K2EDTA) or sodium oxalate (Na2C2O4), and (iii) with or without the addition of sodium fluoride (NaF). Spiked blood samples were stored at two different temperatures (4 and −20°C), analyzed after different storage times and after three freeze–thaw cycles. Opiate concentrations were decreased in all conditions, but the most unstable was 6‐acetyl‐morphine. The addition of NaF as preservative improved the stability of opiates at all conditions studied, whereas the type of anticoagulant did not affect the stability of opiates. It was concluded that blood samples should be stored at −20°C in glass tubes containing oxalate and NaF for maximum stability.
New insights into the epidemiology of childhood atopic dermatitis
Authors: Flohr C. , Mann J.
Published: November 2013

There is a growing desire to explain the worldwide rise in the prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD). Trend data on the burden of AD suggest that the picture in the developing world may soon resemble that of wealthier nations, where AD affects over 20% of children. This, combined with significant variations in prevalence within countries, emphasizes the importance of environmental factors. Many hypotheses have been explored, from the modulation of immune priming by hygiene, gut microbiota diversity, and exposure to endotoxins through farm animals to the effects of pollution, climate, and diet. The discovery of the filaggrin skin barrier gene and its importance in AD development and severity has brought the focus on gene–environment interactions and the identification of environmental factors that impact on skin barrier function. This article reviews our current understanding of the epidemiology of AD, with an emphasis on the findings reported in the international literature over the last 5 years.
Managing Labor and Delivery among Impoverished Populations in Mexico: Cervical Examinations as Bureaucratic Practice
Authors: Smith‐Oka Vania
Published: November 2013

Birthing experiences for low‐income and marginalized women have frequently been framed within explanatory models of authoritative knowledge and power dynamics. Many of these explanatory models have pointed out the structural violence inherent in the biomedical model of birth. The research on which this article is based suggests that clinicians’ stressful work environment and class‐based stereotypes of low‐income women resulted in the routinizing of inhumane medical practices. Hospital overcrowding due to health reforms led to clinicians being primarily concerned with moving patients swiftly through the system. Clinicians increasingly relied on the cervical examination as a marker for labor's progress and a shorthand method to track cervical dilation. Using ethnographic data collected in the obstetrics ward of a public hospital in Mexico, in this article I explore the emergence of a bureaucratic routinizing of obstetricians’ everyday practice. I provide a new understanding of the encoding and entrenching of everyday medical practices and their effect on the reproductive rights of women.
Accelerated hazards model based on parametric families generalized with Bernstein polynomials
Authors: Chen Yuhui , Hanson Timothy , Zhang Jiajia
Published: November 2013

A transformed Bernstein polynomial that is centered at standard parametric families, such as Weibull or log‐logistic, is proposed for use in the accelerated hazards model. This class provides a convenient way towards creating a Bayesian nonparametric prior for smooth densities, blending the merits of parametric and nonparametric methods, that is amenable to standard estimation approaches. For example optimization methods in SAS or R can yield the posterior mode and asymptotic covariance matrix. This novel nonparametric prior is employed in the accelerated hazards model, which is further generalized to time‐dependent covariates. The proposed approach fares considerably better than previous approaches in simulations; data on the effectiveness of biodegradable carmustine polymers on recurrent brain malignant gliomas is investigated.
Outcome of prolactinoma after pregnancy and lactation: a study on 73 patients
Authors: Domingue Marie‐Eve , Devuyst France , Alexopoulou Orsalia , Corvilain Bernard , Maiter Dominique
Published: November 2013

Context

Prolactinoma is the most frequent pituitary tumour among women of child‐bearing age. Only a few studies have addressed the outcome of prolactinoma after pregnancy.

Objective

To study remission, defined as prolactin normalization without medical treatment, after pregnancy and lactation in women with prolactinoma.

Patients and methods

A retrospective study conducted in 2 Belgian academic centres including 73 patients (54 microprolactinomas and 19 macroprolactinomas) with 104 pregnancies continuing beyond first trimester. Dopamine agonists were stopped in early pregnancy in all treated cases. Prolactin level and adenoma size at pituitary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were recorded before pregnancy and throughout follow‐up.

Results

Thirty of 73 women (41%) were in remission after a median follow‐up of 22 months after delivery or cessation of lactation. Adenoma size at diagnosis was smaller in women in remission (5 vs 8 mm). There was a nonsignificant higher rate of remission for microprolactinomas than for macroprolactinoma (46% vs 26%). The first pituitary MRI after pregnancy and lactation showed no tumour and a decreased adenoma size in 23% and 39% of women, respectively. MRI normalization was associated with remission. The number of pregnancies per woman as well as breastfeeding and its duration did not influence remission rate.

Conclusion

More than 40% of women with previous diagnosis of prolactinoma have normal PRL level without medical treatment for a median follow‐up of 22 months after pregnancy and lactation. The likelihood of remission is associated with a smaller initial adenoma size and normalization of pituitary MRI after pregnancy.
Stackless Multi‐BVH Traversal for CPU, MIC and GPU Ray Tracing
Authors: Áfra Attila T. , Szirmay‐Kalos László
Published: November 2013

Stackless traversal algorithms for ray tracing acceleration structures require significantly less storage per ray than ordinary stack‐based ones. This advantage is important for massively parallel rendering methods, where there are many rays in flight. On SIMD architectures, a commonly used acceleration structure is the MBVH, which has multiple bounding boxes per node for improved parallelism. It scales to branching factors higher than two, for which, however, only stack‐based traversal methods have been proposed so far. In this paper, we introduce a novel stackless traversal algorithm for MBVHs with up to four‐way branching. Our approach replaces the stack with a small bitmask, supports dynamic ordered traversal, and has a low computation overhead. We also present efficient implementation techniques for recent CPU, MIC (Intel Xeon Phi) and GPU (NVIDIA Kepler) architectures.
The perceived risks and benefits of quitting in smokers diagnosed with severe mental illness participating in a smoking cessation intervention: Gender differences and comparison to smokers without mental illness
Authors: Filia Sacha L. , Baker Amanda L. , Gurvich Caroline T. , Richmond Robyn , Kulkarni Jayashri
Published: November 2013

Introduction and Aims

This study aimed to examine the perceived risks and benefits of quitting in smokers diagnosed with psychosis, including potential gender differences and comparisons to smokers in the general population.

Design and Methods

Data were collected from 200 people diagnosed with psychosis participating in a randomised controlled trial testing the effectiveness of a multi‐component intervention for smoking cessation and cardiovascular disease risk reduction in people with severe mental illness. Results were compared with both treatment and non‐treatment seeking smokers in the general population.

Results

Male and female smokers with psychosis generally had similar perceived risks and benefits of quitting. Females rated it significantly more likely that they would experience weight gain and negative affect upon quitting than males diagnosed with psychosis. Compared with smokers in the general population also seeking smoking cessation treatment, this sample of smokers with psychosis demonstrated fewer gender differences and lower ratings of perceived risks and benefits of quitting. The pattern of risk and benefit ratings in smokers diagnosed with psychosis was similar to those of non‐treatment seeking smokers in the general population.

Discussion and Conclusions

These results increase our understanding of smoking in people with severe mental illness, and can directly inform smoking interventions to maximise successful abstinence for this group of smokers. For female smokers with psychosis, smoking cessation interventions need to address concerns regarding weight gain and negative affect. Intervention strategies aimed at enhancing beliefs about the benefits of quitting smoking for both male and female smokers with psychosis are necessary. [Filia S L, Baker A L, Gurvich C T, Richmond R, Kulkarni J. The perceived risks and benefits of quitting in smokers diagnosed with severe mental illness participating in a smoking cessation intervention: Gender differences and comparison to smokers without mental illness. Drug Alcohol Rev 2014;33:78–85]
Public participation in local alcohol regulation: Findings from a survey ofNewZealand communities
Authors: Kypri Kypros , Maclennan Brett
Published: November 2013

Introduction and Aims

In many high‐income countries, the responsibility for alcohol regulation is being devolved from central to local governments. Although seeking public input is typically required by law, there remains little empirical evidence on whether and how the public is involved. We investigated public participation in local liquor licensing and related regulation inNewZealand.

Design and Methods

In 2007, we randomly sampled 2337 residents from the national electoral roll in seven communities and invited them to complete a postal questionnaire assessing their level of general community engagement, whether they had taken action on alcohol issues, and barriers to participation they perceived or encountered.

Results

A total of 1372 individuals responded (59% response). Fifty‐two percent were current members of community organisations, and 40% had ever taken action on a local issue. Respondents considered alcohol to be a major problem locally, but only 4% had been involved in action to address a problem, whereas 18% had considered taking action. In their communities, 12% and 24%, respectively, felt they could influence the number or location of alcohol outlets. There was little variation across communities.

Discussion and Conclusion

Despite high levels of general community engagement and alcohol being widely regarded as a local problem, few community members reported acting on alcohol issues, and their self‐efficacy to effect change was low.[KypriK,MaclennanB. Public participation in local alcohol regulation: Findings from a survey ofNewZealand communities.Drug Alcohol Rev2014;33:59–63]