bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and demographics of the MYBPC3‐mutations in ragdolls and Maine coons in the British Isles
Authors: Casamian‐Sorrosal D. , Chong S. K. , Fonfara S. , Helps C. 
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVESTo determine prevalence and demographics of two myosin‐binding protein C (MYBPC3) mutations that affect ragdolls (R820W) and Maine coons (A31P) in the British Isles.METHODSFrom the database of a genetic testing laboratory samples from 2018 ragdolls and 742 Maine coons were analysed with respect to mutation status, age, sex and county of origin. The actual prevalence was compared to the expected Hardy–Weinberg prevalence by chi‐squared test.RESULTSThe prevalence of the R820W mutation in ragdolls was 27% (25·6% heterozygous, 1·4% homozygous), and that of the A31P mutation in Maine coons was 39·4% (36·4% homozygous, 3% heterozygous). There were more female cats (69·5% ragdoll, 70·3% Maine coon). The median age was 6·4 months (ragdolls) and 5·9 months (Maine coons). Cats from more than 60 counties were represented for each breed. The difference between the expected and observed allele frequency was significant in Maine coons (P=0·047) but not in ragdolls (P=0·092).CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEThis is the first report of prevalence and demographics of the R820W and A31P mutations in ragdolls and Maine coons, respectively, in the British Isles. The prevalence is high, which is of relevance for breeding and screening programmes. The significant difference in genetic distribution may suggest early death of homozygous Maine coons.
Pharmacological characterization of muscarinic receptors in the contractions of isolated bronchi in the horse
Authors: Menozzi A. , Pozzoli C. , Poli E. , Delvescovo B. , Serventi P. , Bertini S. 
Published: March 2014

We investigated the effects of nonselective muscarinic antagonist (atropine) and of selective muscarinic subtype 1 (M1), 2 (M2), 3 (M3) antagonists (VU0255035, methoctramine, pFHHSiD, respectively) on the contractions evoked by electrical field stimulation (EFS) or by exogenousACh in isolated horse bronchial muscle. Atropine completely inhibited neurogenic contractions in a concentration‐dependent fashion, whereas selective muscarinic antagonists induced relevant modifications only at the highest concentration tested. Experiments with selective muscarinic antagonists in combination showed that only the simultaneous blockade ofM1/M3orM2/M3receptors was able to induce a nearly complete suppression of contractions. The contractions induced by exogenousACh were competitively antagonized only by atropine (pA2 = 9.01 ± 0.05).M3selective antagonist, up to 10−6 m, caused a moderate concentration‐dependent rightward shift ofACh curve (pA2 = 7.96 ± 0.10). These data show thatM3muscarinic receptors possess a central role in mediating cholinergic contraction of horse bronchi, whileM1andM2receptors seem to have a cooperative role. Selective muscarinic antagonists seem unlikely to be useful against bronchoconstriction associated with airway diseases in horses. Conversely, compounds with selectivity for bothM1andM3receptors could be as effective as traditional anticholinergics and induce fewer cardiac side effects.
A Generalization of the Lone Wolf Theorem
Authors: İnal Hakan 
Published: March 2014

AbstractA non‐constructive generalization of the ‘lone wolf’ theorem, which states that in the roommates problem an agent is single in a stable matching if and only if that agent is single in every other stable matching, is presented. The generalization is in two directions: (i) the set of permissible roommates is arbitrary as long as all singles are allowed, and (ii) the set of preference profiles is any subset of the set of all profiles of strict preferences defined over permissible roommates.
Practical Visualization of Local Vibration Data Collected over Large Concrete Elements
Authors: Oh Taekeun , Popovics John S. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIn this article, an original multidimensional presentation format for nondestructive evaluation point test spectral data is proposed. Time domain signals from air‐coupled impact‐echo (IE) tests are transformed into the frequency domain and arranged along x and y coordinates of the tested surface to give a 3‐D data set volume. Spectral amplitude is indicated by gray scale, giving rise to a “fourth” dimension of information within the data volume. This presentation, which stacks data in both spatial and spectral domains, includes all spectral data up to a natural frequency threshold (5–6 kHz) to isolate the response generated by near‐surface delamination defects. Visual interpretation of the dense data set of spectral information within the volume is enabled by incorporating transparency/opacity control on the data set, where higher spectral amplitudes are associated with more opacity. Consistent rule‐based criteria for optimal image parameter determination for a given test structure are established to optimize application for defect detection. Application of this data manipulation and visualization technique to IE data collected from two different reinforced concrete samples demonstrates improved near‐surface delamination detection as compared with conventional data presentation formats.
What's (not) in a parade? Nationhood, ethnicity and regionalism in a diasporic context
Authors: Leal João 
Published: March 2014

AbstractLong‐distance nationalism and political transnationalism have been concepts largely explored in the analysis of the attachments of contemporary migrants to home. In some cases, this focus on the trans‐nation has downplayed competing or complementary identifications to the home country and to the context of settlement, based on locality, region or ethnicity. Focusing on the commemorations of Portugal Day among the Portuguese diaspora in Toronto, this paper seeks to explore how the national script of the event coexists with other narratives of identity and belonging, linked to Portuguese‐Canadian ethnicity and to Azorean long‐distance regionalism. It thus argues for the need of a more balanced study of the role of national identity in diasporic contexts, able to articulate different layers of collective selfhood and belonging.
Discovery of rare mutations in extensively pooled DNA samples using multiple target enrichment
Authors: Chi Xu , Zhang Yingchun , Xue Zheyong , Feng Laibao , Liu Huaqing , Wang Feng , Qi Xiaoquan 
Published: March 2014

SummaryChemical mutagenesis is routinely used to create large numbers of rare mutations in plant and animal populations, which can be subsequently subjected to selection for beneficial traits and phenotypes that enable the characterization of gene functions. Several next‐generation sequencing (NGS)‐based target enrichment methods have been developed for the detection of mutations in target DNA regions. However, most of these methods aim to sequence a large number of target regions from a small number of individuals. Here, we demonstrate an effective and affordable strategy for the discovery of rare mutations in a large sodium azide‐induced mutant rice population (F2). The integration of multiplex, semi‐nested PCR combined with NGS library construction allowed for the amplification of multiple target DNA fragments for sequencing. The 8 × 8 × 8 tridimensional DNA sample pooling strategy enabled us to obtain DNA sequences of 512 individuals while only sequencing 24 samples. A stepwise filtering procedure was then elaborated to eliminate most of the false positives expected to arise through sequencing error, and the application of a simple Student's t‐test against position‐prone error allowed for the discovery of 16 mutations from 36 enriched targeted DNA fragments of 1024 mutagenized rice plants, all without any false calls.
Intersubjectivity and Receptive Experience
Authors: Kukla Rebecca , Lance Mark 
Published: March 2014

AbstractWilfrid Sellars's iconic exposé of the ‘myth of the given’ taught us that experience must present the world to us as normatively laden, in the sense that the contents of experience must license inferences, rule out and justify various beliefs, and rationalize actions. Somehow our beliefs must be governed by the objects as they present themselves to us. Often this requirement is cashed out using language that attributes agent‐like properties to objects: we are described as ‘accountable to’ objects, while objects ‘hold us’ to standards, and so forth. But such language is either deeply anti‐naturalistic or trades on a set of metaphors in need of a literal translation. We offer an explanation of how the material features of the world, as received in experience, can rationally constrain our beliefs and practices—one that makes no recourse to this imagery. In particular, we examine the structure of ostensive practices (that is, practices of directing one another's attention to objects and features of the world) and the distinctive role they play in making us jointly beholden to how things actually are.
Local Worlds of Marketization – Employment Policies inGermany,Italy and theUKCompared
Authors: Zimmermann Katharina , Aurich Patrizia , Graziano Paolo R. , Fuertes Vanesa 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe majority of theEuropean countries have experienced a turn towards activation policies during the last two decades (SerranoPascual andMagnusson 2007; vanBerkel andBorghi 2008;Bonoli 2010;Aurich 2011;Graziano 2009 and 2012). The interlinked aim to increase employment rates by integrating formerly excluded groups into the labour market requires new forms of governance and new structures of policy implementation. One of these policy changes concerns the marketization of employment and social services (Considine 2001;Newman 2001), an important part of policy delivery in most welfare states although in very different forms and extents. Since the local level plays a crucial role in delivering policies (Künzel 2012;Green andOrton 2012), an important element, and the main focus of the article, is the level of discretion of local actors and their relation to activation interventions.This article draws on the findings of three qualitative case studies on the organization of activation policies in three most different countries regarding worlds of welfare:Germany,Italy and theUK. It develops a theoretical framework of regulating marketization in regard to activation, and analyses the three empirical cases according to it. The findings show a link between the regulation of market‐based interventions (i.e. type of marketization, outsourcing decisions and purchaser‐provider split) and the level of discretion for local actors with regard to these measures. Local contexts of policy‐making and their suitability and willingness to become marketized will affect the usage of local discretion.
Conditionality and the Financing of Employment Services – Implications for the Social Divisions of Work and Welfare
Authors: Shutes Isabel , Taylor Rebecca 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIncreasing conditionality in access to welfare has been central to the reform of welfare states (Dean 2004; Dwyer 2004) and to the development of welfare‐to‐work policies and programmes (Peck 2001). This article addresses the ways in which the reform of employment services has, likewise, been marked by increasing conditionality in the financing of a market of those services. This form of conditionality involves the obligation of contracted providers to achieve employment outcomes as a condition of funding. The article examines how conditionality in the financing of employment services impacts on the provision of services to unemployed groups, and more disadvantaged groups in particular, and the implications for the social divisions of work and welfare.
The Public Accountability of Privatized Activation – The Case of Israel
Authors: Benish Avishai 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe study explores the accountability implications of the increasingly privatized and marketized models of welfare governance. Privatization of public services radically destabilizes our concepts of accountability. While on the one hand, accountability deficits are created as traditional public accountability systems become less relevant; on the other hand, new market and results‐based forms of accountability emerge. In order to examine how accountability is safeguarded under privatized activation, the study provides an in‐depth look at private contractors' accountability in the case of activation in Israel. It finds that results‐based accountability mechanisms were perceived as insufficient to legitimize contractors' discretion; and sometimes they even intensified accountability concerns. In practice, significant traditional public accountability requirements were extended to the private contractors, creating a hybrid public‐private model of accountability. The article discusses the contradictory dynamics leading to the development of this hybrid accountability model and the tensions and instabilities it produces. It closes by stressing the need for more research into activation accountability regimes and their complexity.
From dead leaf, to new life: TAL effectors as tools for synthetic biology
Authors: de Lange Orlando , Binder Andreas , Lahaye Thomas 
Published: March 2014

SummaryWhether rice, yeast or fly there is barely a model organism not yet reached by transcription activator‐like effectors (TALEs) and their derivative fusion proteins. Insights into fundamental biology are now arriving on the back of work in recent years to develop these proteins as tools for molecular biology. This began with the publication of the simple cipher determining base‐specific DNA recognition by TALEs in 2009, and now encompasses a huge variety of established fusion proteins mediating targeted modifications to transcriptome, genome and, recently, epigenome. Straightforward design and exquisite specificity, allowing unique sites to be targeted even within complex eukaryote genomes, are key to the popularity of this system. Synthetic biology is one field that is just beginning to make use of these properties, with a number of recent publications demonstrating TALE‐mediated regulation of synthetic genetic circuits. Intense interest has surrounded the CRISPR/Cas9 system within the last 12 months, and it is already proving its mettle as a tool for targeted gene modifications and transcriptional regulation. However, questions over off‐target activity and means for independent regulation of multiple Cas9‐guide RNA pairs must be resolved before this method can be included in the synthetic biology toolbox. TALEs are already showing promise as regulators of synthetic biological systems, a role that is likely to be developed further in the coming years.
The Blood Donor Identity Survey: a multidimensional measure of blood donor motivations
Authors: France Christopher R. , Kowalsky Jennifer M. , France Janis L. , Himawan Lina K. , Kessler Debra A. , Shaz Beth H. 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundEvidence indicates that donor identity is an important predictor of donation behavior; however, prior studies have relied on diverse, unidimensional measures with limited psychometric support. The goals of this study were to examine the application of self‐determination theory to blood donor motivations and to develop and validate a related multidimensional measure of donor identity.Study Design and MethodsItems were developed and administered electronically to a sample of New York Blood Center (NYBC) donors (n = 582) and then to a sample of Ohio University students (n = 1005). Following initial confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) on the NYBC sample to identify key items related to self‐determination theory's six motivational factors, a revised survey was administered to the university sample to reexamine model fit and to assess survey reliability and validity.ResultsConsistent with self‐determination theory, for both samples CFAs indicated that the best fit to the data was provided by a six‐motivational‐factor model, including amotivation, external regulation, introjected regulation, identified regulation, integrated regulation, and intrinsic regulation.ConclusionThe Blood Donor Identity Survey provides a psychometrically sound, multidimensional measure of donor motivations (ranging from unmotivated to donate to increasing levels of autonomous motivation to donate) that is suitable for nondonors as well as donors with varying levels of experience. Future research is needed to examine longitudinal changes in donor identity and its relationship to actual donation behavior.
Stability of 1% voriconazole solution in a constant‐rate infusion pump for topical ocular delivery to horses
Authors: Smith Kathryn M. , Maxwell Lara , Gull Tamara , Payton Mark E. , Gilmour Margi A. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo establish the effect of storage in a constant‐rate infusion (CRI) pump on the sterility and stability of voriconazole 1% solution.ProcedureNine vials of voriconazole (Vfend® I.V.) 1% solution were prepared. Approximately half of each solution was used to prime a commercially available CRI pump with attached subpalpebral lavage system (CRI/SPL unit) with the remaining solution stored in the commercial glass vial. Three CRI/SPL units and their three corresponding vials were stored at one of three temperatures: 23 °C, 33 °C, and 40 °C. The CRI pumps ran for 7 days, and the vials were stored for 30 days. Fungal and aerobic bacterial cultures were performed on the first and last day of the storage period for each vessel. Samples were obtained at regular intervals for determination of voriconazole concentration using high‐performance liquid chromatography.ResultsNo bacterial or fungal contamination was identified in any solution at any time point. All solutions stored in the commercial glass vial remained stable throughout the study period. Multiple CRI/SPL units became blocked with crystallized voriconazole. There was a significant increase in voriconazole concentration after passage through the CRI/SPL units.ConclusionsVoriconazole 1% solution is not compatible for use in a CRI/SPL unit at temperatures between 23 and 40 °C. Voriconazole 1% solution is stable in the commercial glass vial when stored at controlled temperatures as high as 40 °C for up to 30 days.
MO‐D‐201B‐03: Evolutionary Trends in Indirect Detection X‐Ray Imager Technology Punctuated by Adaptive Innovation: From Active Matrix Flat‐Panel Imagers to Single‐Photon‐Counting Area Detectors
Authors: Antonuk L 
Published: March 2014

From initial conception in the 1980's to widespread clinical implementation over the last decade, active matrix, flat‐panel imagers (AMFPIs) have ridden an incredible technological wave associated with the thin‐film electronics used in active matrix, liquid crystal displays. Despite the many benefits and advantages of contemporary AMFPIs, constraints imposed by their physical construction, performance and cost encourage further innovation. Some possible sources for such innovation originate from recent developments in thin‐film electronics driven by the display industry's need for ever‐larger area, brighter, less expensive, less power‐hungry, and flexible devices. In this presentation, the design and limitations of AMFPIs will be reviewed, a variety of conceivable technological directions for overcoming these limitations will be presented, and the potential capabilities of future x‐ray imagers will be discussed.Learning Objectives:1. Understand the basic principles, as well as the fundamental limits, of present‐day active matrix, flat‐panel x‐ray imagers2. Understand the possible evolution of imager development3. Understand the potential capabilities of future imagers
Complete Genome Sequence of a Brucella ceti ST26 Strain Isolated from a Striped Dolphin (
Stenella coeruleoalba
) on the Coast of Italy
Authors: Ancora Massimo , Marcacci Maurilia , Orsini Massimiliano , Zilli Katiuscia , Di Giannatale Elisabetta , Garofolo Giuliano , Cammà Cesare 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT

Brucella
spp. are important pathogens affecting a wide range of terrestrial and aquatic animals. We report the complete and annotated genome sequence of
Brucella ceti
ST26 strain TE10759-12, isolated from a striped dolphin (
Stenella coeruleoalba
) stranded along the Italian shoreline in March of 2012.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Commensalibacter papalotli
MX01, a Symbiont Identified from the Guts of Overwintering Monarch Butterflies
Authors: Servín-Garcidueñas Luis E. , Sánchez-Quinto Andrés , Martínez-Romero Esperanza 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT

We report the draft genome sequence of
Commensalibacter papalotli
strain MX01, isolated from the intestines of an overwintering monarch butterfly. The 2,332,652-bp AT-biased genome of
C. papalotli
MX01 is the smallest genome for a member of the
Acetobacteraceae
family and provides the first evidence of plasmids in
Commensalibacter
.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Antitrypanosomally Active Sponge-Associated Bacterium
Actinokineospora
sp. Strain EG49
Authors: Harjes Janno , Ryu Taewoo , Abdelmohsen Usama Ramadan , Moitinho-Silva Lucas , Horn Hannes , Ravasi Timothy , Hentschel Ute 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT

The marine sponge-associated bacterium
Actinokineospora
sp. strain EG49 produces the antitrypanosomal angucycline-like compound actinosporin A. The draft genome of
Actinokineospora
sp. EG49 has a size of 7.5 megabases and a GC content of 72.8% and contains 6,629 protein-coding sequences (CDS). antiSMASH predicted 996 genes residing in 36 secondary metabolite gene clusters.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ST1413 Strain for Studying Genetic Mechanisms of Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Marasa Bernard S. , Revollo Javier , Iram Saira , Sung Kidon , Xu Joshua , Khan Saeed 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT

Here we report the whole draft genome sequence of a methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
ST1413 strain. Determining the distribution and arrangement of various genes associated with drug resistance, toxicity, and diseases will enhance our understanding about its adaptability to thrive in different ecological niches and help in the development of effective treatments for enterotoxigenic staphylococcal infections.
Health assessment of commercial drivers: a meta-narrative systematic review
Authors: Abu Dabrh Abd Moain , Firwana Belal , Cowl Clayton T , Steinkraus Lawrence W , Prokop Larry J , Murad Mohammad Hassan 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundMotor vehicle accidents associated with commercial driving are an important cause of occupational death and impact public safety.ObjectivesWe summarise the evidence regarding the type, prevalence and impact of medical conditions discovered during health assessment of commercial drivers.Evidence reviewWe conducted a systematic review of multiple electronic databases and made a manual search for relevant studies that enrolled commercial drivers in any country and reported the outcomes of health assessment carried out in the context of commercial driving through November 2012. Data were extracted by a pair of independent reviewers and synthesised using a metanarrative approach.ResultsWe identified 32 studies of moderate methodological quality enrolling 151 644 commercial drivers (98% men). The prevalence of multiple health conditions was high (sleep disorders 19%, diabetes 33%, hypertension 23% and obesity 45%). Some conditions, such as sleep disorders and obesity, were linked to increased risk of crashes. Evidence on several other highly relevant medical conditions was lacking. Cost-effectiveness data were sparse.ConclusionsSeveral medical conditions are highly prevalent in commercial drivers and can be associated with increased risk of crashes, thus providing a rationale for health assessment of commercial drivers.