bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Direct Prototyping of Patterned Nanoporous Carbon: A Route from Materials to On-chip Devices
Authors: Shen Caiwei , Wang Xiaohong , Zhang Wenfeng , Kang Feiyu 
Published: July 2013

AbstractPrototyping of nanoporous carbon membranes with three-dimensional microscale patterns is significant for integration of such multifunctional materials into various miniaturized systems. Incorporating nano material synthesis into microelectronics technology, we present a novel approach to direct prototyping of carbon membranes with highly nanoporous structures inside. Membranes with significant thicknesses (1 ~ 40 μm) are rapidly prototyped at wafer level by combining nano templating method with readily available microfabrication techniques, which include photolithography, high-temperature annealing and etching. In particular, the high-surface-area membranes are specified as three-dimensional electrodes for micro supercapacitors and show high performance compared to reported ones. Improvements in scalability, compatibility and cost make the general strategy promising for batch fabrication of operational on-chip devices or full integration of three-dimensional nanoporous membranes with existing micro systems.
Auditing Leviathan: Corruption and State Formation in Early Eighteenth-Century Britain
Authors: Graham Aaron 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Administrative and financial corruption was a central preoccupation of eighteenth-century Britain, and effective audit supposedly the sine qua non of an efficient fiscal-military state, yet no studies exist of its true extent or why audit mechanisms could prove so ineffective. Through a close study of the papers of James Brydges, Paymaster of the Forces between 1705 and 1713 and ‘a byword for corruption’, this article argues that a variety of inventive means were used to bypass the Exchequer audit, including outright falsification and forgery. Yet the Exchequer was not ineffective, and ultimately political standing determined how far corruption was detected or deterred. Where Brydges could mobilise personal and political connections with the Exchequer and other bodies such as the Comptrollers of Army Accounts, he had more success at evading scrutiny. By contrast, although the parliamentary Commissioners of Public Accounts used arbitrary and relatively unsystematic audit procedures and were motivated mainly by partisan interests, this lent them political power and motivation and thereby increased the credibility of their investigations. Less assured of political protection, Brydges therefore ceased most of his activities. Thus effective audit was not primarily the product of more impartial, rational or bureaucratic administrative structures, as most historians have suggested, but of the relative political standing of auditors versus their opponents. This has profound implications for studies of corruption and auditing during the eighteenth century and its continuities with earlier practices, and for understanding the decisive changes that occured during the nineteenth century.
Mid‐region pro‐adrenomedullin adds predictive value to clinical predictors and Framingham risk score for long‐term mortality in stable outpatients with heart failure
Authors: Xue Yang , Taub Pam , Iqbal Navaid , Fard Arrash , Clopton Paul , Maisel Alan 
Published: July 2013

AimsThe aim of this study was to evaluate the long‐term prognostic utility of mid‐region prohormone adrenomedullin (MR‐proADM) in stable outpatients with heart failure (HF).Methods and resultsEchocardiogram and serum for MR‐proADM and BNP levels were obtained in 724 stable outpatients. These patients were followed for up to 6 years for the primary endpoint of all‐cause mortality. There were 198 stage A patients, 328 stage B patients, and 200 stage C/D patients, with an average age of 68 ± 12 years. There were 195 deaths during the 6‐year follow‐up period. MR‐proADM was predictive of mortality in the overall patient population. The predictive value of MR‐proADM for long‐term mortality was independent of BNP, echocardiographic indices of structural heart disease, clinical predictors of mortality, and the Framingham risk score. Patients with elevated MR‐proADM had significantly increased risk for mortality in stage A and stage C/D HF, with hazard ratio (HR) 3.780, P < 0.001 and HR 2.744, P < 0.001, respectively. There was a trend toward increased mortality in patients with elevated MR‐proADM and stage B HF (HR 1.579, P = 0.05005). MR‐proADM added incremental predictive value to clinical predictors and the Framingham risk score.ConclusionsMR‐proADM was a potent independent predictor of long‐term all‐cause mortality in stable outpatients with stage A–D HF, especially in patients in stage A and stage C/D HF. MR‐proADM added incremental predictive value to clinical predictors and the Framingham risk score.
Salinity-Induced Calcium Signaling and Root Adaptation in Arabidopsis Require the Calcium Regulatory Protein Annexin1
Authors: Laohavisit Anuphon , Richards Siân L. , Shabala Lana , Chen Chen , Colaço Renato D.D.R. , Swarbreck Stéphanie M. , Shaw Emma , Dark Adeeba , Shabala Sergey , Shang Zhonglin , Davies Julia M. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Salinity (NaCl) stress impairs plant growth and inflicts severe crop losses. In roots, increasing extracellular NaCl causes Ca2+ influx to elevate cytosolic free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]cyt) as a second messenger for adaptive signaling. Amplification of the signal involves plasma membrane reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase activation, with the resultant reactive oxygen species triggering Ca2+ influx. The genetic identities of the Ca2+-permeable channels involved in generating the [Ca2+]cyt signal are unknown. Potential candidates in the model plant Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) include annexin1 (AtANN1). Here, luminescent detection of [Ca2+]cyt showed that AtANN1 responds to high extracellular NaCl by mediating reactive oxygen species-activated Ca2+ influx across the plasma membrane of root epidermal protoplasts. Electrophysiological analysis revealed that root epidermal plasma membrane Ca2+ influx currents activated by NaCl are absent from the Atann1 loss-of-function mutant. Both adaptive signaling and salt-responsive production of secondary roots are impaired in the loss-of-function mutant, thus identifying AtANN1 as a key component of root cell adaptation to salinity.
Opportunistic citizen science data of animal species produce reliable estimates of distribution trends if analysed with occupancy models
Authors: van Strien Arco J. , van Swaay Chris A.M. , Termaat Tim 
Published: July 2013

Summary

Many publications documenting large‐scale trends in the distribution of species make use of opportunistic citizen data, that is, observations of species collected without standardized field protocol and without explicit sampling design. It is a challenge to achieve reliable estimates of distribution trends from them, because opportunistic citizen science data may suffer from changes in field efforts over time (observation bias), from incomplete and selective recording by observers (reporting bias) and from geographical bias. These, in addition to detection bias, may lead to spurious trends.

We investigated whether occupancy models can correct for the observation, reporting and detection biases in opportunistic data. Occupancy models use detection/nondetection data and yield estimates of the percentage of occupied sites (occupancy) per year. These models take the imperfect detection of species into account. By correcting for detection bias, they may simultaneously correct for observation and reporting bias as well. We compared trends in occupancy (or distribution) of butterfly and dragonfly species derived from opportunistic data with those derived from standardized monitoring data. All data came from the same grid squares and years, in order to avoid any geographical bias in this comparison.

Distribution trends in opportunistic and monitoring data were well‐matched. Strong trends observed in monitoring data were rarely missed in opportunistic data.

Synthesis and applications. Opportunistic data can be used for monitoring purposes if occupancy models are used for analysis. Occupancy models are able to control for the common biases encountered with opportunistic data, enabling species trends to be monitored for species groups and regions where it is not feasible to collect standardized data on a large scale. Opportunistic data may thus become an important source of information to track distribution trends in many groups of species.
Complication rates of central compartment dissection in papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Kwan Wai‐Yin Wilson , Chow Tam‐Lin , Choi Chi‐Yee , Lam Siu‐Ho 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe benefits of central compartment dissection (CCD) in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) are still debatable and should be weighed against its potential risks. We aim to compare the complication rates in total thyroidectomy with and without CCD for patients with PTC.MethodsThis is a retrospective study on prospectively collected data from our cancer registry over a 15‐year period. Patients with pathologically proven PTC treated with total thyroidectomy alone or with CCD were included. CCD was performed at the operating surgeon's discretion. A total of 105 patients were included and divided into two groups for analysis: group A – total thyroidectomy alone (51 patients, 49%) and group B – total thyroidectomy with CCD (54 patients, 51%). The operative complications between the two groups were then evaluated.ResultsOverall, 6.9% and 0.98% patients had transient and permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsies, respectively. About 19.0% and 2.9% patients had transient and permanent hypoparathyroidism, respectively and 27.6% patients had parathyroid glands found to be included in the resected specimen. Complication rates in terms of transient or permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy or hypoparathyroidism did not differ significantly between groups A and B. Within group B, 41 patients had unilateral CCD and 12 had bilateral CCD. Transient hypoparathyroidism was more frequent in bilateral CCD (50% versus 12.2%, P = 0.01).ConclusionsTotal thyroidectomy with prophylactic unilateral CCD is a safe procedure for PTC without added complication rates compared with total thyroidectomy alone. It is recommended for patients with PTC and clinically negative neck lymph nodes.
Bioequivalence of a new liquid formulation of benazepril compared with the reference tablet product
Authors: Kelers K , Devi JL , Anderson GA , Zahra P , Vine JH , Whittem T 
Published: July 2013

ObjectiveTo compare the bioequivalence and ‘switchability’ of two formulations of benazepril (tablet and liquid) after oral administration.DesignRandomised cross‐over design, followed by parallel comparison.MethodsTwelve mixed‐breed dogs were administered either a tablet (Group A) or liquid formulation (Group B) of benazepril orally at 0.45 mg/kg daily for 4 days. With no washout period, the dogs then received the alternative treatment at the same dose for a further 4 days. Blood samples taken prior to treatment and serially after treatment were analysed for plasma concentrations of benazepril and benazeprilat and the activity and concentration of angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE). The calculated percentage inhibition of ACE was defined as the primary outcome variable.ResultsNo statistically significant differences were found between groups A and B for any variable evaluated. The mean (± SD) percentage of ACE inhibition was 85.5 ± 7.04% for the liquid formulation and 85.9 ± 6.66% for the tablet formulation. The mean of the ratios was 1.00 (80% confidence interval 0.96–1.04). No evaluated effect term (sequence, formulation or period) had any statistical effect on any outcome variable.ConclusionThis study supports a conclusion that, based on pharmacodynamic response, the liquid formulation of benazepril is bioequivalent to the reference tablet formulation. Further, the lack of a sequence effect supports the switchability of these two formulations.
Exhaled nitric oxide predicts persistence of wheezing, exacerbations, and decline in lung function in wheezy infants and toddlers
Authors: Elliott M. , Heltshe S. L. , Stamey D. C. , Cochrane E. S. , Redding G. J. , Debley J. S. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryBackgroundThere are limited data assessing the predictive value of fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) for persistence of wheezing, exacerbations, or lung function change over time in infants/toddlers with recurrent wheezing.ObjectivesIn an ongoing longitudinal cohort of infants and toddlers with recurrent wheezing, we compared predictive values of single‐breath FENO (SB‐FENO), tidal‐breathing mixed expired FENO (tidal‐FENO), bronchodilator responsiveness (BDR) and the Castro‐Rodriquez Asthma Predictive Index (API) for persistence of wheezing, exacerbations and lung function change through age 3 years.MethodsEnrolment forced expiratory flows and volumes infant pulmonary function tests (iPFTs) were measured in 44 infants/toddlers using the raised volume rapid thoracoabdominal compression method. SB‐FENO was measured at 50 mL/s, and tidal‐FENO was measured during awake tidal breathing. Clinical outcomes were assessed at age 3 years in 42 infants. Follow‐up iPFTs were completed between ages 2.5–3 years in 32 subjects.ResultsAn enrolment SB‐FENO concentration ≥ 30 p.p.b. predicted persistence of wheezing at age 3 years with a sensitivity of 77%, a specificity of 94%, and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.74–0.98). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive, and negative predictive values of SB‐FENO for persistence of wheezing and exacerbations were superior to tidal‐FENO, BDR, and the API. SB‐FENO ≥ 30 p.p.b. and tidal‐FENO ≥ 7 p.p.b. measured at enrolment was associated with a decline in both FEV0.5 and FEF25–75 between enrolment and age 3 years.ConclusionsIn wheezy infants/toddlers, SB‐FENO was superior to tidal‐FENO, BDR, and the API in predicting future exacerbations and persistence of wheezing at age 3 years. Both SB‐FENO and tidal‐FENO were associated with lung function decline over time.
Impaired presynaptic function and elimination of synapses at premature stages during postnatal development of the cerebellum in the absence of CALEB (CSPG5/neuroglycan C)
Authors: Jüttner René , Montag Dirk , Craveiro Rogerio B. , Babich Aleksei , Vetter Petra , Rathjen Fritz G. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractChicken acidic leucine‐rich EGF‐like domain‐containing brain protein (CALEB), also known as chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG)5 or neuroglycan C, is a neural chondroitin sulfate‐containing and epidermal growth factor (EGF)‐domain‐containing transmembrane protein that is implicated in synaptic maturation. Here, we studied the role of CALEB within the developing cerebellum. Adult CALEB‐deficient mice displayed impaired motor coordination in Rota‐Rod experiments. Analysis of the neuronal connectivity of Purkinje cells by patch‐clamp recordings demonstrated impairments of presynaptic maturation of inhibitory synapses. GABAergic synapses on Purkinje cells revealed decreased evoked amplitudes, altered paired‐pulse facilitation and reduced depression after repetitive stimulation at early postnatal but not at mature stages. Furthermore, the elimination of supernumerary climbing fiber synapses on Purkinje cells was found to occur at earlier developmental stages in the absence of CALEB. For example, at postnatal day 8 in wild‐type mice, 54% of Purkinje cells had three or more climbing fiber synapses in contrast to mutants where this number was decreased to less than 25%. The basic properties of the climbing fiber Purkinje cell synapse remained unaffected. Using Sholl analysis of dye‐injected Purkinje cells we revealed that the branching pattern of the dendritic tree of Purkinje cells was not impaired in CALEB‐deficient mice. The alterations observed by patch‐clamp recordings correlated with a specific pattern and timing of expression of CALEB in Purkinje cells, i.e. it is dynamically regulated during development from a high chondroitin sulfate‐containing form to a non‐chondroitin sulfate‐containing form. Thus, our results demonstrated an involvement of CALEB in the presynaptic differentiation of cerebellar GABAergic synapses and revealed a new role for CALEB in synapse elimination in Purkinje cells.
The shaping of genetic variation in edge‐of‐range populations under past and future climate change
Authors: Razgour Orly , Juste Javier , Ibáñez Carlos , Kiefer Andreas , Rebelo Hugo , Puechmaille Sébastien J. , Arlettaz Raphael , Burke Terry , Dawson Deborah A. , Beaumont Mark , Jones Gareth 
Published: July 2013

AbstractWith rates of climate change exceeding the rate at which many species are able to shift their range or adapt, it is important to understand how future changes are likely to affect biodiversity at all levels of organisation. Understanding past responses and extent of niche conservatism in climatic tolerance can help predict future consequences. We use an integrated approach to determine the genetic consequences of past and future climate changes on a bat species, Plecotus austriacus. Glacial refugia predicted by palaeo‐modelling match those identified from analyses of extant genetic diversity and model‐based inference of demographic history. Former refugial populations currently contain disproportionately high genetic diversity, but niche conservatism, shifts in suitable areas and barriers to migration mean that these hotspots of genetic diversity are under threat from future climate change. Evidence of population decline despite recent northward migration highlights the need to conserve leading‐edge populations for spearheading future range shifts.
Trend mining in social networks: from trend identification to visualization
Authors: Nohuddin Puteri N. E. , Sunayama Wataru , Christley Rob , Coenen Frans , Setzkorn Christian 
Published: July 2013

AbstractA four‐stage social network trend mining framework, the Identification, Grouping, Clustering and Visualization framework, is described. The framework extracts trends from social network data and then applies a sequence of techniques (‘tools’) to this data to facilitate interpretation of the identified trends. Of particular note is the visualization of trend migrations (changes) that feature within time‐stamped network data. The framework is illustrated using a sequence of four social networks extracted from the Cattle Tracing System in operation in Great Britain, although it could equally well be applied to other forms of temporal data. The presented analysis of the Identification, Grouping, Clustering and Visualization framework indicates advantages, with respect to network trend mining, that can be gained, especially when the framework is applied to real data.
Integrating telemetry with a predictive model to assess habitat preferences and juvenile survival in an endangered freshwater turtle
Authors: Micheli‐Campbell Mariana A. , Campbell Hamish A. , Connell Marilyn , Dwyer Ross G. , Franklin Craig E. 
Published: July 2013

Summary

The introduction of predators and habitat destruction is leading to a worldwide decline in freshwater turtles. Here, we assessed the preferred habitat and the predation rates for juveniles of the endangered Mary River turtle (Elusor macrurus).

Juvenile turtles were fitted with miniaturised transmitters and located accurately over a 21‐day period. Water depth and velocity were measured at each locality, and the data used to populate a predictive distribution model (ecological niche factor analysis – ENFA – with Mahalanobis distances). The model showed that the juvenile turtles preferred areas of shallow, slow‐flowing water near riffles. Extrapolation of the model throughout the entire river trunk identified a further 49 discrete locations that possessed the environmental characteristics preferred by the juvenile turtles.

A further 12 juveniles were released with long‐life (9 months) acoustic transmitters, and static underwater receivers were deployed to continuously record the presence and absence of turtles. The passive telemetry results supported the ENFA model and also suggested a 50% predation rate of the juvenile turtles over 9 months. Half of the predated turtles were probably taken by fish, whilst the other half were taken by a bird or mammal predator (inferred by changes in the movement of the attached transmitters).

Combining telemetry with a predictive distribution model showed where juvenile E. macrurus are likely to be found and the riverine features that require preservation to conserve the species.
Influence of immunohistochemistry on the final diagnosis of breast biopsies
Authors: Trocchi Pietro , Holzhausen Hans‐Jürgen , Böcker Werner , Schmidt‐Pokrzywniak Andrea , Ruschke Kathrin , Thomssen Christoph , Löning Thomas , Kluttig Alexander , Stang Andreas 
Published: July 2013

AimsBecause of the introduction of mammography screening programmes in Europe, the number of breast biopsies performed is increasing. We investigated the influence of immunohistochemistry (IHC) on the final diagnosis of breast biopsies by comparing the primary diagnoses (based on the results of haematoxylin and eosin staining only) with the final diagnoses (based on the additional information provided by IHC).Methods and resultsWe analysed the breast biopsies which were performed at the University of Halle‐Wittenberg between 2006 and 2010 and for which the pathologist requested IHC for making the final diagnosis. According to the B‐categorization scheme, the primary diagnosis changed in 37 of a total of 429 biopsies (8.6%). In 18 of these biopsies (48.6%) the category changed from B1–B2 to B3–B5 or vice versa, which would imply a different work‐up. Only 77% of the primary diagnoses of breast cancer in situ were confirmed.ConclusionIHC has a considerable influence on the final diagnosis of breast biopsies in several situations, including those in which the biopsied women are at risk of inadequate therapeutic intervention. The influence is particularly notable among those biopsies for which IHC is performed in order to assess the suspicion of breast cancer in situ.
SOLVENCY ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION IN PROPERTY–CASUALTY INSURANCE: INCORPORATING ECONOMIC AND MARKET PREDICTORS
Authors: Zhang Li , Nielson Norma 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThis article extends the insolvency prediction literature by incorporating macroeconomic conditions and state‐specific factors. The models achieve greater generalizability and predictive accuracy than earlier research while giving fewer false positives. At the firm level, we find insurers with less diversified business, sufficient cash flow, high return on equity, lower leverage, fewer failed Insurance Regulatory Information System ratio tests, and membership in a larger group are less likely to become insolvent. Our findings support the argument that insolvency likelihood increases for insurers domiciled in states with stricter solvency supervision and/or states with less favorable insurance market conditions, and during soft markets; insolvency risk is negatively related to the slope of the yield curve. Our findings also imply that insurers respond efficiently to changes in such market factors as market return, inflation, and catastrophic losses.