bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Growth temperature effect on the structure of CoPt islands on NaCl(001) studied by grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering
Authors: Maret Mireille , Liscio Fabiola , Makarov Denys , Doisneau-Cottignies Béatrice , Ganss Fabian , Missiaen Jean-Michel , Albrecht Manfred 
Published: December 2013

The structure (size, shape, orientation) of CoPt alloy islands formed on NaCl(001) substrates was investigated using grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) combined with electron and X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Co50Pt50and Co25Pt75islands formed at 473 K by co-deposition of Co and Pt species are oriented along the [001] direction, and their shapes are well described as truncated spheres with lateral sizes of around 4–5 nm. In contrast, using the same Co and Pt atomic fluxes, co-deposition at 673 K leads to the formation of strongly enriched Pt islands with larger sizes, and different orientations and shapes. The Pt enrichment is attributed to a large increase in the difference between the Co and Pt condensation coefficients with deposition temperature. Surprisingly, for the island assemblies formed at 673 K, the GISAXS patterns are dominated by the scattered intensities of the [001]-oriented islands with a truncated octahedron shape, thus masking the contributions of the [111]- and [110]-oriented islands which can exhibit larger sizes.
CT‐Guided, Minimally Invasive, Postmortem Needle Biopsy Using the B‐Rob II Needle‐Positioning Robot
Authors: Martinez Rosa M. , Ptacek Wolfgang , Schweitzer Wolf , Kronreif Gernot , Fürst Martin , Thali Michael J. , Ebert Lars C. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractCT‐guided, minimally invasive needle biopsy techniques can be used to retrieve tissue or body fluid samples for histologic tissue diagnoses in forensic investigations. The purpose of this study was an evaluation of CT‐guided needle‐positioning robot B‐Rob II. To operate under CT guidance, we adopted the B‐Rob II robotic needle placement system and its workflow. The accuracy and speed of the procedure were tested on a gelatin phantom in a series of 21 biopsies. We achieved an average needle placement accuracy of 1.8 mm (±1.1 mm) using robotic assistance. The procedure required an average of 2 min 21 s. The needle placement accuracy for minimally invasive needle biopsies using the B‐Rob II biopsy robot is sufficiently accurate and fast for forensic postmortem examinations of focal organ changes. Further tests will be performed to test the feasibility of the robot for performing biopsies of focal organ changes in human bodies.
Release of Allyl Isothiocyanate from Mustard Seed Meal Powder
Authors: Dai Ruyan , Lim Loong‐Tak 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAllyl isothiocyanate (AITC) is a wide‐spectrum antimicrobial compound found in mustard seeds, produced when their tissues are disrupted. The formation of AITC in mustard seed is mediated by the myrosinase enzyme which catalyzes the release of volatile AITC from a glucosinolate—sinigrin. Since water is a substrate in the reaction, humidity from the air can be used to activate the release of AITC from mustard seed. In this study, defatted and partially defatted mustard seed meals were ground into powders with particle size ranging from 5 to 300 μm. The mustard seed meal powder (MSMP) samples were enclosed within hermetically sealed glass jars wherein the headspace air was adjusted to 85% or 100% relative humidity at 5, 20, or 35 °C. Data from gas chromatography analysis showed that AITC release rate and amount increased with increasing relative humidity and temperature. Moreover, the release rate can be manipulated by particle size and lipid content of the MSMP samples. The amount of AITC released ranged from 2 to 17 mg/g MSMP within 24 h under the experimental conditions tested. In view of the antimicrobial properties of AITC, the mustard meal powder may be used as a natural antimicrobial material for extending the shelf life of food products.
Metered dose inhaler technique among inner‐city asthmatics and its association with asthma medication adherence
Authors: Lurslurchachai Linda , Krauskopf Katherine , Roy Angkana , Halm Ethan A. , Leventhal Howard , Wisnivesky Juan P. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIntroductionInhaled medications, critical for asthma treatment, are self‐administered through metered dose inhalers (MDI). Asthma self‐management hinges on adherence to these medications and to proper MDI technique.ObjectiveTo assess predictors of proper MDI technique, and MDI technique as a tool to identify patients with low adherence to inhaled medications.MethodsProspective cohort of asthmatics from clinics in New York, NY and New Brunswick, NJ. MDI technique was assessed using a standardized checklist. Adherence to inhaled asthma controller medication was evaluated with the Medication Adherence Report Scale. Predictors of MDI technique were evaluated using regression analyses. The distribution of number of MDI technique steps missed was compared in adherent vs. non‐adherent asthmatics.ResultsOverall, 326 patients were included (55% Hispanic, 27% Black). In adjusted analyses, age < 55 years was significantly associated with MDI technique (P = 0.03). Overall, 12%, 34%, 40% of asthmatics missed 5–6, 3–4, or 1–2 MDI steps; 16% received a perfect MDI technique score. Adherence rates were 20%, 39%, 48%, and 62% among those who missed 5–6, 3–4, 1–2, or none of the steps in the MDI technique checklist (P < 0.001).ConclusionPoor MDI technique is common among inner‐city patients with asthma and is associated with poor adherence to controller medications. Older patients with asthma are at higher risk of improper MDI technique. Assessment of MDI technique may be a simple clinical aid to identify patients with low adherence to controller medications.
Nocturnal continuous positive airway pressure in severe non‐apneic asthma. A pilot study
Authors: D'Amato Maria , Stanziola Anna A. , de Laurentiis Guglielmo , Diana Radicella , Russo Cristian , Maniscalco Mauro , D'Amato Gennaro , Sofia Matteo 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIntroductionIt has been demonstrated that brief periods of nocturnal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) reduce airway reactivity in animal models and in patients with asthma. The effects of nCPAP in severe uncontrolled non‐apneic asthmatic patients are not well known.AimIn this open pilot study, we aimed to assess the effect nCPAP on peak flow (PEF) variability and asthma control in this type of patients.MethodsCPAP was applied to 10 patients with severe long‐standing asthma without obstructive sleep apnea for seven consecutive nights. CPAP was titrated in auto setting and applied to the patients. Daily PEF, was measured from 2 weeks before the intervention to 2 weeks after the end of nCPAP treatment. PEF amplitude and PEF morning dip (MD) over 24‐h periods averaged over 1 week were calculated as indexes of PEF variability. Asthma control test (ACT) and European quality of life (EuroQol) questionnaire were measured at baseline and after 1 month, and at baseline and at the end of CPAP period, respectively.ResultsThe PEF amplitude significantly decreased both during CPAP period and in the first week after nCPAP discontinuation as compared with the baseline (19.8 ± 7.5%, 23.9 ± 9.1% and 28.9 ± 11.5%, respectively, always P < 0.05). PEF MD significantly decreased during nCPAP in comparison with the baseline (P < 0.001). The ACT and EuroQol significantly improved after nCPAP in comparison with the basal value.ConclusionsIn this preliminary report, brief period of nCPAP reduces PEF variability and improves control in severe non‐apneic asthma at a short‐term evaluation. Further studies with longer‐term evaluation and larger number of patients are warranted.
Factors associated with poor asthma control among asthmatic patient visiting emergency department
Authors: Ahmed Anwar E. , AL‐Jahdali Hamdan , AL‐Harbi Abdullah , Khan Mohmad , Ali Yosra , Al Shimemeri Abdullah , AL‐Muhsen Salih , Halwani Rabieh 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIntroductionBronchial asthma is a common chronic disease that affects people of all ages. Insufficient asthma control may cause frequent emergency department (ED) visit by patients who seek crisis management of their asthma.ObjectivesThis study aims to identify the factors associated with poor asthma control.MethodsWe enrolled 450 participants who visited (ED) for asthma management. Besides assessing the asthma severity classification, we assess each participant for asthma control over the months preceding ED visit using Asthma Control Test score. We employed an independent t‐test and ANOVA to assess if the differences in asthma control scores by demographic and clinical characteristics are statistically significant. The dependence of asthma control scores on demographic and clinical characteristics had been investigated with stepwise regression model.ResultsThere are differences in asthma control scores by the number of ED visits and severity of asthma classification (P values = 0.001). It was found that participant age, multiple ED visits, severe persistent, moderate persistent, mild persistent, received education about asthma medication and received education about asthma disease were greatly affected asthma control scores. For instance, the asthma control is predicted to decrease by 10.688 when participant had severe persistent asthma. Similarly, the asthma control is predicted to decrease by 5.647 when the participant had moderate persistent asthma.ConclusionsThis study identified many factors that may explain insufficient asthma control.
Rescaling the trophic structure of marine food webs
Authors: Hussey Nigel E. , MacNeil M. Aaron , McMeans Bailey C. , Olin Jill A. , Dudley Sheldon F.J. , Cliff Geremy , Wintner Sabine P. , Fennessy Sean T. , Fisk Aaron T. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractMeasures of trophic position (TP) are critical for understanding food web interactions and human‐mediated ecosystem disturbance. Nitrogen stable isotopes (δ15N) provide a powerful tool to estimate TP but are limited by a pragmatic assumption that isotope discrimination is constant (change in δ15N between predator and prey, Δ15N = 3.4‰), resulting in an additive framework that omits known Δ15N variation. Through meta‐analysis, we determine narrowing discrimination from an empirical linear relationship between experimental Δ15N and δ15N values of prey consumed. The resulting scaled Δ15N framework estimated reliable TPs of zooplanktivores to tertiary piscivores congruent with known feeding relationships that radically alters the conventional structure of marine food webs. Apex predator TP estimates were markedly higher than currently assumed by whole‐ecosystem models, indicating perceived food webs have been truncated and species‐interactions over simplified. The scaled Δ15N framework will greatly improve the accuracy of trophic estimates widely used in ecosystem‐based management.
Current treatment status of polycystic liver disease in Japan
Authors: Ogawa Koichi , Fukunaga Kiyoshi , Takeuchi Tomoyo , Kawagishi Naoki , Ubara Yoshifumi , Kudo Masatoshi , Ohkohchi Nobuhiro 
Published: December 2013

AimPolycystic liver disease (PLD) is a genetic disorder characterized by the progressive development of multiple liver cysts. No standardized criteria for the selection of treatment exist because PLD is a rare condition and most patients are asymptomatic. We here aimed to clarify the status of treatment and to present a therapeutic strategy for PLD in Japan.MethodsFrom 1 June 2011 to 20 December 2011, we administered a questionnaire to 202 PLD patients from 86 medical institutions nationwide.ResultsThe patients included 45 men and 155 women, and the median age was 63 years. Two hundred and eighty‐one treatments were performed for these patients, as follows: cyst aspiration sclerotherapy (AS) in 152 cases, cyst fenestration (FN) in 53, liver resection (LR) in 44, liver transplantation (LT) in 13 and other treatments in 19. For cases of type I PLD (mild form) according to Gigot's classification, the therapeutic effects of AS, FN and LR were similar. For type II (moderate form), LT demonstrated the best therapeutic effects, followed by LR and FN. For type III (severe form), the effects of LT were the best. The incidences of complications were 23.0% in AS, 28.4% in FN, 31.8% in LR and 61.5% in LT.ConclusionConsidering the therapeutic effects and complications, AS, LR and LT showed good results for type I, type II and type III PLD, respectively. However, LT for PLD was performed in a small number of patients. In Japan, the transplantation therapy is expected to be common in the future.
Expression of stemness markers (CD133 and EpCAM) in prognostication of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chan Anthony W H , Tong Joanna H M , Chan Stephen L , Lai Paul B S , To Ka‐Fai 
Published: December 2013

AimsThe expression of stemness markers in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is suggested to be associated with poor clinical outcome after surgical resection. There are few data on their independent prognostic role in addition to the existing AJCC TNM staging system.Methods and resultsThe immunohistochemical expression of CD133, EpCAM, CK19 and CD56 was studied in a cohort of 282 surgical specimens collected from patients undergoing resection of primary HCC. CD133‐positive HCCs were usually smaller in size (P = 0.002) and arose more frequently in cirrhotic liver (P = 0.002). CD133 expression was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (hazard ratio 2.30, P < 0.001), and a highly potent prognostic factor in patients with stage I disease (hazard ratio 3.91, P = 0.001). EpCAM expression was associated with younger age (P < 0.001), smaller tumour size (P = 0.018) and poorer histological differentiation (P = 0.042). EpCAM immunoreactivity was an independent factor for disease‐free survival in HCCs at all stages (hazard ratio 2.05, P = 0.001), stage II (hazard ratio 3.66, P = 0.010) and stages III/IV (hazard ratio 3.22, P = 0.001). Neither CK19 nor CD56 offered any independent prognostic value.ConclusionThe prognostic role of CD133 was most significant in TNM stage I disease, while the prognostic role of EpCAM was more apparent in more advanced TNM stages.
Bifurcating effects of hope and support in short‐ and long‐term health outcomes among primary care patients without mental illness
Authors: Katerndahl David 
Published: December 2013

AbstractRationaleAdverse life events and stressors can lead to symptoms, increased alcohol intake, and impaired functional status, while hope and social support can mitigate such adverse effects. Yet, there is reason to question such simple, linear relationships among healthy adults. The purpose of this study was to assess whether short‐term or long‐term changes in alcohol intake, psychological symptoms or functional status were better modelled as cusp catastrophic or linear processes among primary care patients without mental illness.MethodsThis secondary analysis of a study on the stability of psychological symptoms among primary care patients without mental disorders included 38 subjects who completed baseline, and 2‐month and/or 6‐month assessments of psychological symptoms, functional status and stressors as well as hope and social support. The analyses modelled short‐term and long‐term changes in alcohol intake, psychological symptoms and functional status using cusp catastrophe (CCM) and linear modelling.ResultsOverall, four of the nine 2‐month analyses found CCM superior to linear models; however, only one 6‐month analysis (alcohol intake) found that CCM was superior. The 2‐month cusp phenomena included both symptomatology and functional status. The asymmetry variables were often not significant in the CCM models; in fact, only distress was significant at all. While hope was a significant bifurcation variable at both the 2‐month and 6‐month levels, social support was a significant bifurcation variable for three of the four 2‐month CCMs.ConclusionIn conclusion, while 6‐month outcomes were rarely explained through CCM, half of 2‐month outcomes were. Hope and support demonstrated bifurcation effects.
A MODEL‐FREE VERSION OF THE FUNDAMENTAL THEOREM OF ASSET PRICING AND THE SUPER‐REPLICATION THEOREM
Authors: Acciaio B. , Beiglböck M. , Penkner F. , Schachermayer W. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractWe propose a Fundamental Theorem of Asset Pricing and a Super‐Replication Theorem in a model‐independent framework. We prove these theorems in the setting of finite, discrete time and a market consisting of a risky asset S as well as options written on this risky asset. As a technical condition, we assume the existence of a traded option with a superlinearly growing payoff‐function, e.g., a power option. This condition is not needed when sufficiently many vanilla options maturing at the horizon T are traded in the market.
Long‐term endemism of two highly divergent lineages of the amphibian‐killing fungus in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil
Authors: Rodriguez D. , Becker C. G. , Pupin N. C. , Haddad C. F. B. , Zamudio K. R. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe recent global spread of the amphibian‐killing fungus [Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd)] has been closely tied to anthropogenic activities; however, regional patterns of spread are not completely understood. Using historical samples, we can test whether Bd was a spreading or endemic pathogen in a region within a particular time frame, because those two disease states provide different predictions for the regional demographic dynamics and population genetics of Bd. Testing historical patterns of pathogen prevalence and population genetics under these predictions is key to understanding the evolution and origin of Bd. Focusing on the Atlantic Forest (AF) of Brazil, we used qPCR assays to determine the presence or absence of Bd on 2799 preserved postmetamorphic anurans collected between 1894 and 2010 and used semi‐nested PCRs to determine the frequency of rRNA ITS1 haplotypes from 52 samples. Our earliest date of detection was 1894. A mean prevalence of 23.9% over time and spatiotemporal patterns of Bd clusters indicate that Bd has been enzootic in the Brazilian AF with no evidence of regional spread within the last 116 years. ITS1 haplotypes confirm the long‐term presence of two divergent strains of Bd (BdGPL and Bd‐Brazil) and three spatiotemporally broad genetic demes within BdGPL, indicating that Bd was not introduced into southeast Brazil by the bullfrog trade. Our data show that the evolutionary history and pathogen dynamics of Bd in Brazil is better explained by the endemic pathogen hypothesis.
Long‐term isolation and stability explain high genetic diversity in the Eastern Himalaya
Authors: Qu Yanhua , Ericson Per G. P. , Quan Qing , Song Gang , Zhang Ruiying , Gao Bin , Lei Fumin 
Published: December 2013

AbstractChina's Southwest Mountainous Region in Eastern Himalaya is a ‘biodiversity hotspot’ of global interest for conservation. Yet little is known about what has driven this unique diversity. The dramatic topography of the Southwest Mountainous Region resulting from the tectonic uplift during the late Pliocene leads to dramatic ecological stratification, which creates physical barriers to migration and isolates organisms into different subregions and mountain systems. This agrees with the observation that the phylogeographical patterns found in four species of birds (Alcippe morrisonia, Stachyridopsis ruficeps, Parus monticolus and Aegithalos concinnus) distributed in this region are characterized by deep splits between lineages that coalesce between 0.8 and 2.1 Ma. Unlike other regions at this latitude, the Southwest Mountainous Region was largely unaffected by the Pleistocene glaciations. Genetically isolated populations of these birds could thus be maintained throughout the Pleistocene in these rather stable montane environments. In comparison, we found radically different phylogeographical patterns in populations of the same four species distributed in the adjacent lowland, the Central China region. This region has a distinctly different geological history with dramatic, climate‐induced shifts in vegetation during the Pleistocene. Here, we found a considerably less geographical structure in the genetic variation and a much younger coalescence time (0.3–0.7 Ma). We also found evidence of genetic bottlenecks during the glacial periods and gene flow during the interglacial expansions. We conclude that the high genetic diversity in the Southwest Mountainous Region results from a long‐term in situ diversification within these evolutionary isolated and environment stable montane habitats.
Characterization of Aspergillus nidulans α‐glucan synthesis: roles for two synthases and two amylases
Authors: He Xiaoxiao , Li Shengnan , Kaminskyj Susan G. W. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryCell walls are essential for fungal survival and growth. Fungal walls are ∼ 90% carbohydrate, mostly types not found in humans, making them promising targets for anti‐fungal drug development. Echinocandins, which inhibit the essential β‐glucan synthase, are already clinically available. In contrast, α‐glucan, another abundant fungal cell wall component has attracted relatively little research attention because it is not essential for most fungi. Aspergillus nidulans has two α‐glucan synthases (AgsA and AgsB) and two α‐amylases (AmyD and AmyG), all of which affect α‐glucan synthesis. Gene deletion showed that AgsB was the major synthase. In addition, AmyG promoted α‐glucan synthesis whereas AmyD had a repressive effect. The lack of α‐glucan had no phenotypic impact on solid medium, but reduced conidial adhesion during germination in shaken liquid. Moreover, α‐glucan level correlated with resistance to Calcofluor White. Intriguingly, overexpression of agsA could compensate for the loss of agsB at the α‐glucan level, but not for phenotypic defects. Thus, products of AgsA and AgsB have different roles in the cell wall, consistent with agsA being mainly expressed at conidiation. These results suggest that α‐glucan contributes to drug sensitivity and conidia adhesion in A. nidulans, and is differentially regulated by two synthases and two amylases.
RoKSN, a floral repressor, forms protein complexes with RoFD and RoFT to regulate vegetative and reproductive development in rose
Authors: Randoux Marie , Davière Jean‐Michel , Jeauffre Julien , Thouroude Tatiana , Pierre Sandrine , Toualbia Youness , Perrotte Justine , Reynoird Jean‐Paul , Jammes Marie‐José , Hibrand‐Saint Oyant Laurence , Foucher Fabrice 
Published: December 2013

Summary

FT/TFL1 family members have been known to be involved in the development and flowering in plants. In rose, RoKSN, a TFL1 homologue, is a key regulator of flowering, whose absence causes continuous flowering. Our objectives are to functionally validate RoKSN and to explore its mode of action in rose.

We complemented Arabidopsis tfl1 mutants and ectopically expressed RoKSN in a continuous‐flowering (CF) rose. Using different protein interaction techniques, we studied RoKSN interactions with RoFD and RoFT and possible competition.

In Arabidopsis, RoKSN complemented the tfl1 mutant by rescuing late flowering and indeterminate growth. In CF roses, the ectopic expression of RoKSN led to the absence of flowering. Different branching patterns were observed and some transgenic plants had an increased number of leaflets per leaf. In these transgenic roses, floral activator transcripts decreased. Furthermore, RoKSN was able to interact both with RoFD and the floral activator, RoFT. Protein interaction experiments revealed that RoKSN and RoFT could compete with RoFD for repression and activation of blooming, respectively.

We conclude that RoKSN is a floral repressor and is also involved in the vegetative development of rose. RoKSN forms a complex with RoFD and could compete with RoFT for repression of flowering.