bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrically pumped semiconductor laser with monolithic control of circular polarization
Authors: Rauter Patrick , Lin Jiao , Genevet Patrice , Khanna Suraj P. , Lachab Mohammad , Giles Davies A. , Linfield Edmund H. , Capasso Federico 
Published: December 2014

SignificanceAs powerful semiconductor laser sources open up new possibilities for the realization of compact and versatile spectroscopy and detection systems, monolithic control of the laser output characteristics becomes essential. Whereas engineering of spectral characteristics and beam shape has reached a high level of maturity, manipulation of the polarization state remains challenging. We present a method for monolithic control of the degree of circular polarization by aperture antennas forming a surface-emitting grating on a semiconductor laser cavity and demonstrate its realization for a terahertz quantum cascade laser. Our approach is not limited to the terahertz regime and paves the way to an increased functionality and customizability of monolithic laser sources for a variety of applications (e.g., vibrational circular dichroism spectroscopy).
Vertigo in downhill mountain biking and road cycling
Authors: Lion Alexis , Vibert Dominique , Bosser Gilles , Gauchard Gérome C. , Perrin Philippe P. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractVertigo has been described after the practice of mountain bike. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of vertigo following competitions or training sessions of downhill mountain biking (DMB) or road cycling (RC). One hundred and two DMB riders, 79 road cyclists and 73 control participants filled in a survey intended to evaluate the prevalence of vertigo in daily living activities and following competitions or training sessions. Vertigo causal factors (crashes, head trauma, fatigue, characteristics of the path/road ridden) were recorded. DMB riders and road cyclists did not report more vertigo during daily living activities than controls. But DMB riders older than 30 had more risk to report vertigo than age‐matched road cyclists (OR: 5.06, 95% CI: 1.23–20.62). Road cyclists aged between 20 and 29 were 2.59‐fold (95% CI: 1.06–6.27) more likely to report vertigo than controls. After competitions and training sessions, DMB riders were 2.33‐fold (95% CI: 1.22–4.41) more likely to report vertigo than road cyclists. Vertigo causal factors were crash with head trauma in DMB riders and fatigue in road cyclists. Vertigo during daily living activities may be of concern for cyclists, particularly older DMB riders. The accumulation of impacts (crashes, vibrations) during the career of a DMB rider may generate micro‐traumatisms of the central nervous system and/or peripheral vestibular structures, particularly the otolith organs. In RC, the pathophysiological mechanisms generating vertigo might be effort‐related disturbance of homeostasis. To avoid injuries, DMB riders should be aware that vertigo may occur at the end of training sessions or competitions.
Intrinsic opposition in the debate on New Caledonian independence: a critical discourse analysis
Authors: Lecompte-Van Poucke Margo 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
This paper analyses part of the discourse of the ongoing independence debate between France and New Caledonia by combining Systemic Functional Linguistics and Pragma-Dialectics. It is shown how two politicians, as representatives of a more dominant social group, attempt to influence and change the social representations of the Kanak minority in order to obtain a preferred outcome by persuasively arguing their case through the use of both shared and inferred knowledge. It will become clear that tacit knowledge seems to be taken for granted by the French protagonists and that the negotiation process does not appear to constitute a cooperative dialogue. The paper aims to clarify this process in order to demonstrate how highly incongruent goals and values on both sides can create an intrinsic opposition. A quantitative systemic functional analysis is integrated as linguistic evidence into a qualitative Critical Discourse Analysis to reconstruct and critically evaluate the arguments of three political actors, as representatives of the most significant discourse communities involved in the debate: independence leader Jean-Marie Tjibaou, former French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin and nickel magnate Jacques Lafleur. Shared knowledge appears to be wielded as a rhetorical ploy by the latter two to achieve free association with France.
Shotgun proteomic analysis of Bombyx mori brain: emphasis on regulation of behavior and development of the nervous system
Authors: Wang Guo‐Bao , Zheng Qin , Shen Yun‐Wang , Wu Xiao‐Feng 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe insect brain plays crucial roles in the regulation of growth and development and in all types of behavior. We used sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and high‐performance liquid chromatography ‑ electron spray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS/MS) shotgun to identify the proteome of the silkworm brain, to investigate its protein composition and to understand their biological functions. A total of 2210 proteins with molecular weights in the range of 5.64–1539.82 kDa and isoelectric points in the range of 3.78–12.55 were identified. These proteins were annotated according to Gene Ontology Annotation into the categories of molecular function, biological process and cellular component. We characterized two categories of proteins: one includes behavior‐related proteins involved in the regulation of behaviors, such as locomotion, reproduction and learning; the other consists of proteins related to the development or function of the nervous system. The identified proteins were classified into 283 different pathways according to KEGG analysis, including the PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway which plays a crucial role in mediating survival signals in a wide range of neuronal cell types. This extensive protein profile provides a basis for further understanding of the physiological functions in the silkworm brain.
Sulforaphane enhances progerin clearance in Hutchinson–Gilford progeria fibroblasts
Authors: Gabriel Diana , Roedl Daniela , Gordon Leslie B. , Djabali Karima 
Published: December 2014

SummaryHutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS, OMIM 176670) is a rare multisystem childhood premature aging disorder linked to mutations in the LMNA gene. The most common HGPS mutation is found at position G608G within exon 11 of the LMNA gene. This mutation results in the deletion of 50 amino acids at the carboxyl‐terminal tail of prelamin A, and the truncated protein is called progerin. Progerin only undergoes a subset of the normal post‐translational modifications and remains permanently farnesylated. Several attempts to rescue the normal cellular phenotype with farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTIs) and other compounds have resulted in partial cellular recovery. Using proteomics, we report here that progerin induces changes in the composition of the HGPS nuclear proteome, including alterations to several components of the protein degradation pathways. Consequently, proteasome activity and autophagy are impaired in HGPS cells. To restore protein clearance in HGPS cells, we treated HGPS cultures with sulforaphane (SFN), an antioxidant derived from cruciferous vegetables. We determined that SFN stimulates proteasome activity and autophagy in normal and HGPS fibroblast cultures. Specifically, SFN enhances progerin clearance by autophagy and reverses the phenotypic changes that are the hallmarks of HGPS. Therefore, SFN is a promising therapeutic avenue for children with HGPS.
Latent Trajectory Classes for Alcohol‐Related Blackouts from Age 15 to 19 in ALSPAC
Authors: Schuckit Marc A. , Smith Tom L. , Heron Jon , Hickman Matthew , Macleod John , Munafo Marcus R. , Kendler Kenneth S. , Dick Danielle M. , Davey‐Smith George 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundAlcohol‐related blackouts (ARBs) are reported by ~50% of drinkers. While much is known about the prevalence of ARBs in young adults and their cross‐sectional correlates, there are few prospective studies regarding their trajectories over time during mid‐adolescence. This paper reports latent trajectory classes of ARBs between age 15 and 19, along with predictors of those patterns.MethodsLatent class growth analysis (LCGA) was used to evaluate the pattern of occurrence of ARBs across 4 time points for 1,402 drinking adolescents from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Multinomial regression analyses evaluated age‐15 demography, substance‐related items, externalizing characteristics, and estimated peer substance use as predictors of latent class membership.ResultsARBs were reported at age 15 in 30% and at age 19 in 74% of these subjects. Four latent trajectory classes were identified: Class 1 (5.1%) reported no blackouts; for Class 2 (29.5%), ARBs rapidly increased with age; for Class 3 (44.9%), blackouts slowly increased; and for Class 4 (20.5%), ARBs were consistently reported. Using Class 2 (rapid increasers) as the reference, predictors of class membership included female sex, higher drinking quantities, smoking, externalizing characteristics, and estimated peer substance involvement (pseudo R2 = 0.22).ConclusionsARBs were common and repetitive in these young subjects, and predictors of their trajectories over time involved multiple domains representing diverse characteristics.
Genome‐wide association study for jumping performances in French sport horses
Authors: Brard S. , Ricard A. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryA genome‐wide association study was performed to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with jumping performances of warmbloods in France. The 999 horses included in the study for jumping performances were sport horses [mostly Selle Français (68%), Anglo‐Arabians (13%) and horses from the other European studbooks]. Horses were genotyped using the Illumina EquineSNP50 BeadChip. Of the 54 602 SNPs available on this chip, 44 424 were retained after quality testing. Phenotypes were obtained by deregressing official breeding values for jumping competitions to use all available information, that is, the performances of each horse as well as those of its relatives. Two models were used to test the effects of the genotypes on deregressed phenotypes: a single‐marker mixed model and a haplotype‐based mixed model (significant: P < 1E‐05; suggestive: P < 1E‐04). Both models included a polygenic effect to take into account familial structures. For jumping performances, one suggestive quantitative trait locus (QTL) located on chromosome 1 (BIEC2_31196 and BIEC2_31198) was detected with both models. This QTL explains 0.7% of the phenotypic variance. RYR2, a gene encoding a major calcium channel in cardiac muscle in humans and mice, is located 0.55 Mb from this potential QTL.
Detecting signatures of selection in nine distinct lines of broiler chickens
Authors: Stainton John J. , Haley Chris S. , Charlesworth Brian , Kranis Andreas , Watson Kellie , Wiener Pamela 
Published: December 2014

SummaryModern commercial chickens have been bred for one of two specific purposes: meat production (broilers) or egg production (layers). This has led to large phenotypic changes, so that the genomic signatures of selection may be detectable using statistical techniques. Genetic differentiation between nine distinct broiler lines was calculated using Weir and Cockerham's pairwise FST estimator for 11 003 genome‐wide markers to identify regions showing evidence of differential selection across lines. Differentiation measures were averaged into overlapping sliding windows for each line, and a permutation approach was used to determine the significance of each window. A total of 51 regions were found to show significant differentiation between the lines. Several lines were consistently found to share significant regions, suggesting that the pattern of line divergence is related to selection for broiler traits. The majority of the 51 regions contain QTL relating to broiler traits, but only five of them were found to be significantly enriched for broiler QTL, including a region on chromosome 27 containing 39 broiler QTL and 114 genes. Additionally, a number of these regions have been identified by other selection mapping studies. This study has identified a large number of potential selection signatures, and further tests with higher‐density marker data may narrow these regions down to individual genes.
Differential expression of CYB5A in Chinese and European pig breeds due to genetic variations in the promoter region
Authors: Bai Y. , Zhang J. B. , Xue Y. , Peng Y. L. , Chen G. , Fang M. Y. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryCytochrome b5 (CYB5A) is an important electron transfer protein with homologues in a number of different organisms. In pigs, CYB5A is related to boar taint because of its role in androstenone biosynthesis. To determine the variety of CYB5A expression in pig breeds, genetic variations in the porcine CYB5A promoter region in both Chinese and European pig breeds were examined. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (NC_010443.4:g.165901487delG, g.165901767T>C and g.165902078C>T) were identified in the porcine CYB5A promoter region. These SNPs occurred in different frequencies in Chinese and European pigs. Chinese pigs were primarily haplotype B (denoted as delG‐C‐T: the position of nt 165901487 of the CYB5 gene is a G deletion, nt 165901767 is C and nt 165902078 is T), except for Licha black pigs, which were primarily haplotype A (denoted as G‐T‐C: nt 165901487 is G, nt 165901767 is T and nt 165902078 is C), similar to European pigs. Quantitative PCR data from liver tissues demonstrated that haplotype B individuals had higher CYB5A expression than did those with haplotype A. This was confirmed by in vitro cell transfection assays, in which haplotype B individuals had higher reporter activity than did those with haplotype A. In silico analysis predicted that Myc‐associated zinc‐finger protein (MAZ) is a potential transcription factor at position 165901767. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed this polymorphism affects the stable binding of transcription factors to the CYB5A promoter, which in turn affects the expression levels of this gene. Therefore, this variation of the porcine CYB5A promoter region may explain the differences in androstenone accumulation between Chinese and European pig breeds and may also prove useful as a genetic marker to distinguish the origin of different pig breeds.
Morphology of the Canine Omentum Part 1: Arterial Landmarks that Define the Omentum
Authors: Doom M. , de Rooster H. , van Bergen T. , Gielen I. , Kromhout K. , Simoens P. , Cornillie P. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryAlthough the omentum remains an enigmatic organ, research during the last decades has revealed its fascinating functions including fat storage, fluid drainage, immune activity, angiogenesis and adhesion. While clinicians both in human and veterinary medicine are continuously exploring new potential omental applications, detailed anatomical data on the canine omentum are currently lacking, and information is often retrieved from human medicine. In this study, the topographic anatomy of the canine greater and lesser omentum is explored in depth. Current nomenclature is challenged, and a more detailed terminology is proposed. Consistent arteries that are contained within folds of the superficial omental wall are documented, described and named, as they can provide the anatomical landmarks that are necessary for unambiguous scientific communication on the canine omentum. In an included dissection video, the conclusions and in situ findings described in this study are demonstrated.
Young children's beliefs about self‐disclosure of performance failure and success
Authors: Hicks Catherine M. , Liu David , Heyman Gail D. 
Published: December 2014

Self‐disclosure of performance information involves the balancing of instrumental, learning benefits (e.g., obtaining help) against social costs (e.g., diminished reputation). Little is known about young children's beliefs about performance self‐disclosure. The present research investigates preschool‐ and early school‐age children's expectations of self‐disclosure in different contexts. In two experiments, 3‐ to 7‐year‐old children (total N = 252) heard vignettes about characters who succeeded or failed at solving a puzzle. Both experiments showed that children across all ages reasoned that people are more likely to self‐disclose positive than negative performances, and Experiment 2 showed that children across all ages reasoned that people are more likely to self‐disclose both positive and negative performances in a supportive than an unsupportive peer environment. Additionally, both experiments revealed changes with age – Younger children were less likely to expect people to withhold their performance information (of both failures and successes) than older children. These findings point to the preschool ages as a crucial beginning to children's developing recognition of people's reluctance to share performance information.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and age are strong indicators for atherosclerosis in morbid obesity
Authors: Puig Josep , Blasco Gerard , Daunis‐i‐Estadella Josep , Loshuertos Emili , Codina Jaume , Cuba Víctor , Ortiz Rosa , Xifra Gemma , Ricart Wifredo , Pedraza Salvador , Federici Massimo , Fernández‐Real José Manuel 
Published: December 2014

SummaryObjectiveWhether nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can predict atherosclerosis in obese patients remains unclear. The aim of our study was to investigate the usefulness of NAFLD and other cardiometabolic parameters in predicting subclinical atherosclerosis in obese patients.Design, Patients and MeasurementsWe studied 314 consecutive obese subjects (223 women; mean age, 45·04 ± 9·34 years; body mass index 44·3 ± 5 kg/m2) and 47 healthy lean individuals. Hepatic steatosis and atherosclerosis [carotid intima‐media thickness (cIMT) >0·8 mm and/or presence of plaques] were evaluated ultrasonographically. Liver biopsies were obtained in 51 patients.ResultsIn obese patients, mean c‐IMT was greater in those with NAFLD (P < 0·001). Hepatic steatosis and age were independent predictors of atherosclerosis: the NAFLD‐associated OR for atherosclerosis was 5·96 (95%CI, 1·60–22·25; P = 0·008) in men and 8·26 (95%CI, 4·02–16·99; P < 0·001) in women, and the age‐associated OR for atherosclerosis was 1·14 (95%CI, 1·07–1·22; P < 0·001) in men and 1·12 (95%CI, 1·08–1·17; P < 0·001) in women. The sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of steatosis for atherosclerosis were 78·70%, 70·50%, 74·00% and 75·60% (AUC = 0·840) in men ≥43·5 years and 86·90%, 52·50%, 68·80% and 76·80% (AUC = 0·761) in women ≥47·5 years, respectively. Agreement between ultrasound‐diagnosed steatosis and histology was good (ICC = 0·79). Combined NAFLD and age was the strongest predictor of atherosclerosis in obesity.ConclusionsNonalcoholic fatty liver disease and age may be independent risk factors for carotid atherosclerosis in obese individuals. Obese men and women with steatosis aged over 43·5 and 47·5 years, respectively, should be screened for carotid atherosclerosis. However, further evidence is necessary before suggesting an intervention based on current findings.
Clinicopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics of surgically treated primary carcinoma of the nasal vestibule – an evaluation of 30 cases
Authors: Koopmann M. , Weiss D. , Savvas E. , Rudack C. , Stenner M. 
Published: December 2014

Objectives/hypothesisSquamous cell carcinoma of the nasal vestibule (SCCNV) is a rare tumour entity. Treatment modality, particularly indication of neck dissection, is still a controversial subject of debate. We sought to evaluate the occurrence of lymph node metastases, the prognosis and the immunohistochemical characteristics of SCCNV.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.MethodsThis study included 30 consecutive patients with SCCNV treated with primary tumour resection and neck dissection in cases of suspicious lymph nodes between 2003 and 2013. According to therapeutical standard adjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy were applied in some cases. Clinicopathological data and immunohistochemical expression of CK5/6, EGFR, Ki‐67, MMP‐2, MMP‐9, p53 and VEGFR were analysed.ResultsThe median follow‐up period was 47.1 months. Five‐year disease‐free (5‐year DFS) and 5‐year overall survival (5‐year OS) were 91.7% and 92.3%. Five‐year OS in low‐grade tumours (G1, G2) was 100.0%, in high‐grade tumours (G3) 75.0% (P = 0.028), respectively. We did not detect any lymph node metastases in the neck dissections. Overexpression of p53 showed a trend for better 5‐year OS (p53‐positive 100% versus p53‐negative 77.8%, n.s.). We found a positive correlation between p53 and EGFR (P = 0.0001). There was no significant relationship between the expression rates of the markers and tumour stage and grading.ConclusionsWe propose no prophylactic neck dissection in small‐sized SCCNV. Subtile endoscopic follow‐up and periodic ultrasound examination of the cervical lymph nodes after surgical treatment are recommended. Further evaluation of the p53‐ and EGFR‐pathways might pave the way to identify possible molecular targets in an attempt to tailor tumour management.
Do Family Firms have Better Access to External Finance during Crises?
Authors: Crespí Rafel , Martín‐Oliver Alfredo 
Published: December 2014

AbstractManuscript TypeEmpiricalResearch Question/IssueWe explore whether family firms have easier access to debt during crises than nonfamily firms. We adapt the leverage equation from the corporate finance literature and estimate the differences in the leverages of family and nonfamily firms between expansion and crisis periods.Research Findings/InsightsThe capital structure of family firms is based less on external finance than that of nonfamily firms. Nevertheless, during crisis periods, family firms are less subject to credit restrictions than nonfamily firms and, thus, the impact of the lack of credit on their capital structure is less severe in the former than in the later.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsWe provide a reliable test of the access of family firms to external finance in a market with severe financial constraints. A precise empirical definition of family firms contributes to the study of the differential characteristics of this group of firms.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsThis paper shows the relevance of family firms in the economy under difficult financial conditions. The finding that lenders can be less reluctant to lend to family firms during a crisis encourages policies promoting a long‐term view of these firms and their control across generations. The results can also be useful at the time of designing policies related to the access of credit during expansion and crisis periods.