bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome‐wide screening for components of small interfering RNA (siRNA) and micro‐RNA (miRNA) pathways in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)
Authors: Xu H‐J. , Chen T. , Ma X‐F. , Xue J. , Pan P‐L. , Zhang X‐C. , Cheng J‐A. , Zhang C‐X.
Published: August 2013

The brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens, is a major rice pest in Asia, and accumulated evidence indicates that this species is susceptible to RNA interference (RNAi); however, the mechanism underlying RNAi and parental RNAi has not yet been determined. We comprehensively investigated the repertoire of core genes involved in small interfering RNA (siRNA) and micro‐RNA (miRNA) pathways in the BPH by comparing its newly assembled transcriptome and genome with those of Drosophila melanogaster, Tribolium castaneum and Caenorhabditis elegans. Our analysis showed that the BPH possesses one drosha and two Dicer (dcr) genes, three dsRNA‐binding motif protein genes, two Argonaute (ago) genes, two Eri‐1‐like genes (eri‐1), and a Sid‐1‐like gene (sid‐1). Additionally, we report for first time that parental RNAi might occur in this species, and siRNA pathway and Sid‐1 were required for high efficiency of systemic RNAi triggered by exogenous dsRNA. Furthermore, our results also demonstrated that the miRNA pathway was involved in BPH metamorphosis as depletion of the ago1 or dcr1 gene severely impaired ecdysis. The BPH might be a good model system to study the molecular mechanism of systemic RNAi in hemimetabolous insects, and RNAi has potential to be developed to control this pest in agricultural settings.
The role of lung dendritic cell subsets in immunity to respiratory viruses
Authors: Neyt Katrijn , Lambrecht Bart N.
Published: August 2013

Viral infections are a common cause of acute respiratory disease. The clinical course of infection and symptoms depend on the viral strain, the health status of the host, and the immunological status of the host. Dendritic cells (DCs) play a crucial role in recognizing and presenting viral antigens and in inducing adaptive immune responses that clear the virus. Because the lung is continuously exposed to the air, the lung is equipped with an elaborate network of DCs to sense incoming foreign pathogens. Increasing knowledge on DC biology has informed us that DCs are not a single cell type. In the steady state lung, three DC subsets can be defined: CD11b+ or CD103+ conventional DCs and plasmacytoid DCs. Upon inflammation, inflammatory monocyte‐derived DCs are recruited to the lung. It is only recently that tools became available to allow DC subsets to be clearly studied. This review focuses on the activation of DCs and the function of lung DCs in the context of respiratory virus infection and highlights some cautionary points for interpreting older experiments.
Activists face bureaucrats: the failure of theIsraeli social workers' campaign
Authors: Preminger Jonathan
Published: August 2013

TheIsraeli social workers' campaign of 2011 enjoyed widespread support, a groundswell of rank‐and‐file participation, and democratic representation through new organisations pushing for a protracted struggle, yet the collective agreement seemingly imposed by theHistadrut fell far short of expectations. This article explains this discrepancy by asserting that the new organisations' ‘radical’ organising approach threatened the labour federation's long history of social partnership and its main strategies for retaining its hegemony. Thus incompatibility between the social partnership approach and the more radical ‘organising’ approach may explain the failure of a collective campaign and shed light on cases where the union appears to be suppressing or neutralising the aspirations of the workers it claims to represent.
Sparse evidence for equine or avian influenza virus infections among Mongolian adults with animal exposures
Authors: Khurelbaatar Nyamdavaa , Krueger Whitney S. , Heil Gary L. , Darmaa Badarchiin , Ulziimaa Daramragchaa , Tserennorov Damdindorj , Baterdene Ariungerel , Anderson Benjamin D. , Gray Gregory C.
Published: August 2013

In recent years, Mongolia has experienced recurrent epizootics of equine influenza virus (EIV) among its 2·1 million horses and multiple incursions of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus via migrating birds. No human EIV or HPAI infections have been reported. In 2009, 439 adults in Mongolia were enrolled in a population‐based study of zoonotic influenza transmission. Enrollment sera were examined for serological evidence of infection with nine avian, three human, and one equine influenza virus strains. Seroreactivity was sparse among participants suggesting little human risk of zoonotic influenza infection.
Jacquemontia diamantinensis sp. nov. (Convolvulaceae) from the Chapada Diamantina, Brazil
Authors: Buril Maria Teresa , Alves Marccus
Published: August 2013

Jacquemontia diamantinensis Buril (Convolvulaceae) described here as a new species, is endemic to the Chapada Diamantina, in Bahia, Brazil. Illustrations and a table for comparing characters with related species are provided.
Hydrogen Permeation Properties and Hydrothermal Stability of Sol–Gel‐Derived Amorphous Silica Membranes Fabricated at High Temperatures
Authors: Kanezashi Masakoto , Sasaki Takanori , Tawarayama Hiromasa , Yoshioka Tomohisa , Tsuru Toshinori
Published: August 2013

The sol–gel method was applied to the fabrication of amorphous silica membranes for use in hydrogen separation at high temperatures. The effects of fabrication temperature on the hydrogen permeation properties and the hydrothermal stability of amorphous silica membranes were evaluated. A thin continuous silica separation layer (thickness = <300 nm) was successfully formed on the top of a deposited colloidal silica layer in a porous glass support. After heat treatment at 800°C for an amorphous silica membrane fabricated at 550°C, however, it was quite difficult to distinguish the active separation layer from the deposited colloidal silica layer in a porous glass support, due to the adhesion of colloidal silica caused by sintering at high temperatures. The amorphous silica membranes fabricated at 700°C were relatively stable under steam atmosphere (500°C, steam = 70 kPa), and showed steady He and H2 permeance values of 4.0 × 10−7 and 1.0 × 10−7 mol·m−2·s−1·Pa−1 with H2/CH4 and H2/H2O permeance ratios of ~110 and 22, respectively. The permeance ratios of H2/H2O for membranes fired at 700°C increased drastically over the range of He/H2 permeance ratios by factors of ~3–4, and showed a value of ~30, which was higher than those fired at 500°C. Less permeation of water vapor through amorphous silica membranes fabricated at high temperatures can be ascribed to the dense amorphous silica structure caused by the condensation reaction of silanol groups.
Crystallographic Orientation Dependence on Electrical Properties of (Bi,Na)TiO3‐based Thin Films
Authors: Ding Rui , Wang Danyang , Chu Dewei , Li Sean
Published: August 2013

Orientation‐engineered (La, Ce) cosubstituted 0.94(Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3–0.06BaTiO3 thin films were epitaxially deposited on CaRuO3 buffered (LaAlO3)0.3(Sr2AlTaO6)0.35 single‐crystal substrates by pulsed laser deposition. The ferroelectric, piezoelectric, dielectric, and leakage current characteristics of the thin films were significantly affected by the crystallographic orientation. We found that the (001)‐oriented film exhibited the best ferroelectric properties with remnant polarization Pr = 29.5 μC/cm2 and coercive field Ec = 7.4 kV/mm, whereas the (111)‐oriented film demonstrated the largest piezoelectric response and dielectric permittivity. The bipolar resistive switching behavior, which is predominantly attributed to a combined effect of ferroelectric switching and formation/rupture of conductive filaments, was observed. The conduction mechanisms were determined to be ohmic conduction and Poole–Frenkel emission at high‐ and low‐resistance states, respectively, in all the films.
Young's Modulus of Elasticity of Carbon‐Bonded Alumina Materials up to 1450°C
Authors: Werner Joern , Aneziris Christos G. , Dudczig Steffen
Published: August 2013

Investigating Young's modulus at elevated temperatures supports the understanding of microstructural changes as a function of application temperature. A sintered alumina and three carbon‐bonded alumina materials with carbon contents of 20 and 30 wt% and alumina grain size of 0.6–3 mm were investigated. Young's modulus was measured in a temperature range from 25°C to 1450°C by the impulse excitation technique. The Young's modulus of carbon‐bonded materials increases up to 140% at 1450°C. After one cycle, a decrease of the Young's modulus up to 50% is registered at room temperature. There is a strong hysteresis behavior during one cycle. Thermal expansion measurements show highest expansion for the highest graphite content material. The expansion of alumina grains and graphite flakes, resulting in microcrack generation during cooling and microcrack healing during heating, is reflected in the registered values of the Young's modulus as a function of the temperature. It is assumed, that higher graphite amounts as well as coarse grains lead to lower sintering effects of the microstructure at elevated temperatures and as a result lower values of the Young's modulus have been registered.
Maternal care, mother–offspring aggregation and age‐dependent coadaptation in the European earwig
Authors: Gómez Y. , Kölliker M.
Published: August 2013

Benefits and costs of parental care are expected to change with offspring development and lead to age‐dependent coadaptation expressed as phenotypic (behavioural) matches between offspring age and parental reproductive stage. Parents and offspring interact repeatedly over time for the provision of parental care. Their behaviours should be accordingly adjusted to each other dynamically and adaptively, and the phenotypic match between offspring age and parental stage should stabilize the repeated behavioural interactions. In the European earwig (Forficula auricularia), maternal care is beneficial for offspring survival, but not vital, allowing us to investigate the extent to which the stability of mother–offspring aggregation is shaped by age‐dependent coadaptation. In this study, we experimentally cross‐fostered nymphs of different age classes (younger or older) between females in early or late reproductive stage to disrupt age‐dependent coadaptation, thereby generating female–nymph dyads that were phenotypically matched or mismatched. The results revealed a higher stability in aggregation during the first larval instar when care is most intense, a steeper decline in aggregation tendency over developmental time and a reduced developmental rate in matched compared with mismatched families. Furthermore, nymph survival was positively correlated with female–nymph aggregation stability during the early stages when maternal care is most prevalent. These results support the hypothesis that age‐related phenotypically plastic coadaptation affects family dynamics and offspring developmental rate.
The importance of social dimension and maturation stage for the probabilistic maturation reaction norm in Poecilia reticulata
Authors: Diaz Pauli B. , Heino M.
Published: August 2013

Maturation is an important event in an organism's life history, with important implications on dynamics of both wild and captive populations. The probabilistic maturation reaction norm (PMRN) has emerged as an important method to describe variation in maturation in wild fish. Because most PMRNs are based on age and size only, it is important to understand limitations of these variables in explaining maturation. We experimentally assessed (i) the sensitivity of age‐ and size‐based PMRNs to unaccounted sources of plasticity, (ii) the role of social environment on maturation and (iii) the significance of estimating PMRNs early and late in the maturation process (initiation and completion of maturation, respectively). We reared male guppies (Poecilia reticulata) under laboratory conditions, subjected to two food levels and three different social cues. We found that growth and social environment affected the maturation in a way that could not be accounted for by their effect on age and size. PMRNs estimated for the initiation stage were less plastic (growth differences and social cues influenced the PMRN shape only little) than those for completion. The initiation of maturation is probably closer to the maturation ‘decision’ and allows determining factors influencing maturation decision most accurately.
Predictors of health care professionals' attitudes towards involvement in safety‐relevant behaviours
Authors: Davis Rachel , Briggs Merrillee , Arora Sonal , Moss Rachel , Schwappach David
Published: August 2013

Background

Patients can make valuable contributions towards promoting the safety of their health care. Health care professionals (HCPs) could play an important role in encouraging patient involvement in safety‐relevant behaviours. However, to date factors that determine HCPs' attitudes towards patient participation in this area remain largely unexplored.

Objective

To investigate predictors of HCPs' attitudes towards patient involvement in safety‐relevant behaviours.

Design

A 22‐item cross‐sectional fractional factorial survey that assessed HCPs' attitudes towards patient involvement in relation to two error scenarios relating to hand hygiene and medication safety.

Setting

 

Four hospitals in London

Participants

 

Two hundred sixteen HCPs (116 doctors; 100 nurses) aged between 21 and 60 years (mean: 32): 129 female.

Outcome measures

Approval of patient's behaviour, HCP response to the patient, anticipated effects on the patient‐HCP relationship, support for being asked as a HCP, affective rating response to the vignettes.

Results

HCPs elicited more favourable attitudes towards patients intervening about a medication error than about hand sanitation. Across vignettes and error scenarios, the strongest predictors of attitudes were how the patient intervened and how the HCP responded to the patient's behaviour. With regard to HCP characteristics, doctors viewed patients intervening less favourably than nurses.

Conclusions

HCPs perceive patients intervening about a potential error less favourably if the patient's behaviour is confrontational in nature or if the HCP responds to the patient intervening in a discouraging manner. In particular, if a HCP responds negatively to the patient (irrespective of whether an error actually occurred), this is perceived as having negative effects on the HCP‐patient relationship.
The pre‐synaptic motor nerve terminal as a site for antibody‐mediated neurotoxicity in autoimmune neuropathies and synaptopathies
Authors: Fewou Simon N. , Plomp Jaap J. , Willison Hugh J.
Published: August 2013

The pre‐synaptic motor nerve terminal is a highly complex and dynamic compartment within the lower motor neuron responsible for converting electrical signals into secreted chemicals. This self‐renewing process of synaptic transmission is accomplished by the calcium‐triggered fusion of neurotransmitter‐containing vesicles with the plasma membrane and the subsequent retrieval and recycling of vesicle components. Besides this conventional physiological role, the highly active process of vesicle fusion and re‐uptake into endosomal sorting pathways acts as a conduit for entry of a range of substances into the intracellular compartment of the motor nerve terminal. Whilst this entry portal sub‐serves many vital physiological processes, such as those mediated by neurotrophin trafficking, there is also the potential for substantial pathological consequences resulting from uptake of noxious agents, including autoantibodies, viruses and toxins. These may act locally to induce disease within the nerve terminal, or traffic beyond to the motor neuron cell body and central nervous system to exert their pathological effects. This review focuses on the recent evidence that the ganglioside‐rich pre‐synaptic membrane acts as a binding site for potentially neurotoxic serum autoantibodies that are present in human autoimmune motor neuropathies. Autoantibodies that bind surface antigens induce membrane lytic effects, whereas their uptake attenuates local injury and transfers any potential pathological consequences to the intracellular compartment. Herein the thesis is explored that a balance exists between local injury at the exofacial leaflet of the pre‐synaptic membrane and antibody uptake, which dictates the overall level and site of motor nerve injury in this group of disorders.
Multiple pregnancy, short cervix, part‐time worker, steroid use, low educational level and male fetus are risk factors for preterm birth in Japan: A multicenter, prospective study
Authors: Shiozaki Arihiro , Yoneda Satoshi , Nakabayashi Masao , Takeda Yoshiharu , Takeda Satoru , Sugimura Motoi , Yoshida Koyo , Tajima Atsushi , Manabe Mami , Akagi Kozo , Nakagawa Shoko , Tada Katsuhiko , Imafuku Noriaki , Ogawa Masanobu , Mizunoe Tomoya , Kanayama Naohiro , Itoh Hiroaki , Minoura Shigeki , Ogino Mitsuharu , Saito Shigeru
Published: August 2013

Aim

To examine the relationship between preterm birth and socioeconomic factors, past history, cervical length, cervical interleukin‐8, bacterial vaginosis, underlying diseases, use of medication, employment status, sex of the fetus and multiple pregnancy.

Methods

In a multicenter, prospective, observational study, 1810 Japanese women registering their future delivery were enrolled at 8+0 to 12+6 weeks of gestation. Data on cervical length and delivery were obtained from 1365 pregnant women. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed.

Results

Short cervical length, steroid use, multiple pregnancy and male fetus were risk factors for preterm birth before 34 weeks of gestation. Multiple pregnancy, low educational level, short cervical length and part‐timer were risk factors for preterm birth before 37 weeks of gestation.

Conclusion

Multiple pregnancy and cervical shortening at 20–24 weeks of gestation was a stronger risk factor for preterm birth. Any pregnant woman being part‐time employee or low educational level, having a male fetus and requiring steroid treatment should be watched for the development of preterm birth.
Effect of estradiol valerate on endometrium thickness during clomiphene citrate‐stimulated ovulation
Authors: Satirapod Chonthicha , Wingprawat Siripen , Jultanmas Rattiya , Rattanasiri Sasivimol , Jirawatnotai Siwanon , Choktanasiri Wicharn
Published: August 2013

Aim

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of estradiol valerate (EV) on the thickness of clomiphene citrate (CC)‐stimulated endometrium.

Material and Methods

Thirty‐four normal ovulatory women were randomized double‐blindly into two groups to receive CC 100 mg/day on day 2–6 of the treatment cycle, and either vitamin B (placebo) or EV 6 mg/day on day 10–14 of the cycle. The endometrial thickness, endometrial pattern, numbers of mature follicles, and maximal diameters of preovulatory follicles were evaluated by transvaginal sonographic examination.

Results

Thirty women completed both treatment cycles. Two other participants dropped out during the treatment due to side‐effects (headache). The average endometrial thickness of the group treated with CC + placebo became slightly thinner when compared to the thickness at the baseline (9.04 vs 9.52 mm; P = 0.24). The CC + placebo and the CC + EV resulted in similar endometrial pattern, ovulation day, numbers of mature follicles, and sizes of the leading follicles before ovulation. However, an addition of EV into the CC cycle significantly increased the average endometrial thickness (10.7 mm vs 9.04 mm; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

We concluded that the addition of 6 mg/day EV following the CC treatment can prevent the endometrial thinning without perturbing folliculogenesis and ovulation.
Rare case of massive congenital bilateral chylothorax in a hydropic fetus with true mosaicism 47,XXX/46,XX
Authors: Cremonini Giorgio , Poggi Alice , Capucci Roberta , Vesce Fortunato , Patella Alfredo , Marci Roberto
Published: August 2013

Fetal congenital chylothorax is a rare condition that occurs sporadically or can be associated with abnormal karyotype or structural chromosomal anomalies. We report a unique case of fetal congenital bilateral chylothorax associated with mosaicism 47,XXX/46,XX. A female fetus affected by massive bilateral hydrothorax and ascites was diagnosed at 34+1 weeks of gestation. Previous ultrasonographic exams were completely normal. Immune causes of hydrops were excluded. Elective cesarean section was performed soon after bilateral thoracocentesis. The analysis of drained pleural fluid revealed its lymphatic nature. The fetal karyotyping, performed on chorionic villi at the 11th week, had shown mosaicism 47,XXX/46,XX, later confirmed in the newborn's blood. We hypothesized that chylothorax may be part of the phenotypic spectrum of 47 XXX karyotype and we suggest an ultrasound follow‐up of the fetus at closer intervals than the routine timing for this condition, even if it is not usually characterized by severe phenotypic features.
Baicalin pharmacokinetic profile of absorption process using novel in-vitro model: cytochrome P450 3A4-induced Caco-2 cell monolayers combined with rat intestinal rinse fluids
Authors: Morisaki Tomoko , Hou Xiao-Long , Takahashi Kyoko , Takahashi Koichi
Published: August 2013

Objectives

This study was designed to investigate baicalin (BG) pharmacokinetic profile in absorption process using a new model and evaluate the potentiality as a new model.

Methods

The effects of BG on intestinal cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A) protein/mRNA expression, activity and permeability glycoprotein (P-gp) were evaluated in CYP3A4-induced Caco-2 cell monolayers or rats. Intestinal rinse fluids (IF) were obtained from rat were added to modified Caco-2 monolayers.

Key findings

Orally administered BG (7 days pretreatment) inhibited intestinal CYP3A activity and protein expression. Baicalein (B) converted from BG by IF was detected in the upper jejunum in a portion-dependent manner. Subsequently, most BG were converted to B in the caecum. In modified Caco-2 monolayers, BG exhibited no effect on CYP3A4 activity or mRNA, whereas B and BG treated with IF inhibited CYP3A4 transcription and activity.

Conclusions

Intestinal CYP3A was inhibited following oral administration of BG to rat. Correspondingly, BG-mediated CYP3A inhibition was shown in vitro using modified Caco-2 monolayers treated with IF. Hence, in-vivo intestinal absorption pharmacokinetic was reproduced in vitro. IF is a key determinant of intestinal absorption, and it facilitated inhibition of CYP3A by B, not BG.
Relationships between mechanical disturbance and biomass of the invasive amphipod Gammarus tigrinus within a charophyte‐dominated macrophyte community
Authors: Kotta Jonne , Torn Kaire , Reisalu Greta , Veber Triin
Published: August 2013

Disturbance may alter the resistance of communities to non‐indigenous species as it frees space and removes competitively superior species. In a factorial field experiment we studied how different types of mechanical disturbance affected the biomass level of the non‐indigenous amphipod Gammarus tigrinus in a brackish water charophyte community. Mechanical disturbance affected the biomass of G. tigrinus with a time lag between disturbance and response of the gammarid species. In general, all types of disturbance reduced gammarid biomasses. The effect persisted until the end of the experiment regardless of the recovery of macrophyte communities in terms of species number and biomass of benthic invertebrate and plant species. Thus, a possible cause of reduced biomass of the gammarid amphipods relates to the decreased biomass of Chara aspera and its structural changes. This indicates that the dominance of G. tigrinus in a low saline system has less to do with strong species interactions (e.g. competitive displacement) than with habitat‐level processes (e.g. changes in habitat structural characteristics and food supply).
Identification and Inference Using Event Studies
Authors: Gürkaynak Refet S. , Wright Jonathan H.
Published: August 2013

We discuss the use of event studies in macroeconomics and finance, arguing that many important macro‐finance questions can only be answered using event studies with high‐frequency financial market data. We provide a broad picture of the use of event studies, along with their limitations. As examples, we study financial markets' responses to specific events that help address questions such as the slope of bond demand functions and the efficacy of central bank liquidity programs. We also study the change in financial market responses to news in payrolls and unemployment in response to former Fed Chairman Greenspan's statement that payrolls are more informative.
Teachers' Spatial Anxiety Relates to 1st‐ and 2nd‐Graders' Spatial Learning
Authors: Gunderson Elizabeth A. , Ramirez Gerardo , Beilock Sian L. , Levine Susan C.
Published: August 2013

Teachers' anxiety about an academic domain, such as math, can impact students' learning in that domain. We asked whether this relation held in the domain of spatial skill, given the importance of spatial skill for success in math and science and its malleability at a young age. We measured 1st‐ and 2nd‐grade teachers' spatial anxiety (N = 19) and students' spatial skill (N = 132). Teachers' spatial anxiety significantly predicted students' end‐of‐year spatial skill, even after accounting for students' beginning‐of‐year spatial skill, phonological working memory, grade level, and teachers' math anxiety. Since spatial skill is not a stand‐alone part of the curriculum like math or reading, teachers with high levels of spatial anxiety may simply avoid incorporating spatial activities in the classroom. Results suggest that addressing teachers' spatial anxieties may improve spatial learning in early elementary school.
Coral feeding on microalgae assessed with molecular trophic markers
Authors: Leal Miguel C. , Ferrier‐Pagès Christine , Calado Ricardo , Thompson Megan E. , Frischer Marc E. , Nejstgaard Jens C.
Published: August 2013

Herbivory in corals, especially for symbiotic species, remains controversial. To investigate the capacity of scleractinian and soft corals to capture microalgae, we conducted controlled laboratory experiments offering five algal species: the cryptophyte Rhodomonas marina, the haptophytes Isochrysis galbana and Phaeocystis globosa, and the diatoms Conticribra weissflogii and Thalassiosira pseudonana. Coral species included the symbiotic soft corals Heteroxenia fuscescens and Sinularia flexibilis, the asymbiotic scleractinian coral Tubastrea coccinea, and the symbiotic scleractinian corals Stylophora pistillata, Pavona cactus and Oculina arbuscula. Herbivory was assessed by end‐point PCR amplification of algae‐specific 18S rRNA gene fragments purified from coral tissue genomic DNA extracts. The ability to capture microalgae varied with coral and algal species and could not be explained by prey size or taxonomy. Herbivory was not detected in S. flexibilis and S. pistillata. P. globosa was the only algal prey that was never captured by any coral. Although predation defence mechanisms have been shown for Phaeocystis spp. against many potential predators, this study is the first to suggest this for corals. This study provides new insights into herbivory in symbiotic corals and suggests that corals may be selective herbivorous feeders.
Analyses of genetic ancestry enable key insights for molecular ecology
Authors: Gompert Zachariah , Buerkle C. Alex
Published: August 2013

Gene flow and recombination in admixed populations produce genomes that are mosaic combinations of chromosome segments inherited from different source populations, that is, chromosome segments with different genetic ancestries. The statistical problem of estimating genetic ancestry from DNA sequence data has been widely studied, and analyses of genetic ancestry have facilitated research in molecular ecology and ecological genetics. In this review, we describe and compare different model‐based statistical methods used to infer genetic ancestry. We describe the conceptual and mathematical structure of these models and highlight some of their key differences and shared features. We then discuss recent empirical studies that use estimates of genetic ancestry to analyse population histories, the nature and genetic basis of species boundaries, and the genetic architecture of traits. These diverse studies demonstrate the breadth of applications that rely on genetic ancestry estimates and typify the genomics‐enabled research that is becoming increasingly common in molecular ecology. We conclude by identifying key research areas where future studies might further advance this field.
VIII. NIH TOOLBOX COGNITION BATTERY (CB): COMPOSITE SCORES OF CRYSTALLIZED, FLUID, AND OVERALL COGNITION
Authors: Akshoomoff Natacha , Beaumont Jennifer L. , Bauer Patricia J. , Dikmen Sureyya S. , Gershon Richard C. , Mungas Dan , Slotkin Jerry , Tulsky David , Weintraub Sandra , Zelazo Philip David , Heaton Robert K.
Published: August 2013

The NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery (CB) includes 7 tests covering 6 cognitive abilities. This chapter describes the psychometric characteristics in children ages 3–15 years of a total summary score and composite scores reflecting two major types of cognition: “crystallized” (more dependent upon past learning experiences) and “fluid” (capacity for new learning and information processing in novel situations). Both types of cognition are considered important in everyday functioning, but are thought to be differently affected by brain health status throughout life, from early childhood through older adulthood. All three Toolbox composite scores showed excellent test–retest reliability, robust developmental effects across the childhood age range considered here, and strong correlations with established measures of similar abilities. Additional preliminary evidence of validity includes significant associations between all three Toolbox composite scores and maternal reports of children's health status and school performance.
Intestinal recruiting and activation profiles in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in response to pathogen‐associated molecular patterns stimulation in patients with IBS
Authors: Rodríguez‐Fandiño O. , Hernández‐Ruíz J. , López‐Vidal Y. , Charúa L. , Bandeh‐Moghaddam H. , Minzoni A. , Guzmán C. , Schmulson M.
Published: August 2013

Background

Immune activation, increased Toll‐like Receptors (TLR) expression, and gut epithelial diffusion of bacterial molecules have been reported in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Thus, we sought to relate these factors by analyzing gut homing (integrin α4β7), intestinal recruiting (CCR5) and activation (CD28) phenotypes, and the cytokines and chemokines concentration in peripheral blood T‐lymphocytes stimulated with TLR‐ligands.

Methods

Twenty‐one IBS‐Rome II (1 PI‐IBS) patients and 19 controls were studied. Isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells were cultured with and without Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Staphylococcus aureus peptidoglycan (PGN), and unmethylated cytosine‐phosphate‐guanine motifs (CpG). Phenotypes were investigated by flow cytometry and supernatant cytokines and chemokines were also measured.

Key Results

After LPS, CCR5 expression in CD4+ α4β7+ cells remained unchanged in IBS, but decreased in controls (p = 0.002), to lower levels than in IBS (Mean fluorescence intensity [MFI]: 1590 ± 126.9 vs 2417 ± 88.4, p < 0.001). There were less CD8+ α4β7+ CCR5+ cells (85.7 ± 1.5 vs 90.8 ± 0.9%, p = 0.006) after LPS and CD3+ α4β7+ CCR5+ (40.0 ± 1.7 vs 51.2 ± 4.3%, p = 0.006) after PGN in controls. Also, after LPS, CD28 decreased in CD4+ α4β7+ CCR5+ in IBS (MFI: 2337 ± 47.2 vs 1779 ± 179.2, p < 0.001), but not in controls. Cytokines and chemokines were similar, except for lower IL8/CXCL8 in the unstimulated condition in IBS (4.18, 95% CI: 3.94–4.42 vs 3.77, 3.59–3.95; p = 0.006).

Conclusions & Inferences

Pathogen‐associated molecular patterns stimulation of peripheral blood T cells expressing gut homing marker in IBS compared with controls resulted in an unsuccessful down‐regulation of the co‐expression of intestinal recruiting/residence phenotype and a state of activation. These findings support an interaction between an innate immune predisposition and microbial triggers, which may unleash or exacerbate IBS.
Adaptation of a Best Practice Guideline to Strengthen Client‐Centered Care in Public Health
Authors: Athwal Lorraine , Marchuk Brenda , Laforêt‐Fliesser Yvette , Castanza Joyce , Davis Lori , LaSalle Marg
Published: August 2013

Best practice guidelines (BPGs) were developed by the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) to support evidence‐based nursing practice. One Ontario public health unit chose to implement the BPG on client‐centered care (CCC). A critical review of this BPG revealed issues that would hinder successful implementation within a public health setting. These included a focus on the client as an individual, the predominance of acute care exemplars and training resources that were not representative of public health nursing practice, and the need to reconcile the enforcement roles of public health with the BPG principles. The purpose of this article is to describe the process of adapting the CCC BPG to more accurately reflect the broad scope of public health nursing practice. A model for CCC in public health nursing context is presented and processes for implementing, evaluating, and sustaining CCC are described.
The Impact of an Urban Home‐Based Intervention Program on Asthma Outcomes in Children
Authors: Sweet Laura L. , Polivka Barbara J. , Chaudry Rosemary V. , Bouton Philip
Published: August 2013

Objectives

This program evaluation examines the outcomes of a multicomponent urban home‐based asthma program implemented through a city health department in a large Midwestern city. The purpose of the program was to improve asthma outcomes by controlling indoor asthma triggers in the home environment.

Design and Sample

This was a pre‐post evaluation study. Participants received home‐based education from a public health nurse or a health educator, cleaning and other supplies, and physical home interventions such as mold abatement and pest control. Asthma outcomes, caregiver quality of life, trigger‐related activities, and asthma management activities at baseline and 6 months following the intervention were evaluated using survey data. A total of 115 participants for whom baseline and follow‐up data were available were included in this analysis.

Measures

This study used parent self‐reported quantitative and qualitative data which were collected through baseline and follow‐up surveys administered by program staff.

Results

Significant reduction in asthma symptom days, nighttime awakenings, days with activity limitation, and albuterol use were observed. Emergency department visits, missed school days, and caregiver missed work days also were significantly reduced, and caregiver quality of life improved.

Conclusions

This multifaceted home‐based intervention decreased asthma triggers and improved asthma outcomes in children, and improved the quality of life of their caregivers.
Theoretical Study of Fluorescence Spectra Utilizing the pKa Values of Acids in Their Excited States
Authors: Hiyama Miyabi , Akiyama Hidefumi , Yamada Kenta , Koga Nobuaki
Published: August 2013

Assignment of the fluorescence spectrum of firefly luciferin in aqueous solutions was achieved by utilizing not only emission energies but also theoretical absorption spectra and relative concentrations as estimated by pKa values. Calculated Gibbs free energies were utilized to estimate pKa values. These pKa values were then corrected by employing the experimental results. It was previously thought that the main peak near 550 nm observed in the experimental fluorescence spectra at all pH values corresponds to emission from the first excited state of the luciferin dianion [Ando et al. (2010) Jpn. J. Appl. Phys. 49, 117002–117008]. However, we found that the peak near 550 nm at low pH corresponds to emission from the first excited state of the phenolate monoanion of luciferin. Furthermore, we found that the causes of the red fluorescence at pH 1–2 are not only the emission from phenol monoanion but also the emission from the protonated species at nitrogen atom in the thiazoline ring of dianion.
Climate change, child health and the role of the paediatric profession in under‐resourced settings
Authors: Kiang Karen , Graham Steve , Farrant Brad
Published: August 2013

Le changement climatique et ses impacts sur la santé sont de plus en plus reconnus par les organisations médicales et les revues de pointe du monde entier. Cependant, à ce jour, il y a eu une focalisation insuffisante sur les impacts sur la santé des enfants, et encore moins, sur le rôle des professionnels de la santé pédiatriques en milieux défavorisés.
The sacred lotus genome provides insights into the evolution of flowering plants
Authors: Wang Yun , Fan Guangyi , Liu Yiman , Sun Fengming , Shi Chengcheng , Liu Xin , Peng Jing , Chen Wenbin , Huang Xinfang , Cheng Shifeng , Liu Yuping , Liang Xinming , Zhu Honglian , Bian Chao , Zhong Lan , Lv Tian , Dong Hongxia , Liu Weiqing , Zhong Xiao , Chen Jing , Quan Zhiwu , Wang Zhihong , Tan Benzhong , Lin Chufa , Mu Feng , Xu Xun , Ding Yi , Guo An‐Yuan , Wang Jun , Ke Weidong
Published: August 2013

Sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is an ornamental plant that is also used for food and medicine. This basal eudicot species is especially important from an evolutionary perspective, as it occupies a critical phylogenetic position in flowering plants. Here we report the draft genome of a wild strain of sacred lotus. The assembled genome is 792 Mb, which is approximately 85–90% of genome size estimates. We annotated 392 Mb of repeat sequences and 36 385 protein‐coding genes within the genome. Using these sequence data, we constructed a phylogenetic tree and confirmed the basal location of sacred lotus within eudicots. Importantly, we found evidence for a relatively recent whole‐genome duplication event; any indication of the ancient paleo‐hexaploid event was, however, absent. Genomic analysis revealed evidence of positive selection within 28 embryo‐defective genes and one annexin gene that may be related to the long‐term viability of sacred lotus seed. We also identified a significant expansion of starch synthase genes, which probably elevated starch levels within the rhizome of sacred lotus. Sequencing this strain of sacred lotus thus provided important insights into the evolution of flowering plant and revealed genetic mechanisms that influence seed dormancy and starch synthesis.
Recycling of Carbon Fiber: Identification of Bases for a Synergy Between Recyclers and Designers
Authors: Pompidou Stéphane , Prinçaud Marion , Perry Nicolas , Leray Dimitri
Published: August 2013

In order to decrease both energy consumption and CO2 emissions, the automotive, aeronautics and aerospace industries aim at making lighter vehicles. To achieve this, composite materials provide good opportunities, ensuring high material properties and free definition of geometry. As an example, for cold applications, the use of carbon fiber/thermoset composites is ever increasing, in spite of a high fiber price. But in a global and eco-friendly approach, the major limitation for their use remains their potential recyclability. Recycling a composite means having a recycling technology available, getting a dismantle solution and an access for the product, and disposing identification plus selection possibilities to the materials. Thus, carbon fibers recovery (i.e. recycling and re-processing) would both help design engineers to balance energy efficiency and cost, and open new opportunities for developing second-life composites, dedicated to the manufacture of medium or low loaded parts (non-structural in many cases).

A first section presents an overview of composite recycling possibilities. Indeed, environmentally and economically, composite incineration is not attractive (even with an energetic valorization), let-alone burying. Reuse and recycling thus remain the two most interesting options.

Aeronautics offers a high potential in terms of fiber deposit. In southwest France, composites recycling will increase in terms of quantity due to dismantling platforms Tarmac (dedicated to civil aircraft applications) and P2P (for the disassembly of ballistic weapons). In addition, from a technical point of view, and even if end-of-life solutions for composites still remain under development, solvolysis (i.e. water under supercritical conditions) already offers the opportunity to recover carbon fibers. The resulting recyclate retains up to 90 percent of the fiber’s mechanical properties.

A second part will explore the recycling to design issue (i.e. how recycling processes have to balance the previous aspects of the end-of-life proposal).

The recycler clearly becomes a new supplier in the carbon fiber lifecycle, by revalorizing wastes with alternatives to burning. Moreover, increasing carbon fiber shelf life reduces its product life impact. Finally, promoting carbon fiber end-of-life would ensure to link aeronautics, automotive, and leisure and sports industries; but one can create demand for recycled reinforcement, by packaging it in useful and attractive forms for those end-users (e.g. pseudo-continuous fiber, felt, strips, bands, patches, etc.).

These sections will be enlightened by several examples from collaborations between I2M and local industries.
Laser Sintering Process Analysis: Application to Chromium-Cobalt Alloys for Dental Prosthesis Production
Authors: Faure S. P. , Mercier L. , Didier P. , Roux R. , Coulon J. F. , Garel S. , Trenit J. , Buard H. , Razan F.
Published: August 2013

Rapid prototyping is an effective way to build prototypes. This process, now called AM (Additive Manufacturing), is suited to realize functional single part or for small batch production. Evolution of AM is now in the way of serial production. In the field of medical applications and more precisely dentistry, AM is a way of increasing numbers of elements produced compared to classic production by lost wax casting. To increase production quality, it is necessary to have a high monitoring and control of process and properties of production. In the case of AM using (DMLS: Direct Metal Laser Sintering), a lot of parameters can have an influence on the elements production quality such as powders quality, laser behavior or sintering time… The goal of this work is to study the serial production quality using a DMLS system (Phenix System PM100). This system is used in production of cobalt-chromium elements for dental applications. The study was done on a period of 6 months with recording results of almost 120 productions and was focused on a quantity of around 7000 dental elements produced.

In a first part, number of elements per production, room temperature and hygrometry, powder reloading, maintenance, production stops and new operators are recorded. Material properties of some elements produced such as dimensional properties, density, porosity and crystallographic phases are monitored. Materials analysis has led to ensure the elements quality produced by the Phenix system and results are discussed in this work.

In a second part, we focused on the production analysis with the recorded data. Analysis leads to define 2 ratios: production ratio RP defined as [Elements Number]/ [Productions Number] and the efficiency production PE defined as the ratio RP/[Stopped production number]. By calculating RP and PE values with collected data on the Phenix system, a PM 100 efficiency production modeling has been established.

The PM 100 production modeling can help to understand that increasing the production ratio RP value leads to have efficiency production PE high variation. On another hand, collecting production parameters leads to increase production efficiency.
Feasibility Study of a Hand Exoskeleton for Rehabilitation of Post-Stroke Patients
Authors: Troncossi Marco , Foumashi Mohammad Mozaffari , Carricato Marco , Parenti Castelli Vincenzo
Published: August 2013

This paper illustrates the activity done by the authors for the development of a hand exoskeleton with two degrees of freedom addressed to the rehabilitation of post-stroke patients. The literature is investigated and many design issues are deeply discussed with the purpose to provide a reader who is approaching this problem with useful guidelines. The feasibility study of a one degree of freedom mechanism for one finger, intended as the basic module of the targeted hand exoskeleton, is outlined: two kinematic chains having six and eight links respectively are presented and discussed.
Design of a Series-Type Independently Controllable Transmission Mechanism
Authors: Hwang Guan-Shyong , Tsay Der-Min , Kuang Jao-Hwa , Chern Tzuen-Lih , Kuo Tsu-Chi
Published: August 2013

This study proposes a design of transmission mechanism which is referred to as a series-type independently controllable transmission (ICT). The series-type ICT is an alternative form of the parallel-types proposed in the former researches. The series-type ICT can serve as a continuously or an infinitely variable transmission mechanism, and it can also produce a required angular output velocity that can be independently manipulated by a controller and not affected by the angular velocity of the input shaft. The series-type ICT mechanism is composed of two planetary gear trains and two transmission-connecting members. Kinematic and dynamic characteristics of the ICT mechanism are analyzed and their analytical equations are derived for application in this study.
Tyre-Road Interaction: Experimental Investigations About the Friction Coefficient Dependence on Contact Pressure, Road Roughness, Slide Velocity and Temperature
Authors: Farroni Flavio , Russo Michele , Russo Riccardo , Timpone Francesco
Published: August 2013

In this paper the results of an experimental activity carried out with the aim to investigate on the frictional behaviour of visco-elastic materials in sliding contact with road asperities is presented.

Experiments are carried out using a prototype of pin on disk machine whose pin is constituted by a specimen of rubber coming from a commercial tyre while the disk may be in glass, marble or abrasive paper. Tests are performed both in dry and wet conditions.

Roughness of the disk materials is evaluated by a tester and by a laser scan device. Temperature in proximity of the contact patch is measured by pyrometer pointed on the disk surface in the pin trailing edge, while room temperature is measured by a thermocouple. Sliding velocity is imposed by an inverter controlled motor driving the disk and measured by an incremental encoder. Vertical load is imposed applying calibrated weights on the pin and friction coefficients are measured acquiring the longitudinal forces signal by means of a load cell.

As regards to the road roughness, the experimental results show a marked dependence with road Ra index.

Dry and wet tests performed on different micro-roughness profiles (i.e. glass and marble) highlighted that friction coefficient in dry conditions is greater on smoother surfaces, while an opposite tendency is shown in wet conditions.

Although affected by uncertainties the results confirm the dependence of friction on temperature, vertical load and track conditions.