bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microfluidic Genotyping by Rapid Serial PCR and High-Speed Melting Analysis
Authors: Sundberg Scott O , Wittwer Carl T , Howell Renée M , Huuskonen Jarkko , Pryor Robert J , Farrar Jared S , Stiles Heather M , Palais Robert A , Knight Ivor T 
Published: August 2014

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Clinical molecular testing typically batches samples to minimize costs or uses multiplex lab-on-a-chip disposables to analyze a few targets. In genetics, multiple variants need to be analyzed, and different work flows that rapidly analyze multiple loci in a few targets are attractive.

METHODS
We used a microfluidic platform tailored to rapid serial PCR and high-speed melting (HSM) to genotype 4 single nucleotide variants. A contiguous stream of master mix with sample DNA was pulsed with each primer pair for serial PCR and melting. Two study sites each analyzed 100 samples for F2 (c.*97G&gt;A), F5 (c.1601G&gt;A), and MTHFR (c.665C&gt;T and c.1286A&gt;C) after blinding for genotype and genotype proportions. Internal temperature controls improved melting curve precision. The platform's liquid-handling system automated PCR and HSM.

RESULTS
PCR and HSM were completed in a total of 12.5 min. Melting was performed at 0.5 °C/s. As expected, homozygous variants were separated by melting temperature, and heterozygotes were identified by curve shape. All samples were correctly genotyped by the instrument. Follow-up testing was required on 1.38% of the assays for a definitive genotype.

CONCLUSIONS
We demonstrate genotyping accuracy on a novel microfluidic platform with rapid serial PCR and HSM. The platform targets short turnaround times for multiple genetic variants in up to 8 samples. It is also designed to allow automatic and immediate reflexive or repeat testing depending on results from the streaming DNA. Rapid serial PCR provides a flexible genetic work flow and is nicely matched to HSM analysis.
Minimum Wages: Do They Really Hurt Young People?
Authors: Galán Sofía , Puente Sergio 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
This paper uses a significant increase in the minimum wage in Spain between 2004 and 2010 as a case study to analyse the effects on the individual probability of losing employment, using a large panel of social security records. We show that this individual approach is important, as the possible effects for different types of individuals may differ from other estimates in the literature, based on aggregate or firm-level data, hence complementing them. Our main finding is that older people experienced the largest increase in the probability of losing their job, when compared with other age groups, including young people. The intuition is simple: among the affected (low-productivity) workers, young people are expected to increase their productivity more than older ones, who are in the flat part of their life-cycle productivity curve. Consequently, an employer facing a uniform increase in the minimum wage may find it profitable to retain young employees and to fire older ones.
Update on non-canonical microRNAs
Authors: Abdelfattah Ahmed Maher , Park Chanhyun , Choi Michael Y. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractNon-canonical microRNAs are a recently-discovered subset of microRNAs. They structurally and functionally resemble canonical miRNAs, but were found to follow distinct maturation pathways, typically bypassing one or more steps of the classic canonical biogenesis pathway. Non-canonical miRNAs were found to have diverse origins, including introns, snoRNAs, endogenous shRNAs and tRNAs. Our knowledge about their functions remains relatively primitive; however, many interesting discoveries have taken place in the past few years. They have been found to take part in several cellular processes, such as immune response and stem cell proliferation. Adversely, their deregulation has pathologic effects on several different tissues, which strongly suggests an integral role for non-canonical miRNAs in disease pathogenesis. In this review, we discuss the recently-discovered functional characteristics of non-canonical miRNAs and illustrate their principal maturation pathways as well as debating their potential role in multiple cellular processes.
Rowland Payne syndrome in a neonate as a consequence of birth trauma
Authors: Murone Anne-Joëlle Bosset , Kawasaki Aki 
Published: August 2014

Abstract

Background: The syndrome of Rowland Payne is a rare triad of unilateral Horner syndrome, ipsilateral vocal cord paralysis, and ipsilateral paralysis of the hemidiaphragm.

Case: A healthy newborn was noted to have right ptosis, a weak hoarse cry, and stridor immediately following delivery with forceps. Pupillary miosis on the same side as the ptosis was observed. Chest X-ray showed elevation of the right diaphragmatic dome. A diagnosis of Rowland Payne syndrome was made. Neuroimaging did not reveal any structural mass lesions. The hoarseness and stridor resolved within 1 month without intervention. The Horner syndrome improved but did not disappear completely.

Conclusion: In the few reported cases in the literature, the cause of Rowland Payne syndrome has been a malignant lesion of the anterior neck disrupting the oculosympathetic nerve, the vagus nerve, and the phrenic nerve. This is the first report of Rowland Payne syndrome in a neonate. We did not find any malignancy or compressive lesion to account for his symptoms and signs. We suggest that shearing forces at the lower neck at the level of the clavicle caused stretching and mechanical injury to these motor nerves or their branches. In this report of Roland Payne syndrome related to birth trauma, the prognosis was favorable.
Homology model of human prothrombinase based on the crystal structure of Pseutarin C
Authors: Pomowski Anja , Ustok Fatma Isik , Huntington James A. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThrombin is generated from prothrombin through cleavage at two sites by the prothrombinase complex. Prothrombinase is composed of a protease, factor (f) Xa, and a cofactor, fVa, which interact on negatively charged phospholipid surfaces and cleave prothrombin into thrombin 300 000 times faster than fXa alone. The balance between bleeding and thrombosis depends on the amount of thrombin produced, and this in turn depends on the function of the prothrombinase complex. How fXa and fVa interact and how improved prothrombin processing is conferred are of critical importance for understanding healthy and pathological blood clotting. Until recently, little structural information was available, and molecular models were built on partial structures with assembly guided by biochemical data. Last year our group published a crystal structure of a prothrombinase complex from the venom of the Australian Eastern Brown snake (known as Pseutarin C). Here we use the crystal structure of Pseutarin C as a starting point for homology modelling and assembly of the full human prothrombinase complex. The interface is complementary in shape and charge, and is consistent with much of the published biochemical data. The model of human prothrombinase presented here provides a powerful resource for contextualizing previous data and for designing future experiments.
Specific targeting of human caspases using designed ankyrin repeat proteins
Authors: Flütsch Andreas , Schroeder Thilo , Barandun Jonas , Ackermann Rafael , Bühlmann Martin , Grütter Markus G. 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Caspases play important roles in cell death, differentiation, and proliferation. Due to their high homology, especially of the active site, specific targeting of a particular caspase using substrate analogues is very difficult. Although commercially available small molecules based on peptides are lacking high specificity due to overlapping cleavage motives between different caspases, they are often used as specific tools. We have selected designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins) against human caspases 1–9 and identified high-affinity binders for the targeted caspases, except for caspase 4. Besides previously reported caspase-specific DARPins, we generated novel DARPins (D1.73, D5.15, D6.11, D8.1, D8.4, and D9.2) and confirmed specificity for caspases 1, 5, 6, and 8 using a subset of caspase family members. In addition, we solved the crystal structure of caspase 8 in complex with DARPin D8.4. This binder interacts with non-conserved residues on the large subunit, thereby explaining its specificity. Structural analysis of this and other previously published crystal structures of caspase/DARPin complexes depicts two general binding areas either involving active site forming loops or a surface area laterally at the large subunit of the enzyme. Both surface areas involve non-conserved surface residues of caspases.
G20210A mutation and cerebral venous infarct: a rare presentation in a child
Authors: Ahmareen Oneza , Neary Elaine , Sharif Farhana 
Published: August 2014

AbstractA 14-month old male was admitted with a 1-day history of lethargy, vomiting, drowsiness, and pallor. His examination was unremarkable. Within 24 h of admission, he developed partial seizures on the right side of his face. Magnetic resonance imaging scan showed cerebral venous thrombosis. Subsequent investigations included a thrombophilia screen, which revealed the heterozygote for prothrombin mutation
Hormone-brain-aging relationships, broadly reactive with imidazole-containing dipeptides: targeting of telomere attrition as an aging biomarker and dynamic telomerase activity flirting
Authors: Babizhayev Mark A. , Vishnyakova Khava S. , Yegorov Yegor E. 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
It has been documented that telomere-associated cellular senescence may contribute to certain age-related disorders, and telomere length (TL) may be an informative biomarker of healthy aging. Hormone-brain-aging behavior-modulated telomere dynamics and changes in telomerase activity are consistent elements of cellular alterations associated with changes in proliferative state, and these processes are consequently considered as the new therapeutic drug targets for physiological control with advanced drug delivery and nutritional formulations. We raise and support a therapeutic concept of using nonhydrolyzed forms of naturally occurring neuron-specific imidazole dipeptide-based compounds carnosine and carcinine, making it clinically possible that slowing down the rate of telomere shortening could slow down the human aging process in specific tissues where proliferative senescence is known to occur, with the demonstrated evidence of telomere shortening that appeared to be a hallmark of oxidative stress and disease. Carnosine released from skeletal muscle during exercise may be transported into the hypothalamic tuberomammillary nucleus (TMN) histamine neurons and hydrolyzed. The resulting L-histidine may subsequently be converted into histamine, which could be responsible for the effects of carnosine on neurotransmission and hormone-like antiaging physiological function. The preliminary longitudinal studies of elderly individuals suggest that longer telomeres are associated with better survival, and an advanced oral nutritional support with nonhydrolyzed carnosine (or carcinine and patented compositions thereof) is a useful therapeutic tool for a critical TL maintenance that may fundamentally be applied in the treatment of age-related sight-threatening eye disorders, prolonged life expectancy, increased survival and chronological age of an organism in health control, smoking behavior, and disease.
“Our pleasures were simple—they included survival.”
—Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th President of the United States, 1953–1961
Narrating the unspeakable. Person marking and focalization in Nabokov's short story ‘Signs and Symbols’
Authors: Levie Sophie , Wildschut Puck 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
This article investigates the interaction of person marking and focalization in the short story ‘Signs and Symbols’ (first published 1948, The New Yorker) by Russian-American author Vladimir Nabokov. This story has been studied extensively for its symbolism, its metafictional aspect, and its narrative structure. However, researchers have consequently ignored its most striking linguistic features: the almost exclusive use of pronouns in referring to the main characters and their characterization solely through lexical expressions focusing on outward appearances. This article offers a cognitive-stylistic analysis of these linguistic features in order to explain why many readers of ‘Signs and Symbols’ report a feeling of uncanniness while reading. Drawing on insights both from empirical linguistics and literary studies, the article aims to explain the role of pronominal expressions and deictic descriptions in reader's theme-construction and affective response to the text.
Language shifts in free indirect discourse
Authors: Maier Emar 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Free indirect discourse is a way of reporting what a protagonist thinks or says that is distinct from both direct and indirect discourse. In particular, while pronouns and tenses are presented from the narrator's perspective, as in indirect discourse, other indexical and expressive elements reflect the protagonist's point of view, as in direct discourse. In this paper I discuss a number of literary examples of free indirect discourse in which the narrator slips into the language, dialect or idiolect of the protagonist. I argue that the leading formal semantic analyses of free indirect discourse, which rely on semantic context shifting, fail to account for such language shifts. I then present an alternative account that treats free indirect discourse as a form of mixed quotation.
Effect of growth hormone deficiency on brain MRI findings among children with growth restrictions
Authors: Naderi Fariba , Eslami Samira Rajabi , Mirak Sohrab Afshari , Khak Mohammad , Amiri Jalaladin , Beyrami Bahram , Shekarchi Babak , Poureisa Masoud 
Published: August 2014

AbstractGrowth hormone deficiency (GHD) is a major problem among children with short stature. In this study, the role of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in defining the underlying defects among short children with GHD is evaluated.In a cross-sectional study, data of 158 children were evaluated. Growth hormone (GH) levels were measured using stimulating tests and brain MRI with gadolinium contrast was applied, as well.Some 25.3% of patients had GHD with a mean age of 8.01±3.40 years. MRI results showed 35 as normal, four with pituitary hypoplasia, and one with microadenoma. The MRI results were significantly associated with GH levels and presence of other endocrine disorders. There was a significant association between prenatal disorders and patients’ bone age delay.In patients with severe GHD and patients with multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies, MRI is more likely to be abnormal, and bone age is much delayed in patients with history of prenatal disorders.
THE RHETORICAL FUNCTION OF THE PERFECT IN CLASSICAL GREEK
Authors: Nijk Arjan Amor 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
The aim of this article is both to make a contribution towards a fuller understanding of the use of the perfect in Classical Greek, and to show how this understanding can yield new insights into how a speaker uses language to adapt his presentation of past events to his present rhetorical concerns. First, the semantic value of the perfect and its different basic uses are described. Second, four principles that help accounting for the variation between the perfect and aorist are outlined. Third, a number of typical uses of the perfect in Attic forensic oratory are distinguished. Finally, a textual analysis of De Corona 57-60, 79-121 is given in order to show how Demosthenes uses the perfect to accomplish his rhetorical ends.
Effect of Fabric and Weathering Intensity on Dynamic Properties of Residual and Saprolitic Soils via Resonant Column Testing
Authors: Pineda Jorge A. , Colmenares Julio E. , Hoyos Laureano R. 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Chemical weathering processes, such as decomposition and dissolution, are fairly well-understood phenomena as they relate to the formation of residual and saprolitic soils in the tropics. However, the effects that weathering intensity has on the physical characteristics and mechanical properties of weathered soil/rock materials, particularly their dynamic properties, are not yet fully understood. This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation conducted to assess the dynamic response of residual and saprolitic soils derived from a granodiorite rock in the central mountain range of Colombia and how this response relates to the soil microstructure and weathering intensity. Key dynamic properties, namely, shear modulus and material damping, were obtained via a fixed-free resonant column apparatus suitable for shear strain amplitudes ranging from 0.001 % to 0.1 %. Results from a short series of triaxial and oedometer tests substantiated the patterns of weathering intensity observed for each test soil. Soil fabric studies based on scanning electron microscopy observations, mercury intrusion porosimetry tests, and pore space distributions were also performed to identify the most relevant characteristics of the soil skeleton, as determined by the corresponding weathering intensity, that affect the dynamic response of each test soil. The residual soil, as the most altered/weathered material, was found to have a more rigid fabric, and thus greater stiffness, due to the presence of sesquioxides acting as cementing agents. In the saprolitic soil, a less weathered material, the soil fabric was dominated by distinct clay bridges formed between particle aggregations of partially decomposed primary minerals, resulting in less rigidity. The influence of confinement level on the shear modulus was found to be more pronounced in the saprolitic soil, which can be directly attributed to the changes in fabric of uncemented bonds during isotropic loading. Finally, and consistent with these general trends, the material damping of saprolitic soil was observed to be slightly less than that of residual soil, whereas the normalized shear moduli (G/Gmax) degradation curve was more pronounced in residual soil samples beyond a threshold value of shear strain amplitude.
A Non-Contact Technique for Damage Monitoring in Submerged Plates Using Guided Waves
Authors: Sharma Sandeep , Mukherjee Abhijit 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
This paper discusses a non-contact and in situ damage-monitoring methodology in submerged plates using ultrasonic guided waves. Specific Lamb wave modes sensitive to near-surface and sub-surface damages have been identified. These modes are further utilized for non-contact scanning of the plates to identify the presence, as well as extent, of damage. Effective combination of specific Lamb wave modes leads to comprehensive inspection of the submerged plate structures. The developed methodology is successfully applied for monitoring notches and corrosion in plate. The data generated from scanning the plates have been pictorially represented in the form of defect maps.
Context-Aware Services for Mobile Multimedia Application
Authors: Kung Hsu-Yang , Chen Chi-Hua , Lin Ching-Yu 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Advancements are rapidly being made in mobile computing environments and context-aware multimedia streaming services that are based on information about a user’s context. This work proposes a Context-Aware Embedded Multimedia Presentation System (CEMP) that is based on the context vocabulary ontology to provide a formal explicit description of the multimedia information domain and the formal context process model. The designed context recognition and context representation reasoning mechanism can perform context classification to deliver multimedia services of the required quality. Additionally, the CEMP system includes an adaptation reasoning mechanism that identifies the best adaptation control when the context changes. However, context modification may cause a context conflict problem among multiple adaptation requirements and resource limitations. The CEMP system provides a conflict resolution mechanism that calculates the context’s priority and the context weight to improve context conflict resolution results.
Bearing Capacity Estimation of Soil Under a Constructed Building by Rayleigh Wave Method
Authors: Xu Changjie , Chen Qizhi , Feng Qingsong 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
It is always difficult to test the bearing capacity of soil under constructed buildings. Thus, the adoption of the Rayleigh wave method to address this problem is investigated in this study. The fundamental of the Rayleigh wave velocity method in geological engineering is initially presented. The in situ shear wave velocity can be obtained by Rayleigh wave method. Rayleigh wave velocity and soils static load tests are conducted on several different kinds of soil. Thus, the fitting formula between shear wave velocity and soil bearing capacity under specific soil conditions is determined. A reconstruction engineering project that uses the Rayleigh wave velocity method to test the bearing capacity of soil under a constructed building is then studied. Rayleigh wave velocity tests are conducted based on this fitting formula to analyze the soil bearing capacity. The reconstruction is proven to be successful by settlement observation. The fitting formula between shear wave velocity and soil bearing capacity are probably different for various kinds of soil. Therefore, the application of the wave velocity test method in detecting the soil bearing capacity of a constructed building has to be studied before it can be popularized.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae Sen1 as a Model for the Study of Mutations in Human Senataxin That Elicit Cerebellar Ataxia
Authors: Chen Xin , Müller Ulrika , Sundling Kaitlin E , Brow David A 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
The nuclear RNA and DNA helicase Sen1 is essential in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and is required for efficient termination of RNA polymerase II transcription of many short noncoding RNA genes. However, the mechanism of Sen1 function is not understood. We created a plasmid-based genetic system to study yeast Sen1in vivo. Using this system, we show that (1) the minimal essential region of Sen1 corresponds to the helicase domain and one of two flanking nuclear localization sequences; (2) a previously isolated terminator readthrough mutation in the Sen1 helicase domain, E1597K, is rescued by a second mutation designed to restore a salt bridge within the first RecA domain; and (3) the human ortholog of yeast Sen1, Senataxin, cannot functionally replace Sen1 in yeast. Guided by sequence homology between the conserved helicase domains of Sen1 and Senataxin, we tested the effects of 13 missense mutations that cosegregate with the inherited disorder ataxia with oculomotor apraxia type 2 on Sen1 function. Ten of the disease mutations resulted in transcription readthrough of at least one of three Sen1-dependent termination elements tested. Our genetic system will facilitate the further investigation of structure–function relationships in yeast Sen1 and its orthologs.