bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utopian Visions and Real Estate Dreams: The Eco‐city Past, Present and Future
Authors: Rapoport Elizabeth
Published: February 2014

This article traces the evolution of the eco‐city as a concept and an urban planning model over the last 40 years, outlining the various definitions, applications and critiques of the term historically and today. What distinguishes the eco‐city from work on sustainable urbanism more broadly, the article argues, is its attempt to create a comprehensive and transferable model of sustainable urban development. Over the years, the eco‐city, in both theory and application, has evolved along with broader trends in environmental thought. The idea of the eco‐city originally emerged out of counterculture movements of the 1960s and 1970s as an approach to urban development that would respect environmental limits. Contemporary eco‐city projects attempt to transcend these limits and are often driven as much by economic objectives as environmental ones. Although many eco‐city projects market themselves as models for future urban development, the article argues that they are better seen as sites of experimentation and innovation, helping drive broader socio‐technical transitions. The article concludes that the ability of eco‐cities to achieve their utopian ambitions may be limited by the realities of operating within a profit‐driven, entrepreneurial planning environment. However, they can still play a valuable role, providing a place to test new ideas and an ideal to aspire to.
Chinese Non‐Governmental Organisations and Civil Society: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Hsu Jennifer Y. J.
Published: February 2014

This article reviews the literature on Chinese non‐governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society and argues that to understand the transformative potential of Chinese NGOs we need to consider beyond macro‐level political change. By looking at the tactics and strategies of engagement between NGOs and the state, it becomes clear that Chinese NGOs are capable of affecting communities and change at the local level. Furthermore, to fully understand the capacity of Chinese NGOs, this article argues that we cannot insist on a state–society separation as we would in other jurisdictions because it would not lead to fruitful analysis. The state of the field is assessed through an interdisciplinary lens, characterised by four major themes: the linkage between the rise of NGOs and the expansion of civil society; the rise of NGOs as a reflection of state–society relations; NGO sectoral development; and, to a lesser extent, the development of theory and frameworks.
Effects of nano‐clay type and content on the physical properties of sesame seed meal protein composite films
Authors: Lee Ji‐Hyun , Song Nak‐Bum , Jo Wan‐Shin , Song Kyung Bin
Published: February 2014

Sesame seed meal protein (SSMP)/nano‐clay composite films were prepared, and the physical properties of the films were determined. The SSMP film was prepared with 5 g of SSMP and 2 g of glycerol in 100 mL of film‐forming solution, and the tensile strength (TS), elongation (E) and water vapour permeability (WVP) of the SSMP film were 2.51 MP, 21.84% and 3.23 × 10−9 g m m−2s−1 Pa−1, respectively. Two types of nano‐clays were incorporated to enhance the physical properties of the SSMP film. The TSs of the SSMP film with 5% Cloisite Na+ and 7% Cloisite 10A were 6.32 and 5.76 MPa, respectively, and the WVPs of the SSMP nanocomposite films were 2.04 × 10−9 g m m−2s−1 Pa−1 compared with the SSMP film without nano‐clay, which was 3.23 × 10−9 g m m−2s−1 Pa−1. Therefore, these results indicate that the SSMP nanocomposite film can be applied in food packaging.
Melanoma cell lysate induces CCR7 expression and in vivo migration to draining lymph nodes of therapeutic human dendritic cells
Authors: González Fermín E. , Ortiz Carolina , Reyes Montserrat , Dutzan Nicolás , Patel Vyomesh , Pereda Cristián , Gleisner Maria A. , López Mercedes N. , Gutkind J. Silvio , Salazar‐Onfray Flavio
Published: February 2014

We have previously reported a novel method for the production of tumour‐antigen‐presenting cells (referred to as TAPCells) that are currently being used in cancer therapy, using an allogeneic melanoma‐derived cell lysate (referred to as TRIMEL) as an antigen provider and activation factor. It was recently demonstrated that TAPCell‐based immunotherapy induces T‐cell‐mediated immune responses resulting in improved long‐term survival of stage IV melanoma patients. Clinically, dendritic cell (DC) migration from injected sites to lymph nodes is an important requirement for an effective anti‐tumour immunization. This mobilization of DCs is mainly driven by the C‐C chemokine receptor type 7 (CCR7), which is up‐regulated on mature DCs. Using flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry, we investigated if TRIMEL was capable of inducing the expression of the CCR7 on TAPCells and enhancing their migration in vitro, as well as their in vivo relocation to lymph nodes in an ectopic xenograft animal model. Our results confirmed that TRIMEL induces a phenotypic maturation and increases the expression of surface CCR7 on melanoma patient‐derived DCs, and also on the monocytic/macrophage cell line THP‐1. Moreover, in vitro assays showed that TRIMEL‐stimulated DCs and THP‐1 cells were capable of migrating specifically in the presence of the CCR7 ligand CCL19. Finally, we demonstrated that TAPCells could migrate in vivo from the injection site into the draining lymph nodes. This work contributes to an increased understanding of the biology of DCs produced ex vivo allowing the design of new strategies for effective DC‐based vaccines for treating aggressive melanomas.
Effect of renal impairment on cognitive function during a 3‐year follow up in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes: Association with microinflammation
Authors: Kawamura Takahiko , Umemura Toshitaka , Umegaki Hiroyuki , Imamine Rui , Kawano Naoko , Tanaka Chiai , Kawai Mariko , Minatoguchi Makiko , Kusama Minoru , Kouchi Yu , Watarai Atsuko , Kanai Akio , Nakashima Eitaro , Hotta Nigishi
Published: February 2014

Aims/Introduction

We investigated the effect of renal impairment on cognitive function during a 3‐year follow up in elderly type 2 diabetic patients, and an association with microinflammation.

Materials and Methods

Four cognitive function tests – Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), word recall, Digit Symbol Substitution (DSS) and Stroop Color Word – were carried out in 67 patients. Renal impairment was defined as the presence of albuminuria and a decline in estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Inflammatory markers, such as highly sensitive C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), tumor necrotizing factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐6, were measured at baseline.

Results

At baseline, cognitive decline was found in patients with renal impairment. The DSS test was independently associated with eGFR decline, whereas MMSE tended to be associated with albuminuria after adjusting for confounding factors. Regarding changes in cognitive function and renal impairment, changes in urinary albumin to creatinine ratios were strongly and independently associated with changes in word recall scores. In patients with persistent eGFR decline, there was a tendency toward a greater decrease in MMSE and DSS scores, whereas in those with newly detected albuminuria, there was a tendency toward a greater decrease in word recall scores. Increased baseline levels of hs‐CRP, TNF‐α and IL‐6 were associated with renal impairment and cognitive function, especially DSS tests, respectively. However, the increased levels were not independent predictors for cognitive decline.

Conclusions

The present study showed a reciprocal relationship between cognitive decline and renal impairment, especially progression of albuminuria. Thus, monitoring treatment using renal biomarkers will be important for preserving both renal and cognitive function.
Air‐breathing fishes in aquaculture. What can we learn from physiology?
Authors: Lefevre S. , Wang T. , Jensen A. , Cong N. V. , Huong D. T. T. , Phuong N. T. , Bayley M.
Published: February 2014

During the past decade, the culture of air‐breathing fish species has increased dramatically and is now a significant global source of protein for human consumption. This development has generated a need for specific information on how to maximize growth and minimize the environmental effect of culture systems. Here, the existing data on metabolism in air‐breathing fishes are reviewed, with the aim of shedding new light on the oxygen requirements of air‐breathing fishes in aquaculture, reaching the conclusion that aquatic oxygenation is much more important than previously assumed. In addition, the possible effects on growth of the recurrent exposure to deep hypoxia and associated elevated concentrations of carbon dioxide, ammonia and nitrite, that occurs in the culture ponds used for air‐breathing fishes, are discussed. Where data on air‐breathing fishes are simply lacking, data for a few water‐breathing species will be reviewed, to put the physiological effects into a growth perspective. It is argued that an understanding of air‐breathing fishes' respiratory physiology, including metabolic rate, partitioning of oxygen uptake from air and water in facultative air breathers, the critical oxygen tension, can provide important input for the optimization of culture practices. Given the growing importance of air breathers in aquaculture production, there is an urgent need for further data on these issues.
Trypanosoma brucei gambiense infection in vervet monkeys: a potential model for early‐stage disease
Authors: Gachie B.M. , Kagira J.M. , Karanja S.M. , Waema M.W. , Ngotho J.M. , Maina N.W.N.
Published: February 2014

Background

Non‐human primates are important experimental models for human African trypanosomiasis.

Methods

Six monkeys were intravenously inoculated with 105 trypanosomes of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense IL 3253. They were monitored for 180 days for parasitemia, hematology, clinical and biochemical profiles.

Results

The pre‐patent period was 2–3 days. From 33 to 123 dpi, the parasitemia was low and only detectable by the hematocrit centrifugation technique. Thereafter, to the end of the experimental period, the parasitemia was undetectable by parasitological methods. Clinical signs observed were lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly. Hematological changes included a decline in hemoglobin occurring between 14 and 56 dpi and a significant decline in platelet counts after infection. The levels of total protein, albumin and globulins increased from 26 dpi for the rest of the experimental period. No parasites were detected in cerebrospinal spinal fluid, and no brain pathology was observed.

Conclusion

This vervet monkey model can only be used for early‐stage disease Gambian sleeping sickness.
Vibrio spp. Control at Brine Shrimp, Artemia, Hatching and Enrichment
Authors: Interaminense Juliana Aguiar , Ferreira Calazans Nathalia , do Valle Bruna Cáritas , Lyra Vogeley Joana , Peixoto Sílvio , Soares Roberta , Lima Filho José Vitor
Published: February 2014

Experiments were conducted to evaluate different prophylactic methods to control the bacterial load in brine shrimp, Artemia, hatching. The first experiment evaluated three treatments to control Vibrio spp. during the Artemia hatching: microalgae (Chaetoceros calcitrans), probiotic (Bacillus spp.), and antibiotic (Florfenicol). In the second experiment, Artemia metanauplius were enriched in distinct treatments with C. calcitrans, probiotic, and emulsion rich in docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic fatty acids. Enriched Artemia metanauplius and nauplii (control) were offered to white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, postlarvae (PL7–PL19). Presumptive Vibrio were quantified in Artemia, PL, and rearing water. Microalgae and probiotic were effective to control Vibrio spp. in Artemia nauplii. The enrichment process increased the Artemia bacterial load but did not affect Vibrio load in L. vannamei.
Partial Identification and Bound Estimation of the Average Treatment Effect of Education on Earnings for South Africa
Authors: Mariotti Martine , Meinecke Juergen
Published: February 2014

We partially identify the average treatment effect of education on earnings and non‐parametrically estimate its upper bound for African, Coloured (mixed race) and White males in South Africa. We address endogenous selection into education, cohort effects and endogenous selection into work. Using the September 2007 South African Labour Force Survey, the upper bound estimates are considerably lower than existing parametric point estimates of the return to education. As a lesson, policy makers should focus less on increasing the amount of education obtained by Africans and Coloureds, but rather on measures that can grow the return to existing levels of education.
Score Associated with the Outcome after Multiple Ablation Procedures in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: WÓJCIK MACIEJ , BERKOWITSCH ALEXANDER , ZALTSBERG SERGEY , HAMM CHRISTIAN W. , PITSCHNER HEINZ F. , KUNISS MALTE , NEUMANN THOMAS
Published: February 2014

Background

Catheter ablation (CA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) is now established therapeutic option. Multiple procedures (MPs) are often needed to achieve the satisfactory outcome. The aim of the study was to assess the outcome after MPs in AF patients categorized to risk‐score groups.

Methods

We followed a cohort of consecutive 911 (69% male; median 59 years) patients with AF (58% paroxysmal) who had CAAF performed. ALARMEC (Atrial fibrillation type, Left Atrium size, Renal insufficiency, MEtabolic syndrome, cardiomyopathy) risk score was calculated for each patient. The end point was maintenance of sinus rhythm at the follow‐up of 60 months.

Results

We performed 1,199 CAAF procedures. One, two, and three procedures were performed in 663 (73%), 208 (23%), and 40 (4%) patients, respectively. Outcome after the first procedure (56%) was improved with MPs (76%). MPs > 2 were performed in 1%, 3%, 5%, 6%, and 10% patients with ALARMEC score of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. MPs were successful in 89%, 86%, 81%, 65%, and 43% of patients with ALARMEC score of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Outcome in 174 (19%) patients on antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) was 85%, 68%, 75%, 44%, and 39% in ALARMEC score: 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Outcome in 737 (81%) patients without AAD was 90%, 85%, 80%, 77%, and 69% in ALARMEC score of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively.

Conclusion

The moderate success rate after index procedure of CAAF can be further improved with multiple ones and AAD.
Savings by and for the Poor: A Research Review and Agenda
Authors: Karlan Dean , Ratan Aishwarya Lakshmi , Zinman Jonathan
Published: February 2014

The poor can and do save, but often use formal or informal instruments that have high risk, high cost, and limited functionality. This could lead to undersaving compared to a world without market or behavioral frictions. Undersaving can have important welfare consequences: variable consumption, low resilience to shocks, and foregone profitable investments. We lay out five sets of constraints that may hinder the adoption and effective usage of savings products and services by the poor: transaction costs, lack of trust and regulatory barriers, information and knowledge gaps, social constraints, and behavioral biases. We discuss each in theory, and then summarize related empirical evidence, with a focus on recent field experiments. We then put forward key open areas for research and practice.
The Rise and Fall of Access Blood Flow Surveillance in Arteriovenous Fistulas
Authors: Tessitore Nicola , Bedogna Valeria , Verlato Giuseppe , Poli Albino
Published: February 2014

Vascular access blood flow (Qa) surveillance has been described as a typical false paradigm, an example of how new tests are sometimes adopted even without good‐quality evidence of their benefits. This may be true for grafts, but not necessarily for arteriovenous fistulas. We reviewed the literature on Qa surveillance in fistulas to see whether it complies with the World Health Organization's criteria for screening tests. Measuring Qa has a fairly good reproducibility. Qa shows an excellent‐to‐good accuracy for stenosis being the only bedside screening test that achieves a very high sensitivity while retaining a fair‐to‐good positive predictive value for Qa thresholds of 600 ml/minute or higher associated with a >25% drop in Qa, or findings suggesting stenosis on physical examination. The accuracy of Qa in predicting thrombosis is hard to establish because of the heterogeneity of published studies, though a Qa of 300 ml/minute seems the most reliable cutoff. Qa surveillance affords a significant 2‐ to 3‐fold reduction in the risk of thrombosis by comparison with clinical monitoring alone when Qa criteria highly sensitive to stenosis are considered, regardless of the study design (randomized controlled trials, cohort studies with concurrent or historic controls). Using highly sensitive Qa screening criteria also halves the risk of access loss, although this effect is not statistically significant. Our analysis strongly suggests that Qa surveillance is an effective method for screening mature fistulas, though further, appropriately designed studies are needed to fully elucidate its benefits and cost effectiveness.
Changes in Serum Levels of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Nerve Growth Factor‐Beta in Schizophrenic Patients Before and After Treatment
Authors: Ajami A. , Hosseini S. H. , Taghipour M. , Khalilian A.
Published: February 2014

Schizophrenia is one of the most debilitating diseases among psychiatric disorders. Recent studies suggest the existence of effective immunological changes in the pathophysiology of this disease. The purpose of the current study was to determine the changes in serum levels of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Nerve Growth Factor‐beta (NGF) in schizophrenic patients before treatment and 40 days after treatment. In this case‐control study, serum levels of BDNF and NGF were measured by ELISA in 26 patients with schizophrenia and 26 healthy controls. All patients were treated with clozapine or risperidone for 40 days. A positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) questionnaire has been used to recognize the severity of the disease and to assess the response to treatment. Neurotrophin concentrations were compared before and after the treatment and with control groups using paired t‐test and ANOVA test. BDNF and NGF levels in the case group were more than levels after treatment, but these differences were significant only for NGF. Concentrations in both neurotrophins were higher than the control group. The statistically significant difference was observed between changes in the NGF levels in the case and the control group, while no significant difference was seen in changes of BDNF. The main conclusion to be drawn from this study was that the increase in BDNF and particularly NGF may have an important role in causing schizophrenia. And possibly drugs clozapine and risperidone help to treat the disease by reducing the concentration of Neurotrophins.
F1 Cross‐Breed Between Susceptible BALB/c and Resistant Swiss mice Infected with Leishmania major Exhibit an Intermediate Phenotype for Lesion Sizes and Type 1 Cytokines but Show Low Level of Total IgG Antibodies
Authors: Kiige S. G. , Mutiso J. M. , Laban L. T. , Khayeka‐Wandabwa C. , Anjili C. O. , Ingonga J. , Gicheru M. M.
Published: February 2014

Our current understanding of the host immune response during leishmaniases largely derives from studies performed in mice due to the intrusive techniques required to study infected human patients. Swiss mice are highly resistant to Leishmania infections in concordance with observed response in humans, while BALB/c mice indicate a high‐susceptibility phenotype. Developing a cross‐breed between BALB/c and Swiss mice may have important consequences on disease development, immune responses and parasite killing, as yet, response of the cross‐breed to Leishmania infection is superficial. The aim of the present study was to determine disease course and immune responses in F1 cross‐breed between BALB/c and Swiss albino mice infected with L. major. Three mice groups were infected intradermally with stationary‐phase L. major parasites with parental strains (BALB/c and Swiss albino) as controls. Lesion development was monitored weekly for 8 weeks and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP‐1), macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP‐1α), interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) and IgG antibody quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The data were analysed using one‐way analysis of variance and Tukey–Kramer test. Results indicated F1 mice having intermediate lesion sizes, type 1 cytokine levels and footpad parasite loads as compared to the parental strains. However, the F1 mice had low levels of IgG antibodies and parasite burden in the spleen. (P < 0.05). This study concludes that the F1 cross‐breed between resistant and susceptible mice may be used as a requisite model to study the role of genetics in leishmaniases and perhaps other intracellular parasites.
Integrating Theories of Psychological Needs‐as‐Requirements and Psychological Needs‐as‐Motives: A Two Process Model
Authors: Prentice Mike , Halusic Marc , Sheldon Kennon M.
Published: February 2014

Two conceptions of psychological needs predominate within contemporary motivational science. Motive disposition theory conceives of needs as behavioral motives which direct behavior (needs‐as‐motives), while self‐determination theory conceives of needs as universally required experiences for optimal functioning (needs‐as‐requirements). Until recently, these perspectives on psychological needs have proceeded without much intersection, despite the fact that they address the same fundamental concept. Here we summarize the Two Process Model of Psychological Needs, which attempts to bridge these two conceptions. We argue that psychological needs are best defined as tendencies to seek out certain basic types of psychosocial experiences, to a somewhat varying extent across individuals, and to feel good and thrive when those basic experiences are obtained, to the same extent across individuals. We suggest that this definition allows a reconciliation of needs‐as‐motives and needs‐as‐requirements perspectives and a more consilient science of human motivation. Empirical support for the TPM is also summarized.
Evidence‐based training and mentorship combined with enhanced outcomes surveillance to address the leading causes of neonatal mortality at the district hospital level in Ghana
Authors: Brantuo Mary N. A. , Cristofalo Elizabeth , Meheš Mira M. , Ameh Juliana , Brako Nana Okai , Boahene Frederick , Adjei Stella B. , Opoku Ernest , Banda Harriet , Wang Yu T. , Forgor Abdulai A. , Punguire Damien , Brightson Kennedy , Sottie Cynthia , Owusu‐Agyei Seth , Williams John E. , Sulemana Abubakari , Oduro Abraham R. , Gyampong Margaret , Sarpong Doris , Andrews Edith , Gyansa‐Lutterodt Martha , Hodgson Abraham , Bannerman Cynthia , Abdullah Fizan
Published: February 2014

Objective

To evaluate the impact of a district hospital intervention focused on enhancing healthcare provider capacity to address leading causes of neonatal death: birth asphyxia, infection and prematurity.

Methods

The neonatal quality improvement initiative was launched at two intervention referral district hospitals in Ghana. Local Health and Demographic Surveillance Systems were enlisted to enhance recording of neonatal and infant deaths in the community and at the facility. After baseline site assessments, a team of local paediatric experts conducted three clinical trainings on‐site at each intervention hospital. Assessments were conducted to evaluate participant knowledge before and after participation in training modules. Monthly mentorship visits provided additional training to support the adoption of essential early neonatal care practices.

Results

In the first year of implementation, the initiative provided focused clinical training to 278 participants. A comparison of pre‐ and post‐training test results demonstrates significant improvement in provider knowledge (73% vs. 89% correct, P < 0.001), with even greater improvement among trainees receiving recurrent refresher training (86% vs. 94% correct, P < 0.001). Participant feedback following training revealed enthusiasm about the programme and improved confidence.

Conclusions

Locally led initiatives that invest directly in healthcare provider education and health systems strengthening represent a promising avenue for reducing neonatal morbidity and mortality. The NQI initiative demonstrates the positive impact of a district hospital intervention that combines on‐site training, mentorship and enhanced demographic surveillance.
Second-harmonic intensity and phase spectroscopy as a sensitive method to probe the space-charge field in Si(100) covered with charged dielectrics
Authors: Terlinden Nick M. , Vandalon Vincent , Bosch Roger H. E. C. , Kessels W. M. M. (Erwin)
Published: February 2014

A space-charge region (SCR) can develop in silicon due to the presence of built-in charges in dielectric thin films that are used in silicon-based device architectures. To study both the strength and polarity of the electric field in such a SCR, the authors performed second-harmonic (SH) generation spectroscopy in the vicinity of the E1 critical point (2.7–3.5 eV) of silicon. As multiple contributions add coherently to SH intensity spectra, the electric-field-induced contribution cannot always be distinguished unambiguously from the intensity data in the absence of complementary phase information. Combined SH intensity and phase measurements were therefore performed to resolve this ambiguity. Using a coherent superposition of critical-point-like resonances with excitonic line shapes, the intensity and phase spectra of several SiO2- and Al2O3-based samples were simultaneously modeled. This analysis reveals that not only the polarity of the space-charge field can be determined unambiguously but also that the sensitivity to the electric field strength is significantly enhanced.
Process monitoring during AlNxOy deposition by reactive magnetron sputtering and correlation with the film's properties
Authors: Borges Joel , Martin Nicolas , Vaz Filipe , Marques Luis
Published: February 2014

In this work, AlNxOy thin films were deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering, using an aluminum target and an Ar/(N2+O2) atmosphere. The direct current magnetron discharge parameters during the deposition process were investigated by optical emission spectroscopy and a plasma floating probe was used. The discharge voltage, the electron temperature, the ion flux, and the optical emission lines were recorded for different reactive gas flows, near the target and close to the substrate. This information was correlated with the structural features of the deposits as a first step in the development of a system to control the structure and properties of the films during reactive magnetron sputtering. As the target becomes poisoned, the discharge voltage suffers an important variation, due to the modification of the secondary electron emission coefficient of the target, which is also supported by the evolution of the electron temperature and ion flux to the target. The sputtering yield of the target was also affected, leading to a reduction of the amount of Al atoms arriving to the substrate, according to optical emission spectroscopy results for Al emission line intensity. This behavior, together with the increase of nonmetallic elements in the films, allowed obtaining different microstructures, over a wide range of compositions, which induced different electrical and optical responses of films.
Effects of Message Framing on Self-Report and Accelerometer-Assessed Physical Activity Across Age and Gender Groups
Authors: Li Kin-Kit , Cheng Sheung-Tak , Fung Helene H.
Published: February 2014

This study compared message-framing effects on physical activity (PA) across age and gender groups. Participants included 111 younger and 100 older adults (68% were women), randomly assigned to read gain-framed or loss-framed PA messages in promotion pamphlets, and who wore accelerometers for the following 14 days. Using regression analyses controlling for demographic and health factors, we found significant age-by-gender-by-framing interactions predicting self-report (B = −4.39, p = .01) and accelerometer-assessed PA (B = −2.44, p = .02) during the follow-up period. Gain-framed messages were more effective than loss-framed messages in promoting PA behaviors only among older men. We speculated that the age-related positivity effect, as well as the age and gender differences in issue involvement, explained the group differences in framing. In addition, more time availability and higher self-efficacy among older men might have contributed to the results.
On-Court Position Influences Skilled Tennis Players’ Anticipation of Shot Outcome
Authors: Loffing Florian , Hagemann Norbert
Published: February 2014

When anticipating future events like an opponent’s stroke direction in tennis, players are assumed to rely on both kinematic and contextual cues such as an opponent’s on-court position. However, knowledge of position dependency in shot-direction probabilities and experimental evidence of the effect of on-court position on action-outcome anticipation is missing. Here we show that shot-direction probabilities vary as a function of a hitting player’s on-court position in professional tennis. Moreover, unlike novices, skilled players in particular relied on information about an opponent’s position when anticipating forehand baseline shot direction in a video-based experiment. The position dependency in skilled players’ prediction behavior was most evident when little information on an opponent’s stroke kinematics was available. Findings suggest that skilled players consider the reliability of different information sources by weighting the available contextual and kinematic cues differently in the course of an opponent’s unfolding action.
Restoring Natural Sensory Feedback in Real-Time Bidirectional Hand Prostheses
Authors: Raspopovic Stanisa , Capogrosso Marco , Petrini Francesco Maria , Bonizzato Marco , Rigosa Jacopo , Di Pino Giovanni , Carpaneto Jacopo , Controzzi Marco , Boretius Tim , Fernandez Eduardo , Granata Giuseppe , Oddo Calogero Maria , Citi Luca , Ciancio Anna Lisa , Cipriani Christian , Carrozza Maria Chiara , Jensen Winnie , Guglielmelli Eugenio , Stieglitz Thomas , Rossini Paolo Maria , Micera Silvestro
Published: February 2014

A multigrasp, bidirectional hand prosthesis delivers dynamic sensory feedback, allowing a user with a hand amputation to achieve fine grasping force control and realistic object sensing.
Ascorbate Combination Therapy: New Tool in the Anticancer Toolbox?
Authors: McConnell Melanie J. , Herst Patries M.
Published: February 2014

The addition of high-dose ascorbate to existing anticancer treatment strategies can improve efficacy and decrease toxicity—but not in all patients or with all combination therapies.
Laser Optical Sensor, a Label-Free On-Plate Salmonella enterica Colony Detection Tool
Authors: Singh Atul K. , Bettasso Amanda M. , Bae Euiwon , Rajwa Bartek , Dundar Murat M. , Forster Mark D. , Liu Lixia , Barrett Brent , Lovchik Judith , Robinson J. Paul , Hirleman E. Daniel , Bhunia Arun K.
Published: February 2014

We investigated the application capabilities of a laser optical sensor, BARDOT (
b
a
cterial
r
apid
d
etection using
o
ptical scatter
t
echnology) to generate differentiating scatter patterns for the 20 most frequently reported serovars of
Salmonella enterica
. Initially, the study tested the classification ability of BARDOT by using six
Salmonella
serovars grown on brain heart infusion, brilliant green, xylose lysine deoxycholate, and xylose lysine tergitol 4 (XLT4) agar plates. Highly accurate discrimination (95.9%) was obtained by using scatter signatures collected from colonies grown on XLT4. Further verification used a total of 36 serovars (the top 20 plus 16) comprising 123 strains with classification precision levels of 88 to 100%. The similarities between the optical phenotypes of strains analyzed by BARDOT were in general agreement with the genotypes analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). BARDOT was evaluated for the real-time detection and identification of
Salmonella
colonies grown from inoculated (1.2 × 10
2
 CFU/30 g) peanut butter, chicken breast, and spinach or from naturally contaminated meat. After a sequential enrichment in buffered peptone water and modified Rappaport Vassiliadis broth for 4 h each, followed by growth on XLT4 (~16 h), BARDOT detected
S
. Typhimurium with 84% accuracy in 24 h, returning results comparable to those of the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service method, which requires ~72 h. BARDOT also detected
Salmonella
(90 to 100% accuracy) in the presence of background microbiota from naturally contaminated meat, verified by 16S rRNA sequencing and PFGE. Prolonged residence (28 days) of
Salmonella
in peanut butter did not affect the bacterial ability to form colonies with consistent optical phenotypes. This study shows BARDOT’s potential for nondestructive and high-throughput detection of
Salmonella
in food samples.

IMPORTANCE
High-throughput screening of food products for pathogens would have a significant impact on the reduction of food-borne hazards. A laser optical sensor was developed to screen pathogen colonies on an agar plate instantly without damaging the colonies; this method aids in early pathogen detection by the classical microbiological culture-based method. Here we demonstrate that this sensor was able to detect the 36
Salmonella
serovars tested, including the top 20 serovars, and to identify isolates of the top 8
Salmonella
serovars. Furthermore, it can detect
Salmonella
in food samples in the presence of background microbiota in 24 h, whereas the standard USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service method requires about 72 h.
Transcriptomic Characterization of the Novel Avian-Origin Influenza A (H7N9) Virus: Specific Host Response and Responses Intermediate between Avian (H5N1 and H7N7) and Human (H3N2) Viruses and Implications for Treatment Options
Authors: Josset Laurence , Zeng Hui , Kelly Sara M. , Tumpey Terrence M. , Katze Michael G.
Published: February 2014

A novel avian-origin H7N9 influenza A virus (IAV) emerged in China in 2013, causing mild to lethal human respiratory infections. H7N9 originated with multiple reassortment events between avian viruses and carries genetic markers of human adaptation. Determining whether H7N9 induces a host response closer to that with human or avian IAV is important in order to better characterize this emerging virus. Here we compared the human lung epithelial cell response to infection with A/Anhui/01/13 (H7N9) or highly pathogenic avian-origin H5N1, H7N7, or human seasonal H3N2 IAV. The transcriptomic response to H7N9 was highly specific to this strain but was more similar to the response to human H3N2 than to that to other avian IAVs. H7N9 and H3N2 both elicited responses related to eicosanoid signaling and chromatin modification, whereas H7N9 specifically induced genes regulating the cell cycle and transcription. Among avian IAVs, the response to H7N9 was closest to that elicited by H5N1 virus. Host responses common to H7N9 and the other avian viruses included the lack of induction of the antigen presentation pathway and reduced proinflammatory cytokine induction compared to that with H3N2. Repression of these responses could have an important impact on the immunogenicity and virulence of H7N9 in humans. Finally, using a genome-based drug repurposing approach, we identified several drugs predicted to regulate the host response to H7N9 that may act as potential antivirals, including several kinase inhibitors, as well as FDA-approved drugs, such as troglitazone and minocycline. Importantly, we validated that minocycline inhibited H7N9 replication
in vitro
, suggesting that our computational approach holds promise for identifying novel antivirals.

IMPORTANCE
Whether H7N9 will be the next pandemic influenza virus or will persist and sporadically infect humans from its avian reservoir, similar to H5N1, is not known yet. High-throughput profiling of the host response to infection allows rapid characterization of virus-host interactions and generates many hypotheses that will accelerate understanding and responsiveness to this potential threat. We show that the cellular response to H7N9 virus is closer to that induced by H3N2 than to that induced by H5N1, reflecting the potential of this new virus for adaptation to humans. Importantly, dissecting the host response to H7N9 may guide host-directed antiviral development.
Specificity of cell type and timing of events associated with papilla formation and the hypersensitive reaction in leaves of Hordeum vulgare attacked by Erysiphe graminis f.sp. hordei
Authors: Koga H. , Bushnell W. R. , Zeyen R. J.
Published: February 2014

Rates of haustorium formation by Erysiphe graminis f.sp. hordei were determined for epidermal tissues of primary leaves of a near-isogenic pair of barley (Hordeum vulgare) lines, AlgR and AlgS, which differed at the Mla locus for compatibility with the fungus. Epidermal cells were divided into two classes, namely shorter or longer than 450 μm. Cells near stomatal files were always short, whereas cells more distant from stomata were long on the abaxial surface, long on the adaxial surface over vascular bundles, but short on the adaxial surface when not over vascular bundles. At 24 h after inoculation, haustoria were formed in 70–80% of attacked short cells but in only 15–20% of attacked long cells. When haustoria were absent, papillae were present, so papilla-associated resistance was more frequent in long than in short cells. However, the percentage of attacked sites with papillae was the same in AlgR and AlgS, indicating that papilla-associated resistance was not related to Mla incompatibility. In AlgR, patterns of development showed that haustoria were produced before Mla incompatibility was expressed by hypersensitive cell death. Key words: papilla, hypersensitive, barley, epidermis, resistance, powdery mildew.
Plastochrone, cycle cellulaire et teneurs en ADN nucléaire du méristème caulinaire de plants de Chrysanthemum segetum soumis à deux conditions lumineuses différentes, sous une photopériode de 16 heures
Authors: Nougarède Arlette , Michele Maria Nicola Di , Rondet Pierre , Saint-Côme Robert
Published: February 2014

Chrysanthemum segetum plants were grown from seeds under a 16-h photoperiod, at two different photon fluence rates (70 or 200 μmol m−2 s−1. At 200 μmol m−2 s−1, by comparison with 70 μmol m−2 s−1, phyllotaxy was not modified, but the plastochron decreased and the apical diameter increased by extension of the axial zone. The mean cell doubling time decreased 36.2% in the lateral zone, 29% in the axial zone, and only 13% in the rib meristem. In contrast, mitosis duration was constant. Under both light conditions, nuclei with a DNA content within the limits of the 2C range were always predominant, which means that the G1 phase of the cell cycle was the longest. At 200 μmol m−2 s−1, the shortening of the mean cell doubling time is accompanied by a reduction of the percentage of nuclei with DNA levels within the limits of the 2C range. The decrease of the latter was the most important in the axial zone and the least important in the rib meristem, showing that control of cell proliferation was obtained by means of the G1 phase of the cell cycle. Key words: Chrysanthemum segetum, cell cycle, duration of mitosis, plastochron, nuclear DNA levels, zonation.
5′-AMP-activated protein kinase increases glucose uptake independent of GLUT4 translocation in cardiac myocytes
Authors: Lee Christopher T. , Ussher John R. , Mohammad Askar , Lam Anna , Lopaschuk Gary D.
Published: February 2014

Glucose uptake and glycolysis are increased in the heart during ischemia, and this metabolic alteration constitutes an important contributing factor towards ischemic injury. Therefore, it is important to understand glucose uptake regulation in the ischemic heart. There are primarily 2 glucose transporters controlling glucose uptake into cardiac myocytes: GLUT1 and GLUT4. In the non-ischemic heart, insulin stimulates GLUT4 translocation to the sarcolemmal membrane, while both GLUT1 and GLUT4 translocation can occur following AMPK stimulation. Using a newly developed technique involving [3H]2-deoxyglucose, we measured glucose uptake in H9c2 ventricular myoblasts, and demonstrated that while insulin has no detectable effect on glucose uptake, phenformin-induced AMPK activation increases glucose uptake 2.5-fold. Furthermore, insulin treatment produced no discernible effect on either Akt serine 473 phosphorylation or AMPKα threonine 172 phosphorylation, while treatment with phenformin results in an increase in AMPKα threonine 172 phosphorylation, and a decrease in Akt serine 473 phosphorylation. Visualization of a dsRed-GLUT4 fusion construct in H9c2 cells by laser confocal microscopy showed that unlike insulin, AMPK activation did not redistribute GLUT4 to the sarcolemmal membrane, suggesting that AMPK may regulate glucose uptake via another glucose transporter. These studies suggest that AMPK is a major regulator of glucose uptake in cardiac myocytes.
WHERE-WHEN-WHAT: THE GENERAL RELATIVITY OF SPACE-TIME–PROPERTY
Authors: DELBOURGO ROBERT , STACK PAUL D.
Published: February 2014

We develop the general relativity of extended spacetime–property for describing events including their properties. The anticommuting nature of property coordinates, augmenting spacetime (x, t), allows for the natural emergence of generations and for the simple incorporation of gauge fields in the spacetime–property sector. With one electric property, this results in a geometrical unification of gravity and electromagnetism, leading to a Maxwell–Einstein Lagrangian plus a cosmological term. Addition of one neutrinic and three chromic properties should lead to unification of gravity with electroweak and strong interactions.
REDUCED-ORDER-MODEL-BASED PLACEMENT OPTIMIZATION OF MULTIPLE CONTROL SURFACES FOR ACTIVE AEROELASTIC CONTROL
Authors: CHEN GANG , WANG XIAN , LI YUEMING
Published: February 2014

The application of multiple control surfaces is a potential method in active aeroelastic control. The placement of a control surface has great impact on the aeroelastic control performance. How to determine the placement of a control surface is a very important task in active controller design. Based on the proper orthogonal decomposition method, an aeroservoelastic reduced order model suitable for placement optimization in transonic flow was developed. Then a two-step aeroelastic optimization method based on the genetic algorithm was proposed to search the optimal placements of control surfaces. The modified Goland+ wing configuration with four aerodynamic control surfaces was applied to demonstrate the proposed placement optimization method. The simulation results show that the optimized configuration improves the aeroelastic control performance obviously and suppresses the limit cycle oscillation successfully with good performance.
On Endomorphisms of Semilattices of Groups
Authors: Samman Mohammad , Meldrum John D. P.
Published: February 2014

The set of all endomorphisms of an algebraic structure with composition of functions as operation is a rich source of semigroups, which has only rarely been dipped into (see [2]). Here we make a start by considering endomorphisms of Clifford semigroups, relating them to the homomorphisms and endomorphisms of the underlying groups.
Completely Regular Semigroups with Generalized Strong Semilattice Decompositions
Authors: Kong Xiangzhi , Shum K. P.
Published: February 2014

The concept of ρG-strong semilattice of semigroups is introduced. By using this concept, we study Green's relation ℋ on a completely regular semigroup S. Necessary and sufficient conditions for S/ℋ to be a regular band or a right quasi-normal band are obtained. Important results of Petrich and Reilly on regular cryptic semigroups are generalized and enriched. In particular, characterization theorems of regular cryptogroups and normal cryptogroups are obtained.
On the Finiteness Property of Generalized Local Cohomology Modules
Authors: Khashyarmanesh K. , Yassi M.
Published: February 2014

Let [Formula: see text] be an ideal of a commutative Noetherian ring R, and let M and N be finitely generated R-modules. Let [Formula: see text] be the [Formula: see text]-finiteness dimension of N. In this paper, among other things, we show that for each [Formula: see text], (i) the set of associated prime ideals of generalized local cohomology module [Formula: see text] is finite, and (ii) [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-cofinite if and only if [Formula: see text] is so. Moreover, we show that whenever [Formula: see text] is a principal ideal, then [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-cofinite for all n.
Ganea Term for Homology of Leibniz n-Algebras
Authors: Casas J. M.
Published: February 2014

We extend the five-term exact sequence of homology with trivial coefficients of Leibniz n-algebras [Formula: see text] associated to a central extension of Leibniz n-algebras [Formula: see text] by means of a sixth term which is a generalization of the Ganea term for homology of Leibniz algebras. We use this sequence in order to analyze several questions related with the centre and central extensions of a Leibniz n-algebra.
A Classification of Metacyclic 2-Groups
Authors: Xu Mingyao , Zhang Qinhai
Published: February 2014

A finite p-group G is called metacyclic if it has a cyclic normal subgroup A such that G/A is cyclic. In 1973, King classified metacyclic p-groups; in 1987, Newman and the first author developed a new approach to metacyclic p-groups suggested by the p-group generation algorithm, they found new presentations for these groups. However, their results were only announced in the case of p odd, and no proof was given. The purpose of this paper is to give a new proof of their results in the case of p=2, which is independent of the p-group generation algorithm.
On the Cyclic Branched Coverings of the 2-Bridge Knot b(17,4)
Authors: Jeong Kwang-Woo
Published: February 2014

We construct an infinite family of hyperbolic 3-manifolds whose fundamental groups are cyclically presented. We prove that these 3-manifolds are cyclic branched coverings of S3over the 2-bridge knot b(17,4). Finally, we compute thehomology groups and discuss the spines of our manifolds which correspond to some group presentations.
The Order of Hypersubstitutions of Type τ = (3)
Authors: Changphas Thawhat
Published: February 2014

Hypersubstitutions were introduced in [3] as a way of making precise the concepts of hyperidentity and M-hyperidentity. The monoid of hypersubstitutions has been widely studied by many authors. Knowledge of the monoid of hypersubstitutions can be applied to the concept of M-hyperidentities. In this paper, we show that the order of hypersubstitutions of type τ = (3) is 1, 2, 3 or infinite.
Lattices of Radicals of Ω-Groups
Authors: Booth G. L. , Petersen Q. N. , Veldsman S.
Published: February 2014

Snider initiated the study of lattices of the class of radicals, in the sense of Kurosh and Amitsur, of associative rings. Various authors continued the investigation in more general universal classes. Recently, Fernández-Alonso et al. studied the lattice of all preradicals in R-Mod. Our definition of a preradical is weaker than theirs. In this paper, we consider the lattices of ideal maps 𝕀, preradical maps ℙ, Hoehnke radical maps ℍ and Plotkin radical maps 𝔹 in any universal class of Ω-groups (of the same type). We show that 𝕀 is a complete and modular lattice which contains atoms. In general, 𝕀 is not atomic. 𝕀 contains ℙ as a complete and atomic sublattice, whereas ℍ and 𝔹 are not sublattices of 𝕀. In its own right, ℍ is a complete and atomic lattice and 𝔹 is a complete lattice. We identify subclasses of 𝕀, ℙ and ℍ that are sublattices or preserve the meet (or join) of these respective lattices.