bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of the ‘Gait keeper’ mutation in the DMRT3 gene on gaiting ability in Icelandic horses
Authors: Kristjansson T. , Bjornsdottir S. , Sigurdsson A. , Andersson L.S. , Lindgren G. , Helyar S.J. , Klonowski A.M. , Arnason T. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryA nonsense mutation in DMRT3 (‘Gait keeper’ mutation) has a predominant effect on gaiting ability in horses, being permissive for the ability to perform lateral gaits and having a favourable effect on speed capacity in trot. The DMRT3 mutant allele (A) has been found in high frequency in gaited breeds and breeds bred for harness racing, while other horse breeds were homozygous for the wild‐type allele (C). The aim of this study was to evaluate further the effect of the DMRT3 nonsense mutation on the gait quality and speed capacity in the multigaited Icelandic horse and demonstrate how the frequencies of the A‐ and C‐ alleles have changed in the Icelandic horse population in recent decades. It was confirmed that homozygosity for the DMRT3 nonsense mutation relates to the ability to pace. It further had a favourable effect on scores in breeding field tests for the lateral gait tölt, demonstrated by better beat quality, speed capacity and suppleness. Horses with the CA genotype had on the other hand significantly higher scores for walk, trot, canter and gallop, and they performed better beat and suspension in trot and gallop. These results indicate that the AA genotype reinforces the coordination of ipsilateral legs, with the subsequent negative effect on the synchronized movement of diagonal legs compared with the CA genotype. The frequency of the A‐allele has increased in recent decades with a corresponding decrease in the frequency of the C‐allele. The estimated frequency of the A‐allele in the Icelandic horse population in 2012 was 0.94. Selective breeding for lateral gaits in the Icelandic horse population has apparently altered the frequency of DMRT3 genotypes with a predicted loss of the C‐allele in relatively few years. The results have practical implications for breeding and training of Icelandic horses and other gaited horse breeds.
Comparative metabolomic analysis of wild type and mads3 mutant rice anthers
Authors: Qu Guorun , Quan Sheng , Mondol Palash , Xu Jie , Zhang Dabing , Shi Jianxin 
Published: July 2014

AbstractRice (Oryza sativa L.) MADS3 transcription factor regulates the homeostasis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during late anther development, and one MADS3 mutant, mads3‐4, has defective anther walls, aborted microspores and complete male sterility. Here, we report the untargeted metabolomic analysis of both wild type and mads3‐4 mature anthers. Mutation of MADS3 led to an unbalanced redox status and caused oxidative stress that damages lipid, protein, and DNA. To cope with oxidative stress in mads3‐4 anthers, soluble sugars were mobilized and carbohydrate metabolism was shifted to amino acid and nucleic acid metabolism to provide substrates for the biosynthesis of antioxidant proteins and the repair of DNA. Mutation of MADS3 also affected other aspects of rice anther development such as secondary metabolites associated with cuticle, cell wall, and auxin metabolism. Many of the discovered metabolic changes in mads3‐4 anthers were corroborated with changes of expression levels of corresponding metabolic pathway genes. Altogether, this comparative metabolomic analysis indicated that MADS3 gene affects rice anther development far beyond the ROS homeostasis regulation.
The provision of aids and adaptations, risk assessments, and incident reporting and recording procedures in relation to injury prevention for adults with intellectual disabilities: cohort study
Authors: Finlayson J. , Jackson A. , Mantry D. , Morrison J. , Cooper S.‐A. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundAdults with intellectual disabilities (IDs) experience a higher incidence of injury, compared with the general population. The aim of this study was to investigate the provision of aids and adaptations, residential service providers' individual risk assessments and training in these, and injury incident recording and reporting procedures, in relation to injury prevention.MethodInterviews were conducted with a community‐based cohort of adults with IDs (n = 511) who live in Greater Glasgow, Scotland, UK and their key carer (n = 446). They were asked about their aids and adaptations at home, and paid carers (n = 228) were asked about individual risk assessments, their training, and incident recording and reporting procedures.ResultsFour hundred and twelve (80.6%) of the adults with IDs had at least one aid or adaptation at home to help prevent injury. However, a proportion who might benefit, were not in receipt of them, and surprisingly few had temperature controlled hot water or a bath thermometer in place to help prevent burns/scalds, or kitchen safety equipment to prevent burns/scalds from electric kettles or irons. Fifty‐four (23.7%) of the paid carers were not aware of the adult they supported having had any risk assessments, and only 142 (57.9%) had received any training on risk assessments. Considerable variation in incident recording and reporting procedures was evident.ConclusionMore work is needed to better understand, and more fully incorporate, best practice injury prevention measures into routine support planning for adults with IDs within a positive risk‐taking and risk reduction framework.
How It Was/Is Told, Recorded and Remembered: The Discontinued History of the Third Front Construction
Authors: Li Ju 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBy comparing different historical narratives of the Third Front Construction that was built as a home‐front defensive industrial base against the threat of war from both the Soviet Union and the United States in the 1960s, this paper aims to explore a particular aspect of China's socialist history in a relational manner that contrasts but also connects past and present, archives and subjectivity, top‐down and bottom‐up perspectives. It is part of a larger effort to understand the complexity of China's socialist history and its relation to the present.
Performance of acute flaccid paralysis surveillance compared with World Health Organization standards
Authors: Desai Shalini , Smith Tiffany , Thorley Bruce R , Grenier Danielle , Dickson Nigel , Altpeter Ekkehardt ,   SPSU Committee, Sabbe Martine , Elliott Elizabeth , Zurynski Yvonne 
Published: July 2014

AimTo compare acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance systems used by members of the International Network of Paediatric Surveillance Units (INoPSU) across the five AFP surveillance performance indicators recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the maintenance of polio‐free certification.MethodsA survey was administered to AFP surveillance co‐ordinators in five INoPSU member countries (Australia, Belgium, Canada, New Zealand and Switzerland). Data collected included information on surveillance system processes, WHO‐recommended performance indicators, investigative practices and final diagnoses of cases from 2006 to 2010.ResultsAll countries contacted completed the survey. Each country used similar case definitions and processes for collecting AFP data. All countries used at least one of the WHO indicators for surveillance. No country consistently met the performance indicator for incidence or stool sampling. In all countries, at least one form of neurological testing was used to diagnose cases of AFP. Guillain‐Barré syndrome was the most common final diagnosis in all countries for all years examined.ConclusionsIndustrialised countries surveyed do not consistently meet the WHO‐recommended AFP surveillance performance indicators. An opportunity exists for INoPSU to suggest a standard way for member countries to collect AFP data in order to examine the potential for strengthening the current systems or introducing additional enterovirus surveillance or alternative/complementary neurological performance measures suitable for countries that have eliminated polio. INoPSU member countries are evaluating these possibilities.
Evaluation of regional limb perfusion with chloramphenicol using the saphenous or cephalic vein in standing horses
Authors: Kelmer G. , Tatz A. J. , Famini S. , Bdolah‐Abram T. , Soback S. , Britzi M. 
Published: July 2014

Regional limb perfusion (RLP) significantly decreases morbidity and mortality associated with distal limb injuries in horses. There is an urgent need for finding additional effective antimicrobial drugs for use inRLP. In this study, we tested the pharmacokinetics (PK) of chloramphenicol inRLP. Eight horses participated in the study, which was approved by theUniversityAnimalCare andUseCommittee. The cephalic and the saphenous veins were used to perfuse the limbs. Synovial samples were collected from the metacarpo/metatarsophalangeal (MCP/MTP) joint. TheFriedmanTest was applied for assessing change inPKconcentration over time, for all time points. TheWilcoxonSignedRanksTest was used to test the difference betweenPKconcentration in joint & serum as well as concentration in joint vs.MIC. The comparison of measurements between measurements taken on hind vs. front legs was carried out using theMann–WhitneyTest. AP‐value of 5% or less was considered statistically significant. AfterRLP, the concentration of chloramphenicol in the synovial fluid of theMCP/MTPjoint using either the cephalic or the saphenous vein was initially far above the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of most susceptible pathogens and remained above theMICfor approximately 6 h. The results indicate that performingRLPusing the cephalic and saphenous veins enables reaching concentrations of chloramphenicol in theMCP/MTPjoint that are well above theMICof most susceptible pathogens. The chloramphenicol concentrations achieved in the synovial fluid of theMCP/MTPjoint in the current study were between 1.5 (MTP) and 7 (MCP) times theMICofMRSAin horses. These results are encouraging sinceMRSAinfections are becoming far more common, causing considerable morbidity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of chloramphenicol followingRLPin the horse and the results are positive.
Functional dyspepsia: outcome of focus groups for the development of a questionnaire for symptom assessment in patients suffering from postprandial distress syndrome (PDS)
Authors: Carbone F. , Holvoet L. , Vandenberghe A. , Tack J. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundTo date, no patient reported outcomes (PRO) instrument is available for evaluation of treatment efficacy in functional dyspepsia (FD)/postprandial distress syndrome (PDS). The aim of our study was to perform focus group interviews for the development of a new questionnaire for assessing symptom pattern and severity in PDS.MethodsRandom ambulatory patients diagnosed with FD/PDS based on Rome III criteria and no predominant gastro‐esophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms were invited to participate. Focus group sessions were organized where patients reported and discussed their symptoms, facilitated by an experienced physician. After reaching saturation of identified symptom items, questions for a pilot PRO instrument were drafted and evaluated in cognitive interviews for relevance, clarity, and consistency.Key ResultsOf 225 screened patients, 26 patients were diagnosed with PDS without overlapping GERD as single final diagnosis. Fifteen of these (87% female, 48 ± 3.2 years) participated in one of three focus groups. All (100%) confirmed experiencing symptoms that were triggered or aggravated by ingestion of a meal, corresponding to early satiation (100%), and postprandial fullness (100%). In addition reported gastroduodenal symptoms were nausea (40%, postprandial in all, interprandial in 20%), upper abdominal bloating (33%), excessive belching (27%), and vomiting (13%). Epigastric pain and burning were present in respectively 20% and 13%. Non‐gastroduodenal symptoms that patients reported included heartburn (33%, but mostly sporadic), weight loss (93%, on average 5.0 ± 1.7 kg), and fatigue (67%). Questions evaluating these symptoms were validated in 15 cognitive interviews.Conclusions & InferencesThis focus group study confirms symptoms corresponding to postprandial fullness and early satiation as the key items for developing a PRO for PDS.
Prevalence of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with High CHADS2‐ and CHA2DS2VASc‐Scores: Anticoagulate or Monitor High‐Risk Patients?
Authors: TISCHER TINA S. , SCHNEIDER RALPH , LAUSCHKE JÖRG , NESSELMANN CATHARINA , KLEMM ANKE , DIEDRICH DOREEN , KUNDT GÜNTHER , BÄNSCH DIETMAR 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundIn patients with known atrial fibrillation (AF) different scores are utilized to estimate the risk of thromboembolic events and guide oral anticoagulation. Diagnosis of AF strongly depends on the duration of electrocardiogram monitoring. The aim of this study was to use established scores to predict the prevalence of AF.MethodsThe CHADS2‐ (Congestive Heart failure, hypertension, Age >75 years, Diabetes, Stroke [doubled]) and CHA2DS2VASc‐score (Congestive Heart failure, hypertension, Age ≥75 years [doubled], Diabetes, Stroke [doubled], Vascular disease, Age 65–74 years, Sex category [female sex]) was calculated in 150,408 consecutive patients, referred to the University Hospital of Rostock between 2007 and 2012. All factors constituting these scores and a history of AF were prospectively documented with the ICD‐10 admission codes.ResultsMean age of our study population was 67.6 ± 13.6 years with a mean CHADS2‐score of 1.65 ± 0.92 and CHA2DS2VASc‐score of 3.04 ± 1.42. AF was prevalent in 15.9% of the participants. The prevalence of AF increased significantly with every CHADS2‐ and CHA2DS2VASc‐score point up to 54.2% in CHADS2‐score of 6 and 71.4% in CHA2DS2VASc‐score of 9 (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe prevalence of AF increases with increasing CHADS2‐ and CHA2DS2VASc‐score. In intermediate scores intensified monitoring may be recommended. In high scores, thromboembolic complications occurred irrespective of the presence of AF and anticoagulant therapy may be initiated irrespective of documented AF.
Modelling approach for the quantitative variation of sex expression in monoecious hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)
Authors: Faux Anne‐Michelle , Bertin Pierre 
Published: July 2014

AbstractSex expression is of primary importance for the genetic improvement and production of monoecious hemp: masculinized phenotypes are associated with higher fungal sensitivity, and feminized phenotypes with higher seed yields. However, sex expression varies quantitatively among plants and nodes and with time. Here, we developed eight variables that characterize the sex expression in monoecious hemp to dissect its genetic determinism. The monoecy degree (MD), ranging from 1 (mostly male flowers) to 5 (mostly female flowers), was recorded for each node of 167 plants, at 6 times at 1‐week intervals. Two types of longitudinal variables were constructed: ‘synthesis’ (mean MD and percentages of nodes of each MD) and ‘structure’. The latter consisted of the parameters of a logistic curve describing MD as a function of the node position. An r‐square of 0.97 was obtained between the estimated and observed MD values, and the logistic parameters were weakly correlated with each other and with the synthesis variables. Therefore, we conclude that the present modelling approach is relevant for characterizing the sex expression in monoecious hemp.
Mismeasurement of Distance Effects: The Role of Internal Location of Production
Authors: Yilmazkuday Hakan 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe estimated effects of distance in empirical international trade regressions are unrealistically high. Using state‐and‐sector level US exports data, this paper shows analytically and proves empirically that ignoring the internal location of production (of international exports), which leads to the overestimation of distance effects by about twofold, is a possible explanation. This overestimation is mostly attributed to the mismeasurement of the distance elasticity of trade costs when internal locations of production are ignored. A corrective distance index is proposed to avoid such mismeasurements and is shown to work well for the median sector. The results are robust to the consideration of alternative estimation methodologies and data sets.
The Metaphysical Implications of Conjoined Twinning
Authors: Olson Eric T. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractConjoined twinning is said to show that the number of human people—the number of us—can differ from the number of human organisms, and hence that we are not organisms. The paper shows that these arguments either assume the point at issue, rely on dubious and undefended assumptions, or add nothing to more familiar arguments for the same conclusion.
Secondary structure estimation and properties analysis of stretched Asian and Caucasian hair
Authors: Zhou A. J. , Liu H. L. , Du Z. Q. 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundIn this previous work, we investigated the secondary structure changes of stretched yak hairs by deconvolution, secondary derivation, and curve fitting and determined the number of bands and their positions in order to resolve the protein spectrum of Raman spectroscopy.ObjectivesThe secondary structure estimation and properties analysis of stretched Asian and Caucasian hair were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, tensile curves, and measurement of density.MethodsThe hairs were stretched, dried, and baked at ratios 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%.ResultsThe analysis of the amide I band indicated that the transformation from α‐helix to β‐pleated structure occured during the stretching process, which could be verified from the tensile analysis. The cysteine oxide in S–O vibration area exhibited that stretching led to the breakage of the disulfide bonds. When the stretching ratio of Caucasian hair was more than a certain ratio, the fiber macromolecular structure was destroyed because Caucasian hair had finer diameter and less medulla than Asian hair. The β turn was easier to retract compared with other conformations, resulted in the content increase. The density measurements revealed that the structure of Caucasian hair was indeed more destroyed than that of Asian hair. The cuticles characterization indicated the length of scales was stretched longer and the thickness became thinner. Caucasian hair tended to collapse to form small fragments at the early stage of stretching. With the increase in stretching ratio, the scales of Caucasian hair lifted up, then flaked off and the scale interval increased accordingly. Asian hair was more easily peeled off than Caucasian hair cuticles with the increase in stretching ratio.ConclusionsThe secondary structure of Caucasian hair was destroyed more easily than that of Asian hair.
Industrial Trent Dry Low Emissions Gas Fuel Control System
Authors: Gessaman Jeff , Goetz Andreas 
Published: July 2014

Regulations are requiring that the emissions from land-based gas turbines be tightly controlled. To limit emissions, the Industrial Trent turbine controls flame temperature through a premixed multi-stage combustor. This requires a multi-path fuel delivery system that provides accurate and repeatable metering of the fuel. There are also requirements that the fuel system quickly stop the flow of fuel and vent appropriate lines in the case of a load rejection or an emergency shutdown.
The gas system is a four-path fuel metering system that incorporates shutoff and vent capabilities in addition to high accuracy multi-path flow metering. One of the fuel paths is dedicated to the ignition torch and is significantly smaller and flow accuracies are less demanding than for the three main metering legs.
The concentration of work was dedicated to providing highly accurate and repeatable flow metering for the three main fuel legs. There was also a drive to minimize cost and provide commonality of parts between each of the three legs. Current fuel schedules require metering through a 20:1 turn down ratio.
Flow through each metering leg is measured in the same manner as flow measurement is performed across an orifice flow meter. The metering valve is a primary element for which the flow characteristics are well known under a large number of valve positions and flow conditions. Analysis and testing has been conducted to define flow accuracy and repeatability. Further work has been conducted to minimize pressure drop across the system and to reduce the number of sensors required.
Three Dimensional Thermoacoustic Oscillation in a Premix Combustor
Authors: Akamatsu S. , Dowling A. P. 
Published: July 2014

A theory is developed to describe high frequency three-dimensional thermoacoustic waves in a simplified geometry representing a typical premix combustor. The theory considers linear modes of frequency ω and circumferential mode number m i.e. proportional to eiωt+imθ. The radial and axial dependence is determined for a cylindrical combustor.
Simple geometries are investigated systematically to analyze the effect of different inlet boundary conditions to the combustion chamber on the frequency of oscillation and on the susceptibility to instability, both near and away from the cut-off frequencies.
The model includes a one-dimensional mean flow, radial mode coupling and idealized combustion processes, which are added in stages to build up an understanding of the complicated acoustics of the premix combustor geometry.
It is demonstrated that the flow through the premix ducts provides a frequency-dependent boundary condition at combustor inlet and causes modal coupling.
Generalized linear equations of conservation of mass, momentum and energy, together with boundary conditions, are solved to identify the eigenfrequencies, ω, of the total system. Then Real ω determines the frequency of the oscillation, while Imaginary ω indicates the growth rate of the disturbance.
It is found that strong resonant peaks in the pressure waves exist close to the cut-off condition for acoustic waves and that the relationship between the unsteady rate of heat release and the flow significantly influences the instability of oscillation.
Thermoacoustic Oscillations in an Annular Combustor
Authors: Stow Simon R. , Dowling Ann P. 
Published: July 2014

Lean premixed prevaporised (LPP) combustion can reduce NOx emissions from gas turbines, but often leads to combustion instability. Acoustic waves produce fluctuations in heat release, for instance by perturbing the fuel–air ratio or flame shape. These heat fluctuations will in turn generate more acoustic waves and in some situations self-sustained oscillations can result.
A linear model for thermoacoustic oscillations in LPP combustors is described. A thin annular combustor is assumed and so circumferential modes are included but radial dependence is ignored. The geometry consists of straight ducts joined by short regions of area change. Perturbations to the flow can be thought of as a combination of acoustic, entropy and vorticity waves. The development of these waves along the straight ducts is found using a propagation matrix approach. At the entrance to the combustion chamber, a flame model is used in which the unsteady heat release is related to fluctuations in fuel–air ratio. Various possible inlet and outlet conditions are described. The model is then applied to a simplified example based on a sector rig. The resonant modes are found numerically and compared with the frequencies that occurred in experiments.