bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Temperature and Light Variations on Seed Germination in Sunflower(Helianthus)Species
Authors: Olivieri A. M. , Jain S. K.
Published: May 2019

Some genetic and physiological aspects of seed germination of wild and weedy sunflowers were investigated in order to analyze their population differentiation in seed characteristics. Seed germination of six populations classified on the basis of morphology asHelianthus exilisGray,H. exilis-bolanderihybrids, andH. bolanderiGray was studied under red light at 20 C. The average germination of the three groups respectively were 56, 63, and 42%. Germinability of individual plant progenies derived from populations ofH. bolanderiandH. exiliswas studied under red and far-red light combined with the pretreatments at two temperatures (10 and 20 C). Average germination per progeny reached a maximum of 59% with red light and 10 C inH. bolanderi. Far-red light promoted germination ofH. bolanderibut was ineffective withH. exilis. The homogeneity of populations within each taxon and the fact that germinability differences among theH. bolanderiprogenies were consistent over replications, suggest a genetic component of variation. However, progenies obtained by crossing selected individuals that germinated under certain light and temperature treatments, were not significantly correlated in germinability with that of their parents. Inheritance of germination characteristics appears to be complex and highly dependent on the environmental conditions.
Uptake, Translocation, and Metabolism of Propham by Wheat(Triticum aestivum), Sugarbeet(Beta vulgaris), and Alfalfa(Medicago sativa)
Authors: Burt M. E. , Corbin F. T.
Published: May 2019

Uptake, translocation, and metabolism of propham (isopropyl carbanilate) were ascertained for wheat(Triticum aestivumL., ‘Neepawa’) sugarbeet(Beta vulgarisL., ‘HH-10’), and alfalfa(Medicago sativaL., ‘Cherokee’) when grown in either liquid culture or in soil. Three-week-old wheat and 5-week-old sugarbeet and alfalfa plants were treated with14C-propham in liquid culture for 1, 2, and 4 days. Other plants were placed in treated soil at 10 weeks after germination and grown for 15 weeks. Wheat absorbed 98%, sugarbeet 93%, and alfalfa 81% of the propham from solution after 4 days. Propham was translocated in all species. Under liquid culture, three polar metabolites of propham were isolated from wheat and alfalfa extracts and one was isolated from sugarbeet extracts. The agylcone moiety of the two most polar wheat metabolites was isopropyl-4-hydroxycarbanilate and that of the least polar metabolite was isopropyl-2-hydroxycarbanilate. The aglycone of all alfalfa and sugarbeet polar metabolites was isopropyl-4-hydroxycarbanilate. Only one polar metabolite was isolated from all soil-treated plants. The aglycone moiety was determined to be isopropyl-4-hydroxycarbanilate. Of the propham absorbed 95, 91, 89, and 36% was metabolized by sugarbeet roots, sugarbeet leaves, wheat leaves, and alfalfa leaves, respectively, after a 4-day liquid culture treatment. Propham was 100% metabolized when applied to plants via soil application.
The Metabolism of Atrazine, Chloramben, and Dicamba in Earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) from Treated and Untreated Plots
Authors: Chio Hang , Sanborn J. R.
Published: May 2019

The metabolism of three 14C-ring-labeled herbicides, atrazine [2-chloro-4-(ethylamino)-6-(isopropylamino)-s-triazine], chloramben (3-amino-2,5-dichlorobenzoic acid), and dicamba (3,6-dichloro-o-anisic acid) was studied in the earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris L., taken from plots treated with these herbicides for the past 10 yr and from control plots treated with no herbicides. For the two benzoic acid herbicides, acetone extracts of sand and earthworms from untreated plots contained more unmetabolized herbicide than similar extracts of sand and earthworms from treated plots, indicating a net enhancement of metabolism in worms from treated plots. For atrazine, the amount of unchanged herbicide in the acetone extracts of earthworm and sand were nearly equivalent. Finally, the relative metabolic stability of the three herbicides in decreasing order in earthworms from both control and untreated plots was chloramben>atrazine>dicamba.
Longevity of Certain Weed and Crop Seeds in Fresh Water
Authors: Comes R. D. , Bruns V. F. , Kelley A. D.
Published: May 2019

Seeds of 82 species of weed and crop plants were tested for germinability after dry storage or storage in fresh water for 3 to 60 months. Seeds of 24 species did not germinate after storage in water for 12 months or less; whereas some seeds of 27 species germinated after 60 months in water storage. When stored in water for longer than 12 months some seeds of only 22% of the annual monocots tested germinated; whereas about 75% of the perennial monocots, and annual and perennial dicots germinated. Species whose seeds consistently germinated better after water storage than after dry storage were western waterhemlock [Cicuta douglasii(DC.) Coult. & Rose], woolly sedge(Carex lanuginosaMichx.), pale smartweed(Polygonum lapathifoliumL.), bouncingbet(Saponaria officinalisL.), and blue vervain(Verbena hastataL.).
Selectivity and Site of Action in Relation to Field Performance of Diclofop
Authors: Chow P. N. P.
Published: May 2019

In the greenhouse, the methyl ester of diclofop {2-[4-(2,4-diclorophenoxy)phenoxy] propanoic acid} as a postemergence application at 1.1 kg/ha ai did not affect the growth of the seven dicotyledonous crops with the exception of slight injury to yellow [white] mustard(Brassica hirtaMoench). Of the 13 gramineous species, corn(Zea maysL.), green foxtail [Setaria viridis(L.) Beauv.], oats(Avena sativaL.) wild oats(Avena fatuaL.), sorghum [Sorghum bicolor(L.) Moench], and timothy(Phleum pratenseL.) were rated highly susceptible, while barley(Hordeum vulgareL.), bromegrass [smooth brome](Bromus inermisLeyss.), durum wheat(Triticum durumDesf.), intermediate wheatgrass [Agropyron intermedium(Host) Beauv.], Russian wild ryegrass(Elymus junceusFisch.), triticale(X TriticosecaleWittmack), and wheat(Triticum aestivumL.) were relatively tolerant. Residue of diclofop in the soil partially controlled green foxtail which was seeded 3 weeks after herbicide application. Whether applied to wild oat shoots or roots, diclofop affected the entire plant, but growth reduction was great when applied to the shoots. Field results confirmed that foliar application gave the best weed control resulting in larger wheat yield increases. Wild oat control was greatly enhanced when an adjuvant was added to diclofop. This enhanced herbicidal activity appeared to have no effect on tolerance of barley at 0.8 kg/ha nor wheat at 1.1 kg/ha. Increasing the temperature from 12 to 28 C decreased wild oat control from diclofop at 1.1 kg/ha. In the field, diclofop at rates ranging from 0.8 to 2.2 kg/ha gave good control of wild oats and green foxtail resulting in significantly increased wheat yield compared to the checks. However, barley yield increases were obtained only at the rates from 0.8 to 1.1 kg/ha, indicating that at the higher rates barley was less tolerant than wheat. The 0.6 kg/ha rate with an adjuvant gave adequate weed control and significant barley yield increases over the checks, when evaluated on five barley cultivars.
Absorption and Distribution of Terbutryn and Fluometuron by Germinating Seeds of Cotton(Gossypium hirsutum)and Snapbean(Phaseolus vulgaris)
Authors: Rubin B. , Eshel Y.
Published: May 2019

The absorption and distribution of14C terbutryn [2-(tert-butylamino)-4-(ethylamino)-6-(methylthio)-s-triazine] and14C-fluometuron [1,1-dimethyl-3-(α,α,α-trifluoro-m-tolyl)urea] in cotton(Gossypium hirsutumL. ‘SJ-1’) and snapbean(Phaseolus vulgarisL. ‘Tenderette’) seeds during germination was studied. Seeds of the susceptible snapbean absorbed larger amounts of both herbicides from soil than the resistant cotton seeds. The herbicides accumulated mainly in the seed coat of cotton which shed following emergence, with no translocation to the seedling leaves. In snapbean seeds the herbicides accumulated in the cotyledons, which served as a source for acropetal flow to the developing foliage of the young seedling.
Response of Velvetleaf(Abutilon theoprasti)to Bentazon as Affected by Leaf Orientation
Authors: Andersen R. N. , Koukkari W. L.
Published: May 2019

Greenhouse and growth chamber studies were conducted to determine the cause of previously observed differences in the effectiveness of bentazon [3-isopropyl-1H-2,1,3-benzothiadiazin-4(3H)-one 2,2-dioxide] when applied at various times of the day to velvetleaf(Abutilon theophrastiMedic). Leaves of velvetleaf moved rhythmically from a near horizontal day position to a near vertical night position with the tip of the blade pointed downward. Plants were sprayed with bentazon at various times of day. The amount of spray retained and the degree of control decreased as the leaves moved toward the vertical downward night position. This suggested that a major cause of the time-of-day effect with bentazon treatments on velvetleaf is variation in the amount of spray intercepted and retained as a function of varying leaf angles.
Some Factors Influencing Atrazine Activity on Yellow Nutsedge(Cyperus esculentus)
Authors: Nishimoto R. K. , Yip C. P. , Sweet R. D.
Published: May 2019

Greenhouse studies were conducted to investigate the basis for effective field control of yellow nutsedge(Cyperus esculentusL. var.esculentus)when atrazine [2-chloro-4-(ethylamino)-6-(isopropylamino)-s-trizine] was applied late postemergence. Yellow nutsedge responded similarly to atrazine applied preemergence, early postemergence, or late postemergence. Yellow nutsedge growing with or without the presence of the mother tuber responded similarly to atrazine applied early postemergence. Atrazine application to the soil resulted in much greater yellow nutsedge injury than foliar application. The addition of oil enhanced atrazine activity when foliarly applied, but not when soil applied. Simulated rainfall immediately after postemergence applications enhanced yellow nutsedge control more than when simulated rainfall was delayed. The primary roots of yellow nutsedge appeared to be more important than other underground absorbing areas for atrazine uptake in young plants. Plants from tubers originating from lower soil depths produced secondary roots deeper, and these plants were less affected by atrazine applied preemergence than plants originating from tubers closer to the soil surface. A considerable reduction in atrazine activity was obtained when tubers were planted into soil 1 month after atrazine application.
Enhancement of Chloroplast Photooxidations with Photosynthesis-Inhibiting Herbicides and Protection with NADH or NADPH
Authors: Giannopolitis C. N. , Ayers G. S.
Published: May 2019

Representative herbicides of the substituted ureas, uracils,s-triazines, benzonitriles, and bipyridyls, which are potent inhibitors of photosynthetic electron transport, markedly accelerated photooxidations (chlorophyll bleaching and lipid peroxidation) normally occurring in isolated intact chloroplasts. Other herbicides, which are not potent inhibitors of photosynthesis, did not accelerate photooxidations. The photooxidations, whether in the presence or absence of herbicides, were completely prevented by exogenously supplied NADH or NADPH but not by sucrose or mannitol. Herbicide-induced injury to barley(Hordeum vulgareL.) seedlings treated with paraquat (1,1′-dimethyl-4,4′-bipyridinium ion) was diminished by allowing the seedlings to absorb NADPH. These results provide additional support to the hypothesis that depletion of the source of reducing potential (NADPH) is responsible for chloroplast photooxidations and plant death following treatment with photosynthesis-inhibiting herbicides.
Effect of Diluent Volume and Calcium on Glyphosate Phytotoxicity
Authors: Sandberg C. L. , Meggitt W. F. , Penner Donald
Published: May 2019

The effects of diluent volume and calcium concentration on glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl] glycine] phytotoxicity were evaluated by adding 0.0, 0.0025, 0.005, 0.01, 0.02, and 0.04 M CaCl2to 1.68 kg/ha glyphosate and applying at 130, 190, 375, and 750 L/ha to tall morningglory [Ipomoea purpurea(L.) Roth] plants that were 10 to 12 cm tall. Thirty days after treatment, glyphosate phytotoxicity was reduced by calcium at diluent volumes of 375 and 750 L/ha. Addition of a sulfonine red dye to the spray solution showed that at 130 L/ha, runoff from tall morningglory leaves was negligible. At 375 and 750 L/ha different volumes, ½ to ¾ of the spray solution, as measured by dye retention, ran off the leaf surface. At 750 L/ha, the water and dye collected at the leaf margins and the spray pattern on the leaf surface was not uniform.
Triallate Vapor Pressure and Volatilization from Glass Surfaces
Authors: Grover R. , Spencer W. F. , Farmer W. J. , Shoup T. D.
Published: May 2019

Vapor pressures of technical-grade triallate [S-(2,3,3-trichloroallyl)diisopropylthiocarbamate] were calculated from the vapor density measurements determined at seven different temperatures, using a gas-saturation technique and solid adsorbent traps. The equation Log10P = 11.05 – (4401/T) delineated the relationship between the apparent vapor pressure and temperature, giving the triallate vapor pressure values from 1.083 × 10−4to 16.371 × 10−4mm Hg over the temperature range of 20 to 45 C. The vapor flux of triallate from glass surfaces was of the order of 5.7 μg cm−2h−1at 25 C.
Effects of Glyphosate on Transpiration
Authors: Shaner D. L.
Published: May 2019

Applications of glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine] to the leaves of pea(Pisum sativumL. ‘Burpee's Blue Bantam’), sunflower(Helianthus annuusL. ‘Mammoth’), and bean(Phaseolus vulgarisL. ‘Red Kidney’) reduced transpiration in all three species. The reduction varied with species and concentration applied. Eight-day-old bean leaves responded earlier than leaves on older plants. However, after 29 h, there was no difference in transpiration rates with seedling age, since treated leaves on both ages investigated were transpiring at about one-half the rate of control leaves. Addition of surfactant to the solution shortened the time interval between treatment and transpirational response but did not affect the final transpiration rate as compared to glyphosate without surfactant. The effect of glyphosate on transpiration was not due to changes in water availability or to the surface of the leaf that was treated. It is suggested that these results can give some insight into uptake, translocation, and mode of action of glyphosate.
Children and their Rights and Entitlements in EU Welfare States
Authors: DALY MARY
Published: May 2019

In light of social policy’s growing focus on children and a changing family policy portfolio, we need better classifications and a more nuanced understanding of policy approaches to children. The aim here is to contribute to further thinking and analysis by reviewing some of the existing conceptualisations and the latest relevant policy developments on the one hand and developing an analytic framework for further research on the other. The article takes an EU-wide approach and empirically examines developments in income support policy, parenting-related leaves, early childhood education and care and children’s right to participation to see what they reveal about prevailing approaches to children. The paper identifies some strong moves towards a greater focus on children in social policy but suggests differentiating between three different approaches: family-oriented, childhood-oriented and child-oriented. These approaches differ in terms of whether their primary focus is on children or adults, whether they engage with children directly or indirectly, the set of entitlements involved and the desired outcome.
INGEGNERIA ORGANIZZATIVA E SCIENZA POLITICA
Authors: Balducci Massimo
Published: May 2019

Introduzione

Da un po’ di tempo a questa parte, nell'ambito degli studi organizzativi, si sta sviluppando un indirizzo di ricerca che a molti pare giustificato ricondurre alla politologia. In questa sede ci proponiamo di capire quale sia la logica che sta dietro questa scelta scientifica che sta maturando soprattutto nell'ambito delle scienze sociali tedesche.
IL RECENTE MUTAMENTO NEL SISTEMA PARTITICO ISRAELIANO
Authors: Shapiro Ovadia
Published: May 2019

Introduzione

Le elezioni che si sono svolte in Israele il 17 maggio 1977 hanno segnato la fine di un'epoca nella storia politica del paese. Per la prima volta è stato sconfitto il Partito Laburista, che aveva dominato la scena politica fin dalla creazione dello stato nel 1948, e il cui emergere al potere risale in effetti al 1935, quando ancora non si era costituito lo stato ebraico. Scopo di questo saggio è dimostrare che la perdita del potere da parte del Partito Laburista ha un significato diverso a seconda dei contesti storico-politici, cioè che essa è legata a mutamenti del sistema politico di Israele in generale, e del suo sistema partitico in particolare. Ci rendiamo conto che una sola elezione non è una base sufficiente per valutare gli sviluppi di un sistema partitico; sarebbe necessario prendere in considerazione una serie di elezioni successive per poter giungere a conclusioni attendibili circa il significato e la direzione di tali sviluppi. In una certa misura, questa considerazione sembra valida anche nel caso di Israele. Nessuno è in grado di prevedere con esattezza, a questo primo stadio, che tipo di sistema partitico possa scaturire dalla situazione attuale. Si potrebbero delineare per il futuro diversi scenari, ma senza dati sufficienti che li giustifichino. Non intendo indagare su tutti gli sviluppi possibili, per concentrarmi, invece, su quelli che già sono individuabili.
COMPETIZIONE ELETTORALE E RENDIMENTO POLITICO: IL CASO ITALIANO
Authors: D'Alimonte Roberto
Published: May 2019

Introduzione

La democrazia liberale è una forma di governo fondata sul pluralismo e sulla competizione politica. Piú precisamente, «è una procedura e/o un meccanismo chea) genera una poliarchia aperta, la cui competizione sul mercato elettoraleb) conferisce potere al popolo ec) specificamente induce i governanti alla ricettività verso i governati». Ma a quali condizioni e in che misura questo avviene nel mondo reale? In altre parole, a quali condizioni la competizione elettorale assicura non solo il carattere democratico dei risultati, ma anche — e direi soprattutto — il «buon governo», la ricettività del potere? A livello di teoria empirica della democrazia, queste domande investono il problema del rapporto tra competizione e rendimento dei sistemi di partito. In base a questa logica dobbiamo quindi assumere che il tipo di aggregazione delle domande politiche, le modalità di composizione dei conflitti, la qualità dellaleadership, vale a dire le diverse componenti del rendimento politico, dipendono, in misura variabile in ogni sistema, anche dalla struttura della competizione elettorale. Mentre in scienza politica l'analisi comparata delle basi sociali del comportamento di voto a livello di massa ha fatto grandi progressi, ne sappiamo molto meno sull'influenza del comportamento elettorale sulla competizione e della competizione sul rendimento politico. Questo saggio si propone di studiare questo argomento mettendo a fuoco da una parte una serie di concetti teorici e dall'altra un modello della competizione elettorale nel sistema partitico italiano.
POLITICA ESTERA E POLITICA INTERNA IN ITALIA: NOTE METODOLOGICHE
Authors: Gori Umberto
Published: May 2019

Introduzione

Sulla politica estera italiana esiste ormai un'abbondante letteratura, talora anche pregevole, ma questa quasi mai si presta a far avanzare di un solo passo la conoscenza «scientifica» nel settore. Non esistono, cioè, correlazioni ipotetiche esplicitate e trasparenti, tali da consentire un controllo ed un'accumulazione del sapere in questo campo. Inoltre, molte generalizzazioni, allorché sono fatte, mancano del tutto di evidenza empirica e/o implicano unicamente (nella migliore delle ipotesi) relazioni causali di tipo lineare.
The perspectives of people with dementia on day and respite services: a qualitative interview study
Authors: O’ Shea Emma , O’ Shea Eamon , Timmons Suzanne , Irving Kate
Published: May 2019

Respite services have traditionally been viewed as services for carers mainly. Perhaps as a result, the perspectives of people with dementia have been largely ignored. In this study, we consider these perspectives in relation to day and respite services, and contextualise them in light of Kitwood's prediction that person-centred care would be adopted only superficially by such services. Convenience sampling was employed and semi-structured interviews were conducted with six community-dwelling people with dementia. A thematic analysis was conducted and four themes were identified: ‘acceptability of service characteristics’, ‘meaningful engagement’, ‘personhood’ and ‘narrative citizenship’. The findings suggest that day services were more acceptable than residential respite, though some people would prefer home-based models, if available. ‘Meaningful’ engagement must be individually defined; however purposeful and reciprocal activity was commonly invoked as meaningful. ‘Personhood’ and ‘narrative citizenship’ were quintessential markers of quality care; while some people experienced personhood being bestowed upon them, others reported distinct instances of malignant social psychology, discrimination and stigma. In conclusion, an implementation gap may still persist regarding person-centred care in some respite services, based on the perspectives of people with dementia. Delivering the vision for care outlined here would require greater flexibility in service provision, more resources and more one-on-one staff–client time. The fundamental shift in thinking required by some staff relies on us supporting them to develop a greater self- and shared cultural-awareness around dementia.
The effects of seawater on the integrity of offshore structures
Authors: Hodgkiess T.
Published: May 2019

Synopsis

This paper reviews the knowledge of deterioration processes which occur when steel and concrete structures are situated in seawater. The basic corrosion mechanisms of steel, together with possible methods of protection, are outlined briefly. With regard to coatings and cathodic protection, recent developments to counteract the increasingly severe conditions encountered by oil-production platforms in the North Sea, are discussed. Concrete structures usually provide a naturally-inhibitive internal environment to confer protection from corrosion to encased steel reinforcements, but mention is made of the possibilities of such protection becoming ineffective during long service in severe offshore conditions.

The basic features of corrosion fatigue are described in the light of recent research but some aspects, which are of great importance for the performance of steel structures, are shown to be not well documented or understood. Corrosion fatigue of concrete structures has not been studied extensively, a particularly neglected area being the elucidation of the fundamental mechanisms of deterioration.
Spontaneous Dissection of Cervico-Cerebral Arteries
Authors: Fisher C. Miller , Ojemann Robert G. , Roberson Glenn H.
Published: May 2019

Sixteen cases of spontaneous dissection of the cervical internal carotid artery (6 verified) are described. The mean age was 45 years. The clinical picture varied from simply headache and a bruit to hemiplegia and aphasia. Eleven patients had transient ischemic attacks. Headache, facial pain, a subjective bruit, oculo-sympathetic palsy and transient monocular blindness were present in various combinations in two-thirds of cases and their presence suggested the correct diagnosis. Examples of suspected dissection of the intracranial internal carotid, middle cerebral, posterior cerebral and extracranial vertebral arteries are also presented. Spontaneous dissection is more common than the literature indicates.
Microangiography and Vascular Permeability of the Subependymal Matrix in the Premature Infant
Authors: Takashima Sachio , Tanaka Kenzo
Published: May 2019

The microvascular architecture of the subependymal matrix in premature infants was studied with microangiography and benzidine stains. This revealed that the subependymal matrix is the end zone or the border zone between cerebral arteries and the collection zone of the deep cerebral veins. Focal hypoxic changes of this subependymal matrix may occur in hypoxemia and ischemia because of the characteristic architecture.

The vascular permeability of these vessels was studied in rabbits using three different molecular weights of FITC-dextran. Vascular permeability was increased in the subependymal matrix by hypoxia and especially by hypoxia associated with an increased venous pressure. These findings may be related to the pathogenesis of subependymal hemorrhage in prematurity.
Autosomal Recessive Spastic Ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay
Authors: Bouchard J. P. , Barbeau A. , Bouchard R. , Bouchard R. W.
Published: May 2019

A new syndrome of autosomal recessive spastic ataxia has been isolated in the Charlevoix-Saguenay region of Quebec. This syndrome is remarkably homogeneous and includes: spasticity, dysarthria, distal muscle wasting, foot deformities, truncal ataxia, absence of sensory evoked potentials in the lower limbs, retinal striation reminiscent of early Leber's atrophy and the frequent presence (57%) of a prolapse of the mitral valve. Biochemically, many cases show impaired pyruvate oxidation, others have hyperbilirubinaemia and some have low serum β-lipoproteins and HDL apoproteins. These features are similar to those found in trypical Friedreich's ataxia.
Lipoamide Dehydrogenase Regulation in Rat Brain
Authors: Ngo T. T. , Barbeau A.
Published: May 2019

The Pyruvate dehydrogenase multienzyme complex (PDHC) purified from rat brain is phosphorylated in the presence of low concentrations of ATP and MgCl2. The phosphorylated PDHC is incapable of catalyzing the oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate. In the presence of high concentrations (10 mM) of MgCl2, the phosphorylated (inactive) PDHC is converted back to the dephospho-form of PDHC which is catalytically active.

The dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase (LAD) component, E3, of PDHC is inactivated by pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) and the PLP-inactivated LAD can be reactivated by an amino acid, taurine. These results indicate the reversible formation of Schiff base between PLP and LAD. They also provide clear evidence for the involvement of LAD (E3) in the previously reported inactivation of PDHC by PLP.
Platelet Taurine Uptake in Spinocerebellar Degeneration
Authors: Filla A. , Butterworth R. F. , Geoffroy G. , Lemieux B. , Barbeau A.
Published: May 2019

The uptake of 14C-laurine was studied in the platelets of 20 ataxic patients and 20 age-matched normal control subjects. No significant differences were found in uptake or kinetics of taurine between the two groups of subjects. If a transport defect in taurine exists in Friedreich's ataxia, it is not present in all tissues. Preliminary indication was obtained in favor of heterogenity of the uptake pattern between ataxic individuals.
Friedreich's Ataxia 1978 — An Overview
Authors: Barbeau A.
Published: May 2019

In the present overview an attempt is made to summarize the investigations carried out during the first part of Phase Two of the Quebec Cooperative Study of Friedreich's Ataxia. These investigations delineated the relative importance of various biochemical leads uncovered during the preliminary survey. It is possible to indicate some findings that may be primary and which should be pursued in subsequent investigations. Among these, the observation of an abnormal composition of high density lipoproteins in Friedreich's Ataxia appears to be the most important.
Lifetime bipolar disorder comorbidity and related clinical characteristics in patients with primary obsessive compulsive disorder: a report from the International College of Obsessive–Compulsive Spectrum Disorders (ICOCS)
Authors: Dell’Osso Bernardo , Vismara Matteo , Benatti Beatrice , Cirnigliaro Giovanna , Grancini Benedetta , Fineberg Naomi A. , Van Ameringen Michael , Hollander Eric , Stein Dan J. , Menchon Josè M. , Rodriguez Carolyn I. , Nicolini Humberto , Lanzagorta Nuria , Pallanti Stefano , Grassi Giacomo , Lochner Christine , Marazziti Donatella , Hranov Georgi , Karamustafalioglu Oguz , Hranov Luchezar , Zohar Joseph
Published: May 2019

Introduction.

Bipolar disorder (BD) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) are prevalent, comorbid, and disabling conditions, often characterized by early onset and chronic course. When comorbid, OCD and BD can determine a more pernicious course of illness, posing therapeutic challenges for clinicians. Available reports on prevalence and clinical characteristics of comorbidity between BD and OCD showed mixed results, likely depending on the primary diagnosis of analyzed samples.

Methods.

We assessed prevalence and clinical characteristics of BD comorbidity in a large international sample of patients with primary OCD (n = 401), through the International College of Obsessive–Compulsive Spectrum Disorders (ICOCS) snapshot database, by comparing OCD subjects with vs without BD comorbidity.

Results.

Among primary OCD patients, 6.2% showed comorbidity with BD. OCD patients with vs without BD comorbidity more frequently had a previous hospitalization (p < 0.001) and current augmentation therapies (p < 0.001). They also showed greater severity of OCD (p < 0.001), as measured by the Yale–Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS).

Conclusion.

These findings from a large international sample indicate that approximately 1 out of 16 patients with primary OCD may additionally have BD comorbidity along with other specific clinical characteristics, including more frequent previous hospitalizations, more complex therapeutic regimens, and a greater severity of OCD. Prospective international studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Ultra-wideband elliptical patch antenna for microwave imaging of wood
Authors: Saeidi Tale , Ismail Idris , Wen Wong Peng , Alhawari Adam R. H.
Published: May 2019

This paper presents the design of an elliptical shape ultra-wide band antenna for imaging of wood. The antenna is constructed comprising an elliptical shape of patch loaded by a stub to resonate at lower bands, strip loading at the back, and chamfered ground. Despite having miniaturized dimensions of 20 mm × 20 mm, the proposed antenna shows better results compared to recent studies. The simulation results depict a good ultra-wide bandwidth from 2.68 to 16 GHz, and 18.2–20 GHz. Besides, the proposed antenna has two low-frequency bands at 0.89–0.92 and 1.52–1.62 GHz, maximum gain of 5.48 dB, and maximum directivity of 6.9 dBi. The measurement outcomes are performed in air, plywood, and high-density wood and show a good agreement with the simulated results done using electromagnetic simulator CST. In addition to that, the measurement results of S-parameters, transmitted and received signals show a good agreement with the simulated results. Besides, the measured results illustrate a good isolation and uniform illumination among arrays as well as the received signals' shapes do not change in different environments, but only the amplitude. Hence, the proposed antenna seems to be adequate for microwave imaging of wood.
More humanitarian accountability, less humanitarian access? Alternative ideas on accountability for protection activities in conflict settings
Authors: Klein-Kelly Natalie
Published: May 2019

Ambitions to fulfil accountability demands in humanitarian action are high, including for protection activities in armed conflict settings. However, from a Dunantist position, meeting accountability demands is often not only unsatisfactory for practical reasons, but is also inappropriate in view of humanitarian principles and flawed from related ethical perspectives. Regarding accountability primarily as a technical exercise, rather than as being linked to ethical perspectives on humanitarianism and its principles, may thus inadvertently contribute to reduced acceptability of, and ultimately reduced access for, humanitarian actors. Dunantist actors wishing to stay true to their ethical approach need new ways of thinking about accountability, a reflection which can serve as an example for an ongoing need to consider differences between actors within the humanitarian–development nexus.
Improving Bi-Factor Exploratory Modeling
Authors: Garcia-Garzon Eduardo , Abad Francisco José , Garrido Luis Eduardo
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Bi-factor exploratory modeling has recently emerged as a promising approach to multidimensional psychological measurement. However, state-of-the-art methods relying on target rotation require researchers to select an arbitrary cut-off for defining the target matrix. Unfortunately, the consequences of such choice on factor recovery remain uninvestigated under realistic conditions (e.g., factors differing in their average loadings). Built upon the iterative target rotation based on Schmid-Leiman algorithm (SLi), a novel method is here introduced (SLiD). SLiD settles an empirical, factor-specific cut-off based on the first prominent one-lagged difference of sorted squared normalized factor loadings. SLiD and SLi with arbitrary cut-off (ranging from .05 to .20) performance were evaluated via Monte Carlo simulation manipulating sample size, number of specific factors, number of indicators, and cross-loading magnitude. Results indicate that SLiD performed the best for all conditions. For SLi, and due to the presence of minor factors, smaller cut-offs (i.e., .05) outperformed higher ones (i.e., .20).
Applying AdaBoost to Improve Diagnostic Accuracy
Authors: Jiang Zhehan , Walker Kevin , Shi Dexin
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Cognitive diagnostic modeling has been adopted to support various diagnostic measuring processes. Specifically, this approach allows practitioners and/or researchers to investigate an individual’s status with regard to certain latent variables of interest. However, the diagnostic information provided by traditional estimation approaches often suffers from low accuracy, especially under small sample conditions. This paper adopts an AdaBoost technique, popular in the field of machine learning, to estimate latent variables. Further, the proposed approach involves the construction of a simple iterative algorithm that is based upon the AdaBoost technique – such that the area under the curve (AUC) is minimized. The algorithmic details are elaborated via pseudo codes with line-to-line verbal explanations. Simulation studies were conducted such that the improvement of latent variable estimates via the proposed approach can be examined.
Using Shrinkage in Multilevel Models to Understand	Intersectionality
Authors: Bell Andrew , Holman Daniel , Jones Kelvyn
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Multilevel models have recently been used to empirically investigate the idea that social characteristics are intersectional such as age, sex, ethnicity, and socioeconomic position interact with each other to drive outcomes. Some argue this approach solves the multiple-testing problem found in standard dummy-variable (fixed-effects) regression, because intersectional effects are automatically shrunk toward their mean. The hope is intersections appearing statistically significant by chance in a fixed-effects regression will not appear so in a multilevel model. However, this requires assumptions that are likely to be broken. We use simulations to show the effect of breaking these assumptions: when there are true main effects/interactions, unmodeled in the fixed part of the model. We show, while the multilevel approach outperforms the fixed-effects approach, shrinkage is less than is desired, and some intersectional effects are likely to appear erroneously statistically significant by chance. We conclude with advice to make this promising method work robustly.
Turbulence, Sediment‐Induced Stratification, and Mixing Under Macrotidal Estuarine Conditions (Qiantang Estuary, China)
Authors: Tu Junbiao , Fan Daidu , Zhang Yue , Voulgaris George
Published: May 2019

Time series of in situ measured velocity and suspended sediment concentration from Qiantang Estuary (China), and estimates of turbulence and sediment stratification parameters are presented. The data span a period of 9 days, and after phase averaged, they are used to explore spring‐neap tidal variations in flow, turbulence, and sediment stratification. A local balance between shear production, sediment‐induced buoyancy flux, and dissipation is found to hold during ebb for both neap and spring tides. During flood elevated turbulence dissipation rates are observed, attributed to nonlocal turbulence, most likely due to horizontal advection. Our results show that the effect of sediment stratification is successfully parameterized by adding the Monin‐Obukhov length scale to the classical logarithmic layer theory. Flood‐ebb asymmetry in both Rig and Rf is observed, with higher values attained during flood due to the higher sediment concentrations and the corresponding weaker velocity shear found at these times. Rf is found to increase with Rig when Rig < 0.25, and it attains a maximum value of ~0.2. Our estimates, consistently with those from previous studies, fall slightly below the commonly used theoretical predictions. Sediment stratification contributes to the decay of turbulence, and weak mixing still exists under high Rig numbers.
Structural insights into DNA recognition by AimR of the arbitrium communication system in the SPbeta phage
Authors: Guan Zeyuan , Pei Kai , Wang Jing , Cui Yongqing , Zhu Xiang , Su Xiang , Zhou Yuanbao , Zhang Delin , Tang Chun , Yin Ping , Liu Zhu , Zou Tingting
Published: May 2019

A newly identified arbitrium communication system regulates the lysis-to-lysogeny decision in a Bacillus bacteriophage. This system contains an arbitrium hexapeptide as a signal, the cellular receptor AimR, and the lysogenic negative regulator AimX. AimR specifically targets the downstream DNA to activate aimX gene expression. The arbitrium peptide binds to AimR, inhibiting its DNA-binding to promote phage lysogeny. Recently, we and other groups have elucidated how arbitrium peptide sensed by AimR. However, the molecular mechanisms of DNA recognition by AimR and the regulation of its DNA-binding activity by the peptide remain largely unknown. Here, we report the crystal structure of the AimR–DNA complex at 2.1 Å resolution. The N-terminal HTH motif recognizes the palindromic DNA sequence, buttressed by interactions between positively charged residues and the DNA phosphate groups. The DNA-bound AimR assembles a more closed dimer than the peptide-bound form. Single-molecule FRET and crosslinking assays revealed that the AimR protein samples both open and closed conformations in solution. Arbitrium peptide binding induces a closed-to-open conformational change of AimR, eliminating DNA targeting. Our structural and functional analysis provides new insights into the DNA recognition mechanism of AimR and its regulation by the arbitrium peptide in the context of phage lysis-lysogeny decisions.
Modulation of antibiotic sensitivity and biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa by interspecies signal analogues
Authors: An Shi-qi , Murtagh Julie , Twomey Kate B. , Gupta Manoj K. , O’Sullivan Timothy P. , Ingram Rebecca , Valvano Miguel A. , Tang Ji-liang
Published: May 2019

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a significant opportunistic pathogen, can participate in inter-species communication through signaling by cis-2-unsaturated fatty acids of the diffusible signal factor (DSF) family. Sensing these signals leads to altered biofilm formation and increased tolerance to various antibiotics, and requires the histidine kinase PA1396. Here, we show that the membrane-associated sensory input domain of PA1396 has five transmembrane helices, two of which are required for DSF sensing. DSF binding is associated with enhanced auto-phosphorylation of PA1396 incorporated into liposomes. Further, we examined the ability of synthetic DSF analogues to modulate or inhibit PA1396 activity. Several of these analogues block the ability of DSF to trigger auto-phosphorylation and gene expression, whereas others act as inverse agonists reducing biofilm formation and antibiotic tolerance, both in vitro and in murine infection models. These analogues may thus represent lead compounds to develop novel adjuvants improving the efficacy of existing antibiotics.
Upconverted electroluminescence via Auger scattering of interlayer excitons in van der Waals heterostructures
Authors: Binder J. , Howarth J. , Withers F. , Molas M. R. , Taniguchi T. , Watanabe K. , Faugeras C. , Wysmolek A. , Danovich M. , Fal’ko V. I. , Geim A. K. , Novoselov K. S. , Potemski M. , Kozikov A.
Published: May 2019

The intriguing physics of carrier-carrier interactions, which likewise affect the operation of light emitting devices, stimulate the research on semiconductor structures at high densities of excited carriers, a limit reachable at large pumping rates or in systems with long-lived electron-hole pairs. By electrically injecting carriers into WSe2/MoS2 type-II heterostructures which are indirect in real and k-space, we establish a large population of typical optically silent interlayer excitons. Here, we reveal their emission spectra and show that the emission energy is tunable by an applied electric field. When the population is further increased by suppressing the radiative recombination rate with the introduction of an hBN spacer between WSe2 and MoS2, Auger-type and exciton-exciton annihilation processes become important. These processes are traced by the observation of an up-converted emission demonstrating that excitons gaining energy in non-radiative Auger processes can be recovered and recombine radiatively.
Optimal integration of intraneural somatosensory feedback with visual information: a single-case study
Authors: Risso G. , Valle G. , Iberite F. , Strauss I. , Stieglitz T. , Controzzi M. , Clemente F. , Granata G. , Rossini P. M. , Micera S. , Baud-Bovy G.
Published: May 2019

Providing somatosensory feedback to amputees is a long-standing objective in prosthesis research. Recently, implantable neural interfaces have yielded promising results in this direction. There is now considerable evidence that the nervous system integrates redundant signals optimally, weighting each signal according to its reliability. One question of interest is whether artificial sensory feedback is combined with other sensory information in a natural manner. In this single-case study, we show that an amputee with a bidirectional prosthesis integrated artificial somatosensory feedback and blurred visual information in a statistically optimal fashion when estimating the size of a hand-held object. The patient controlled the opening and closing of the prosthetic hand through surface electromyography, and received intraneural stimulation proportional to the object’s size in the ulnar nerve when closing the robotic hand on the object. The intraneural stimulation elicited a vibration sensation in the phantom hand that substituted the missing haptic feedback. This result indicates that sensory substitution based on intraneural feedback can be integrated with visual feedback and make way for a promising method to investigate multimodal integration processes.
Probe dependency in the determination of ligand binding kinetics at a prototypical G protein-coupled receptor
Authors: Bosma Reggie , Stoddart Leigh A. , Georgi Victoria , Bouzo-Lorenzo Monica , Bushby Nick , Inkoom Loretta , Waring Michael J. , Briddon Stephen J. , Vischer Henry F. , Sheppard Robert J. , Fernández-Montalván Amaury , Hill Stephen J. , Leurs Rob
Published: May 2019

Drug-target binding kinetics are suggested to be important parameters for the prediction of in vivo drug-efficacy. For G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), the binding kinetics of ligands are typically determined using association binding experiments in competition with radiolabelled probes, followed by analysis with the widely used competitive binding kinetics theory developed by Motulsky and Mahan. Despite this, the influence of the radioligand binding kinetics on the kinetic parameters derived for the ligands tested is often overlooked. To address this, binding rate constants for a series of histamine H1 receptor (H1R) antagonists were determined using radioligands with either slow (low koff) or fast (high koff) dissociation characteristics. A correlation was observed between the probe-specific datasets for the kinetic binding affinities, association rate constants and dissociation rate constants. However, the magnitude and accuracy of the binding rate constant-values was highly dependent on the used radioligand probe. Further analysis using recently developed fluorescent binding methods corroborates the finding that the Motulsky-Mahan methodology is limited by the employed assay conditions. The presented data suggest that kinetic parameters of GPCR ligands depend largely on the characteristics of the probe used and results should therefore be viewed within the experimental context and limitations of the applied methodology.
Association between APOE4 and biomarkers in cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy
Authors: Orchard Paul J. , Markowski Todd W. , Higgins LeeAnn , Raymond Gerald V. , Nascene David R. , Miller Weston P. , Pierpont Elizabeth I. , Lund Troy C.
Published: May 2019

Cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (cALD) is an inflammatory neurodegenerative disease associated with mutation of the ABCD1 gene. Proteomic analysis of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) from young males with active cALD revealed markers of inflammation including APOE4. APOE4 genotype has been associated with an inferior prognosis following acute and chronic neurologic injury. We assessed APOE4 inheritance among 83 consecutive young males with cALD prior to hematopoietic cell transplant and its association with markers of cerebral disease. The allele frequency of APOE4 was not significantly different from that of the general population at 17%. Young males with cALD that were APOE4 carriers had similar CSF protein and chitotriosidase activity to that of non-carriers. In contrast, APOE4 carriers had an increased burden of cerebral disease involvement as determined by MRI severity score (10.5 vs 7.0 points, p = 0.01), higher gadolinium intensity score (2.0 vs 1.3 points, p = 0.007), inferior neurologic function (neurologic function score 2.4 vs 1.0, p = 0.001), and elevated CSF MMP2 levels compared to that of non-carriers (13168 vs 9472 pg/mL, p = 0.01). These are the first data showing that APOE4 is associated with increased severity of cerebral disease in cALD and suggest it may be a modifier of disease.
Voluntary upregulation of heart rate variability through biofeedback is improved by mental contemplative training
Authors: Bornemann Boris , Kovacs Peter , Singer Tania
Published: May 2019

Regulation of the parasympathetic nervous system, indexed through high frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV), is indicative of physical and psychological health. However, little is known about the trainability of this capacity. We investigated the effects of a 9-month mental training program (the ReSource Project; n = 298) on voluntary HF-HRV upregulation, assessed with a novel biofeedback procedure. The program consisted of attentional, interoceptive, socio-affective and socio-cognitive training elements, all of which potentially influence parasympathetic regulation. Based on known links between oxytocin and parasympathetic activity, we also explored the relationship of HF-HRV upregulation to the oxytocin receptor system. We found that HF-HRV during the biofeedback session increased after 3 months of training, concomitant with prolonged respiration cycles. Breathing-controlled changes in HF-HRV upregulation, indicative of improved parasympathetic control, were significantly increased after 6 months of training. Homozygous risk allele carriers (AA) of the oxytocin receptor gene polymorphism rs53576 showed initially lower parasympathetic control, but fully compensated for their initial deficits through the training. No changes were found for HF-HRV at rest. Our data demonstrate that a mental training intervention extending over several months can increase the capacity for voluntary regulation of HF-HRV, with important implications for improving individual and societal health.