bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IGDD: a database of intronless genes in dicots
Authors: Yan Hanwei , Dai Xiaogang , Feng Kai , Ma Qiuyue , Yin Tongming 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
Background
Intronless genes are a significant characteristic of prokaryotes. Systematic identification and annotation are primary and crucial steps for determining the functions of intronless genes and understanding their occurrence in eukaryotes.

Description
In this paper, we describe the construction of the Intronless Genes Database in Dicots (IGDD; available at http://bio.njfu.edu.cn/igdd/), which contains data for five well-annotated plants including Arabidopsis thaliana, Carica papaya, Populus trichocarpa, Salix suchowensis and Vitis vinifera. Using highly visual settings, IGDD displays the structural and functional annotations, the homolog groups, the syntenic relationships, the expression patterns, and the statistical characteristics of intronless genes. In addition, useful tools such as an advanced search and local BLAST are available through a user-friendly and intuitive web interface.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the IGDD provides a comprehensive and up-to-date platform for researchers to assist the exploration of intronless genes in dicot plants.
δGABAA Receptors Are Necessary for Synaptic Plasticity in the Hippocampus: Implications for Memory Behavior
Authors: Whissell Paul D. , Avramescu Sinziana , Wang Dian-Shi , Orser Beverley A. 
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND:Extrasynaptic γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors that contain the δ subunit (δGABAAreceptors) contribute to memory performance. Dysregulation of δGABAAreceptor expression, which occurs in some neurological disorders, is associated with memory impairment. Mice lacking δGABAAreceptors (Gabrd−/−) exhibit deficits in their ability to distinguish between similar memories, a process which is referred to as pattern separation. The CA3 and dentate gyrus subfields of the hippocampus regulate pattern separation, raising the possibility that synaptic plasticity is impaired in these regions inGabrd−/−mice. Although long-term potentiation (LTP), the most widely studied form of synaptic plasticity, is normal in the dentate gyrus ofGabrd−/−mice, LTP in the CA3 subfield has not been studied. Here, we tested the hypothesis that LTP is reduced in the CA3 subfield ofGabrd−/−mice.METHODS:LTP of extracellular field postsynaptic potentials was studied in the mossy fiber (MF)-CA3 pathway using hippocampal slices fromGabrd−/−and wild-type (WT) mice. We also examined paired pulse responses and input–output relationships at MF-CA3 synapses.RESULTS:MF-CA3 LTP was reduced inGabrd−/−mice, as evidenced by decreased potentiation of field postsynaptic potentials (WT: 178.3% ± 16.1% versusGabrd−/−: 126.3% ± 6.9%;P= 0.0091). Thus, the deletion of δGABAAreceptors is associated with impaired plasticity. Bicuculline (BIC), a GABAAreceptor antagonist, reduced plasticity in WT but not inGabrd−/−mice (WT + BIC: 123.9% ± 7.6% versusGabrd−/−+ BIC: 136.5% ± 7.0%). Paired pulse responses and input–output relationships did not differ between the genotypes (allPs > 0.05).CONCLUSIONS:Both genetic deletion and pharmacological blockade of δGABAAreceptors impair MF-CA3 LTP, suggesting that δGABAAreceptors are necessary for synaptic plasticity in the CA3 subfield. Drugs that enhance δGABAAreceptor function may reverse deficits in synaptic plasticity in the CA3 subfield and improve pattern separation in neurological disorders.
A Procedural Electroencephalogram Simulator for Evaluation of Anesthesia Monitors
Authors: Petersen Christian Leth , Görges Matthias , Massey Roslyn , Dumont Guy Albert , Ansermino J. Mark 
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND:
Recent research and advances in the automation of anesthesia are driving the need to better understand electroencephalogram (EEG)–based anesthesia end points and to test the performance of anesthesia monitors. This effort is currently limited by the need to collect raw EEG data directly from patients.

METHODS:
A procedural method to synthesize EEG signals was implemented in a mobile software application. The application is capable of sending the simulated signal to an anesthesia depth of hypnosis monitor. Systematic sweeps of the simulator generate functional monitor response profiles reminiscent of how network analyzers are used to test electronic components.

RESULTS:
Three commercial anesthesia monitors (Entropy, NeuroSENSE, and BIS) were compared with this new technology, and significant response and feature variations between the monitor models were observed; this includes reproducible, nonmonotonic apparent multistate behavior and significant hysteresis at light levels of anesthesia.

CONCLUSIONS:
Anesthesia monitor response to a procedural simulator can reveal significant differences in internal signal processing algorithms. The ability to synthesize EEG signals at different anesthetic depths potentially provides a new method for systematically testing EEG-based monitors and automated anesthesia systems with all sensor hardware fully operational before human trials.
How Well Do Laboratories Adhere to Recommended Clinical Guidelines for the Management of Myocardial Infarction: The CARdiac MArker Guidelines Uptake in Europe Study (CARMAGUE)
Authors: Collinson Paul , Hammerer-Lercher Angelika , Suvisaari Janne , Apple Fred S , Christenson Rob H , Pulkki Kari , van Dieijen-Visser Marja P , Duff Christopher J , Baum Hannsjörg , Stavljenic-Rukavina Ana , Aakre Kristin M , Langlois Michel R , Stankovic Sanja , Laitinen Paivi 
Published: July 2016

Abstract

BACKGROUND
We undertook an assessment of current use of evidence-based guidelines for the use of cardiac biomarkers in Europe (EU) and North America (NA).

METHODS
In 2013–2014 a web-based questionnaire was distributed via NA and EU biochemical societies. Questions covered cardiac biomarkers measured, analytical methods used, decision thresholds, and use of decision-making protocols. Results were collated using a central database and analyzed using comparative and descriptive nonparametric statistics.

RESULTS
In EU, returns were obtained from 442 hospitals, 50% central or university hospitals, and 39% from local hospitals from 35 countries with 395/442 (89%) provided an acute service. In NA there were 91 responses (63.7% central or university hospitals, 19.8% community hospitals) with 76/91 (83.5%) providing an acute service. Cardiac troponin was the preferred cardiac biomarker in 99.5% (EU) and 98.7% (NA), and the first line marker in 97.7% (EU) and 97.4% (NA). There were important differences in the choice of decision limits and their derivations. The origin of the information was also significantly different, with EU vs NA as follows: package insert, 61.9% vs 40%; publications, 17.1% vs 15.0%; local clinical or analytical validation choice, 21.0% vs 45.0%; P = 0.0003.

CONCLUSIONS
There are significant differences between EU and NA use of cardiac biomarkers. This probably relates to different availability of assays between EU and NA (such as high-sensitivity troponin assays) and different laboratory practices on assay introduction (greater local evaluation of assay performance occurred in NA).
An integrated approach to design and fabrication of a miniature endoscope using freeform optics
Authors: Li Hui , Naples Neil J. , Zhao Xin , Yi Allen Y. 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
Endoscopes are important medical optical devices widely used in minimally invasive surgery. However, manufacturing issues such as tight packaging constraints and tolerance requirements hinder their development. These problems often result in high manufacturing cost or poor image quality. To cope with these issues, in this research, a novel endoscope utilizing an off-axis freeform optics is developed by using an integrated ultraprecision diamond machining process. The major optical components of this endoscope include a prism with two reflective surfaces and a freeform entrance surface. In addition, a doublet and a field lens were added to complete the system design. To validate the feasibility of the endoscope design, single-point diamond turning and rastering processes were utilized to machine the required components. After the lenses were machined, the geometry of the lenses was measured using a white light optical profilometer. The results show that their profiles have a manufacture error of ±2 μm along the optical axis. Lastly, the prototype was assembled and tested to evaluate its imaging performance, including measurement of its modulation transfer function.
Modeling of landslide volume estimation
Authors: Amirahmadi Abolghasem , Pourhashemi Sima , Karami Mokhtar , Akbari Elahe 
Published: July 2016

AbstractMass displacement of materials such as landslide is considered among problematic phenomena in Baqi Basin located at southern slopes of Binaloud, Iran; since, it destroys agricultural lands and pastures and also increases deposits at the basin exit. Therefore, it is necessary to identify areas which are sensitive to landslide and estimate the significant volume. In the present study, in order to estimate the volume of landslide, information about depth and area of slides was collected; then, considering regression assumptions, a power regression model was given which was compared with 17 suggested models in various regions in different countries. The results showed that values of estimated mass obtained from the suggested model were consistent with observed data (P value= 0.000 and R = 0.692) and some of the existing relations which implies on efficiency of the suggested model. Also, relations that were created in small-area landslides were more suitable rather than the ones created in large-area landslides for using in Baqi Basin. According to the suggested relation, average depth value of landslides was estimated 3.314 meters in Baqi Basin which was close to the observed value, 4.609 m.
Line-Profile Analysis Combined with Texture Analysis for Characterizing Dislocation Distribution in Texture Components of Cold-Rolled Copper Sheets
Authors: Satoh Kozue , Sato Shigeo , Yamanaka Kenta , Suzuki Shigeru , Chiba Akihiko , Wagatsuma Kazuaki 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
We described a newly developed characterization technique that dislocation density could be individually determined for each texture component of plastically deformed metals by combining the line-profile analysis with the texture analysis by using X-ray diffraction. This method was applied to major texture components of cube, copper, and brass evolved in cold-rolled copper sheets. The Warren–Averbach procedure using two diffraction peaks was used for estimating the dislocation density. An increase in the dislocation density with the rolling reduction was evaluated for individual texture components. Although the individual texture components underwent the different slip paths, the dislocation densities in these texture components were almost comparable; however, the non-texture component was shown to have a higher dislocation density than the texture components. The recovery and recrystallization proceeded preferentially in the non-texture component.
Metaphor and its humorousness: The case of nominal compounds in German
Authors: Kang Byongchang 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThis paper discusses the interaction between metaphor and humor by focusing on humorous metaphor-based nominal compounds in German. The paper highlights the lexical level of verbal humor, which has been largely overlooked in the linguistic humor studies. Viewing the nominal compound as one of the smallest units of verbal humor, the present study seeks to distinguish this from discussions of metaphorical humor that are concerned with specific sentence-level constructions. Nominal compounds are simple in terms of structural formation but the two constituents play a complex role in meaning construction, and the complexity increases when metaphor is involved. It is this aspect that has the potential to generate the incongruity required to induce humor. The humor in metaphor-based nominal compounds is produced by the mechanism that creates and resolves the incongruity between the literal and the figurative meaning of the whole compound, supported by a range of meaning construction types of the metaphor-based compound. This study focuses on German nominal compounds that are marked as “humorous” in the dictionary.
Global Poverty and Inequality: Is There New Capacity for Redistribution in Developing Countries?
Authors: Hoy Chris , Sumner Andy 
Published: July 2016

AbstractAmartya Sen’s famous study of famines found that people died not because of a lack of food availability in a country but because some people lacked entitlements to that food. Is a similar situation now the case for global poverty, meaning that national resources are available but not being used to end poverty? This paper argues that approximately three-quarters of global poverty, at least at the lower poverty lines, could now be eliminated – in principle – via redistribution of nationally available resources in terms of cash transfers funded by new taxation and the reallocation of public spending. We argue that the findings provide a rationale for a stronger consideration of some national redistribution for purely instrumental reasons: to reduce or end global poverty quicker than waiting for economic growth. We find that at lower poverty lines ending global poverty may now be within the financial capacities of most national governments of developing countries either in the form of potential new taxation or reallocation of existing public finances though this is not the case at higher poverty lines. In summary, reducing global poverty at lower poverty lines is increasingly a matter of national inequality.
A Dynamic Resilience Approach for WDM Optical Networks
Authors: Garg Amit Kumar 
Published: July 2016

AbstractOptical fibres have been developed as a transmission medium to carry traffic in order to provide various services in telecommunications platform. Failure of this fibre caused loss of data which can interrupt communication services. This paper has been focused only on survivable schemes in order to guarantee both protection and restoration in WDM optical networks. In this paper, a dynamic resilience approach has been proposed whose objective is to route the flows in a way which minimizes the total amount of bandwidth used for working and protection paths. In the proposed approach, path-based protection is utilized because it yields lower overhead and is also suitable for global optimization where, in case of a single link failure, all the flows utilizing the failed link are re-routed to a pre-computed set of paths. The simulation results demonstrate that proposed approach is much more efficient as it provides better quality of services (QoS) in terms of network resource utilization, blocking probability etc. as compared to conventional protection and restoration schemes. The proposed approach seems to offer an attractive combination of features, with both ring like speed and mesh-like efficiency.
Evaluation of simparteam – a needs-orientated team training format for obstetrics and neonatology
Authors: Zech Alexandra , Gross Benedict , Jasper-Birzele Céline , Jeschke Katharina , Kieber Thomas , Lauterberg Jörg , Lazarovici Marc , Prückner Stephan , Rall Marcus , Reddersen Silke , Sandmeyer Benedikt , Scholz Christoph , Stricker Eric , Urban Bert , Zobel Astrid , Singer Ingeborg 
Published: July 2016

AbstractIntroduction:A standardized team-training program for healthcare professionals in obstetric units was developed based on an analysis of common causes for adverse events found in claims registries. The interdisciplinary and inter-professional training concept included both technical and non-technical skill training. Evaluation of the program was carried out in hospitals with respect to the immediate personal learning of participants and also regarding changes in safety culture.Methods:Trainings in n=7 hospitals including n=270 participants was evaluated using questionnaires. These were administered at four points in time to staff from participating obstetric units: (1) 10 days ahead of the training (n=308), (2) on training day before (n=239), (3) right after training (n=248), and (4) 6 months after (n=188) the intervention. Questionnaires included several questions for technical and non-technical skills and the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety (HSOPS).Results:Strong effects were found in the participants’ perception of their own competence regarding technical skills and handling of emergencies. Small effects could be observed in the scales of the HSOPS questionnaire. Most effects differed depending on professional groups and hospitals.Conclusions:Integrated technical and team management training can raise employees’ confidence with complex emergency management skills and processes. Some indications for improvements on the patient safety culture level were detected. Furthermore, differences between professional groups and hospitals were found, indicating the need for more research on contributing factors for patient safety and for the success of crew resource management (CRM) trainings.
Flow cytometry as an important tool in the diagnosis of immunodeficiencies demonstrated in a patient with ataxia-telangiectasia
Authors: De Stefano Alessandro , Boldt Andreas , Schmiedel Lydia , Sack Ulrich , Kentouche Karim 
Published: July 2016

Abstract

Background:
Ataxia-telangiectasia (AT) is a rare hereditary genetic disease caused by one of more than 500 mutations in the ataxia-telangiectasia mutated gene (ATM). AT is characterized by cerebellar ataxia, telangiectasia of blood vessels, immunodeficiency with frequent lung infections, susceptibility to cancer, and sensitivity to ionizing radiation. A correct immunophenotyping of lymphocytes is necessary to identify the cause of the immunodeficiency.

Methods:
We evaluated a patient (female, 15 years) with AT by estimation of antibody titers, characterization of peripheral B- and T-cell subsets and investigation of proliferation response of B- and T-cells undergoing specific stimulation with PHA, CD3/CD28, and R848/CD40L. A healthy volunteer was used as a control.

Results:
The patient showed a heterozygous mutation in the ATM gene (c.5932G>T[p.E1978X]/c.7788+3A>G). Interestingly, despite a very low level of class-switched memory B-cells normal levels of serum immunoglobulins and antibody titers to viral and bacterial antigens could be observed. Furthermore, the analysis revealed an increase in total numbers of T-cells, caused by an extraordinarily high amount of γ/δ T-cells (CD3+CD4–CD8) (>75% of T-cells). Remaining CD4+/CD8+T-cells were decreased, naïve cells and recent thymic emigrants (RTEs) were strongly deficient. Subsequently, the proliferation activity of T-cells was strongly impaired, in contrast to normal B-cell proliferation both compared to the healthy control.

Conclusions:
Initial lymphocyte immunophenotyping suggested a defect in T- and B-cell differentiation, but normal humoral antibody titers and B-cell proliferation were inconsistent with this suspicion. Therefore, the results revealed an underlying T-cell defect and low levels of class-switched B-cells results from the lacking assistance from T-cells.
The polymer converter for effectively connecting polymer with silica optical fibres
Authors: Pura-Pawlikowska P. , Dudek M. , Wonko R. , Marć P. , Kujawińska M. , Jaroszewicz L.R. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractWe present a micrometer-size polymer converter (microbridge) for connecting polymer optical fibres with silica fibres. The procedure of preparing such microstructure is based on a process of photopolymerization. A polymer converter grows as an extension of the fibres’ cores due to a self-guiding effect of the light beam in a photopolymerizable medium. Since the polymer microbridge has refractive index greater inside than outside, such a structure works as a waveguide leading the light beam between connected optical fibres. By selection of time of light exposition to the mixture and optical power of the incident light beam, it is possible to obtain a polymer converter with very good optical and mechanical characteristics. Possibility of using polymer microbridges grown directly from the fibres’ core as coupling elements between silica and polymer fibres is a good alternative for obtaining permanent coupling of such fibres.
Product Space Perspective on Structural Change in Morocco
Authors: Osorio Rodarte Israel , Lofgren Hans 
Published: July 2016

AbstractDrawing on international trade data, this paper uses the product space approach to analyze changes in Morocco’s goods exports in 1990–2010 and future export priorities. The level and moderate growth of Morocco’s gross domestic product match the predictions of product space analysis, informed by changes in the income potential of Morocco’s export basket, reflecting relatively strong capabilities in products with a relatively low potential to contribute to income growth and diversification. Morocco’s peripheral position in the product space points to the difficulty of diversification into more sophisticated products. Encouraging changes since 1990 include the development of a revealed comparative advantage in medium- and high-tech manufactures. However, the number of goods involved is relatively small and this transformation has not sufficed to raise per capita growth to the average for middle-income countries. Among sectors, high growth is likely for phosphate-based fertilizer exports. However, phosphates are hampered by low income and diversification potentials. Along with various other manufactured products, electronics and the automotive industry are promising sectors that may offer more lasting positive contributions. Beyond goods, policy makers should also consider the potential contributions of service exports, which in recent years have enjoyed rapid growth.
Separation Control by Slot Jet in a Critically Loaded Compressor Cascade
Authors: Hu Jiaguo , Wang Rugen , Wu Peigen , He Chen 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
Separation in compressor cascade triggers flow loss and instability. This paper presents a passive flow control method by introducing a slot into the blade. The slot induces self-adapted jet, while the jet flow is used to suppress cascade’s separation. To study the flow control effect, experiments were conducted and flow field details were given by validated numerical simulations. The results show that a well-designed slot carries adequate jet airflow from pressure side (PS) to suction side (SS) due to the great pressure fall between the two sides. The jet airflow delays suction side separation within specific incidence angles, so the performance of cascade achieves considerable improvements. It enables to be concluded that the slot carries jet flow to SS separation zone, and then the self-adapted jet flow re-energizes low momentum fluid and suppresses vortices in the separation which are negative to the cascade flow.