bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatio‐temporal change of support with application to American Community Survey multi‐year period estimates
Authors: Bradley Jonathan R. , Wikle Christopher K. , Holan Scott H.
Published: October 2015

We present hierarchical Bayesian methodology to perform spatio‐temporal change of support (COS) for survey data with Gaussian sampling errors. This methodology is motivated by the American Community Survey (ACS), which is an ongoing survey administered by the US Census Bureau that provides timely information on several key demographic variables. The ACS has published 1‐year, 3‐year, and 5‐year period estimates, and margins of errors, for demographic and socio‐economic variables recorded over predefined geographies. The spatio‐temporal COS methodology considered here provides data users with a way to estimate ACS variables on customized geographies and time periods while accounting for sampling errors. Additionally, 3‐year ACS period estimates are to be discontinued, and this methodology can provide predictions of ACS variables for 3‐year periods given the available period estimates. The methodology is based on a spatio‐temporal mixed‐effects model with a low‐dimensional spatio‐temporal basis function representation, which provides multi‐resolution estimates through basis function aggregation in space and time. This methodology includes a novel parameterization that uses a target dynamical process and recently proposed parsimonious Moran's I propagator structures. Our approach is demonstrated through two applications using public‐use ACS estimates and is shown to produce good predictions on a hold‐out set of 3‐year period estimates. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two 3D Polyoxometalate‐based Frameworks Constructed from Silver(I)‐triazole/tetrazole Units: Hydrothermal Syntheses, Crystal Structure and Properties
Authors: Tian Ai‐Xiang , Hou Xue , Ying Jun , Yang Yang , Ning Ya‐Li , Li Tian‐Jiao
Published: October 2015

Two polyoxometalate‐based compounds constructed by Keggin/Ag/L, namely [Ag10(L1)6(HL1)2][HPMo2VMoVI10O40] (1) and [Ag10(L2)8(H2SiMo12O40)] (2) (L1 = 1,2,4‐1H‐triazole and L2 = 1H‐tetrazole), were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, elemental analyses, and IR spectroscopy. In compound 1, the tetra‐nuclear Ag cycles constructed by four L1 ligands, two Ag1 ions, and two Ag2 ions. Compound 1 exhibits a two dimensional (2D) metal‐organic layer containing adjacent tetra‐nuclear Ag cycles. Furthermore, the adjacent 2D layers are further extended by Ag ions to form a three dimensional (3D) channel‐like framework, with Keggin anions embedding in the channels. Compound 2 is isostructural with 1. Additionally, the electrochemical and photocatalytic properties of the title compounds were investigated.
Spontaneous Formation of an η2‐C, S‐Thioketene Complex in Pursuit of Tungsten(IV)‐Sulfanylalkyne Complexes
Authors: Helmdach Kai , Villinger Alexander , Seidel Wolfram W.
Published: October 2015

The oxo tungsten(IV) alkyne complexes [Tp′W(O)(I)(η2‐C2Ph2)] (1), [Tp′W(O)(I){η2‐C2(SC2H4SiMe3)2}] (2), and [Tp′W(O)(I){η2‐C2(SBn)2}] (3) [Tp′ = hydridotris(3, 5‐dimethylpyrazolyl)borate, Bn = benzyl] were synthesized from [Tp′W(O)(CO)(I)]. All three compounds were fully characterized including structure determination by X‐ray diffraction analysis. Further elucidation of these reactions led to the isolation of several by‐products including an unexpected tungsten(IV) thioketene complex [Tp′W(O)(I){η2‐S = C=C(H)(SBn)}] (4), which is formed by removal of one Bn group from the alkyne, and dinuclear [Tp′W(O)(I)]2(μ‐O) (6). Both complexes were also fully characterized. X‐ray diffraction analysis reveals an η2‐S, C side‐on binding mode for 4 and a planar O–W–O–W–O moiety for 6. In addition, by changing the solvent from THF to dichloromethane formation of the chiral dihalogen complex [Tp′W(O)(Cl)(I)] (5) was proven.
The Reigns of Charles II and James VII & II
Authors: Glassey Lionel K. J.
Published: October 2015

British history in the period from the restoration of 1660 to the revolution of 1688, no less than in other periods, has been subject to ‘revisionism’. This volume examines and analyses some of the challenging new theories relating to politics, society, religion and culture that have attracted attention in recent years. It provides both a wide-ranging survey of the principal themes of the post-restoration era, and a series of insights derived from the detailed research of individual contributors.
Correlation Between Surgical Extent and Prognosis in Node‐Negative, Early‐Stage Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Originating in the Isthmus
Authors: Lim Seung Taek , Jeon Ye Won , Suh Young Jin
Published: October 2015

Background

The association between surgical extent and prognosis in papillary thyroid carcinoma originating in the isthmus is unclear.

Methods

We included 233 patients with early‐stage, node‐negative papillary thyroid cancer originating in the isthmus; 126 were treated by lobectomy plus isthmusectomy with ipsilateral central neck dissection and 97 were treated by total thyroidectomy with bilateral central neck dissection. Subgroup analysis was performed according to tumor size (≤1 vs. >1 cm) to evaluate whether tumor size had a significant impact on determining the optimal extent of surgery in our cohort.

Results

Total thyroidectomy patients had longer recurrence‐free survival (RFS) than those treated by lobectomy plus isthmusectomy. Subgroup analysis showed that this was true only for tumors >1 cm. In multivariate analysis, total thyroidectomy was an independent risk factor for RFS only for tumors >1 cm.

Conclusions

Lobectomy plus isthmusectomy may be optimal for early‐stage, node‐negative papillary thyroid carcinoma originating in the isthmus for tumors ≤1 cm; total thyroidectomy might be better for tumors >1 cm.
Die wirtschaftliche Wirkung der Universitäten im Land Baden-Württemberg
Authors: Glückler Glückler , Panitz Robert , Wuttke Christian
Published: October 2015

The assessment of the economic impact of universities has received increasing political attention when it comes to the justification of public expenditure on research and higher education. While regional impact analyses have been realized mostly at the local level and for individual higher education institutions, this article is the first to assess the monetary impact of an entire higher education landscape at the geographical scale of a large federal state in Germany. To increase the validity of the impact at such a geographical scale, the assessment responds to a number of methodological problems of impact studies: The approach used here deploys an extended multiplier analysis accounting for production and income multipliers simultaneously, analyses the differential incidence of universities vis-à-vis alternative uses of public funds, and extends the model to include expenses for the social insurance system. In addition, the validity of the impact analysis is based on concisely regionalised public expenses for all nine state universities in Baden-Württemberg. As a result, the universities in Baden-Württemberg account for an overall impact of nearly twice the basic federal funding. The differential analysis demonstrates that the allocation of public funds to alternative uses hardly reaches comparable regional effects. This study contributes to the advancement of economic impact analysis of higher education landscapes at larger geographic scales rather than individual universities in their local contexts.
High pressure promotes alpha‐synuclein aggregation in cultured neuronal cells
Authors: Golebiewska Urszula , Scarlata Suzanne
Published: October 2015

α‐Synuclein is found in plaques associated with Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases. Changes in α‐synuclein oligomerization are thought to give rise to nucleation of neurodegenerative plaques. Here, we investigated the effect of hydrostatic pressure on the aggregation of α‐synuclein in cultured neuronal cells. We found that hydrostatic pressure is associated with a transition from monomeric to higher order α‐synuclein aggregates. We then tested whether this aggregation is associated with the loss of binding partners, such as phospholipase Cβ. We found that increased pressure reduces the level of PLCβ1 and the amount of α‐synuclein/PLCβ1 complexes. These studies suggest that pressure promotes release of α‐synuclein from protein partners promoting its oligomerization.
Murine erythroid 5‐aminolevulinate synthase: Adenosyl‐binding site Lys221 modulates substrate binding and catalysis
Authors: Stojanovski Bosko M. , Ferreira Gloria C.
Published: October 2015

5‐Aminolevulinate synthase (ALAS) catalyzes the initial step of mammalian heme biosynthesis, the condensation between glycine and succinyl‐CoA to produce CoA, CO2, and 5‐aminolevulinate. The crystal structure ofRhodobacter capsulatusALAS indicates that the adenosyl moiety of succinyl‐CoA is positioned in a mainly hydrophobic pocket, where the ribose group forms a putative hydrogen bond with Lys156. Loss‐of‐function mutations in the analogous lysine of human erythroid ALAS (ALAS2) cause X‐linked sideroblastic anemia. To characterize the contribution of this residue toward catalysis, the equivalent lysine in murine ALAS2 was substituted with valine, eliminating the possibility of a hydrogen bond. The K221V substitution produced a 23‐fold increase in theand a 97% decrease in. This reduction in the specificity constant does not stem from lower affinity toward succinyl‐CoA, since theof K221V is lower than that of wild‐type ALAS. For both enzymes, thevalue is significantly different from the. That K221V has stronger binding affinity for succinyl‐CoA was further deduced from substrate protection studies, as K221V achieved maximal protection at lower succinyl‐CoA concentration than wild‐type ALAS. Moreover, it is the CoA, rather than the succinyl moiety, that facilitates binding of succinyl‐CoA to wild‐type ALAS, as evident from identicalandvalues. Transient kinetic analyses of the K221V‐catalyzed reaction revealed that the mutation reduced the rates of quinonoid intermediate II formation and decay. Altogether, the results imply that the adenosyl‐binding site Lys221 contributes to binding and orientation of succinyl‐CoA for effective catalysis.
Systematic differences in time of cerebellar‐neuron origin derived from bromodeoxyuridine immunoperoxidase staining protocols and tritiated thymidine autoradiography: A comparative study
Authors: Martí Joaquín , Santa‐Cruz M.C. , Serra Roger , Hervás José P.
Published: October 2015

As exogenous markers of DNA synthesis, 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) and tritiated thymidine ([3H]TdR) have revolutionized our ability to identify proliferating neuroblasts and follow their fate during the development of the central nervous system. The effect of the incorporation of these molecules into DNA on cell proliferation, migration and differentiation is frequently neglected (Duque and Rakic, 2011. J. Neurosci. 31, 15205–15217). By a progressively delayed cumulative labeling method, the current paper analyzes the development of the cerebellum in mice exposed to either BrdU or [3H]TdR as embryos and collected at postnatal day 90. We observed that, in comparison to the saline group, several parameters of the cerebellum such as length of the cerebellar cortex, the area of the molecular layer, Purkinje cell (PCs) number, the areas of the cerebellar nuclei, and the number of the deep cerebellar nuclei (DCN) neurons were lower in the BrdU injected group. No consequence of [3H]TdR administration was observed. On the other hand, we also studied whether immunohistochemical methods, including BrdU antibodies from different vendors (Sigma and Dako), partial DNA denaturation procedures and trypsin pretreatments, alter the neurogenetic timetables of PC and DCN neurons that resulted from analysis of these tissue specimens. Our analysis revealed that the generative programs of these macroneurons were unrelated to differences in the sensibility of BrdU antibodies but were dependent on the partial denaturation of DNA and trypsin digestion protocols. Finally, we also compare the generation and spatial distribution of PC and DCN neurons in mice exposed to either BrdU or [3H]TdR to assess whether the results obtained by these two markers are quantitatively similar. The data presented here show that systematic differences exist in the pattern of neurogenesis and the spatial location of cerebellar neurons between mice injected with BrdU or [3H]TdR. These findings have implications for the interpretation of results obtained by both exogenous makers as an index of the production, migration and settling of neurons in the developing central nervous system.
Is it All about the Economy? Government Fractionalization, Economic Performance and Satisfaction with Democracy across Europe, 2002−13
Authors: Kestilä-Kekkonen Elina , Söderlund Peter
Published: October 2015

While previous research has generally shown that economic performance is an important predictor of satisfaction with democracy, differences between political systems on the majoritarian-consensual dimension have not been as marked as expected. What has been neglected in previous studies is how the interaction between economic performance and type of power-sharing arrangement co-produce democratic satisfaction. This study uses multiple rounds of data from the European Social Survey between 2002 and 2013 involving 31 countries. The results show that short-term changes in economic performance and government fractionalization interactively increase or decrease levels of political support. The effect of economic performance on satisfaction with democracy becomes weaker the more fractionalized a government is. Satisfaction with how democracy works in a country remains relatively high in systems with fractionalized coalition governments when the economy is performing poorly. But when the economy performs extraordinarily well, satisfaction with democracy is even higher in countries with a dominant party in charge of government power.
A more precise speciation and extinction rate estimator
Authors: Alroy John
Published: October 2015

A new turnover rate metric is introduced that combines simplicity and precision. Like the related three-timer and gap-filler equations, it involves first identifying a cohort of taxa sampled in the time interval preceding the one of interest (call the intervalsi0andi1). Taxa sampled ini0andi1are two-timers (t2); those sampled ini0andi2but noti1are part-timers (p); and taxa sampled only in eitheri1,i2, ori3are newly notated here as eithers1,s2, ors3. The gap-filler extinction proportion can be reformulated as (s1−s3)/(t2+p). The method proposed here is to substitutes3with the second-highest of the three counts when the expected orderings1≥s2≥s3is violated. In simulation, this new estimator yields values that are highly correlated with those produced by the gap-filler equation but more precise. In particular, it rarely produces highly negative values even when sample sizes are quite small. It is mildly upwards biased when sampling is extremely poor and turnover rates are extremely low, but it is otherwise highly accurate. Examples of Phanerozoic extinction rates for four major marine invertebrate groups are given to illustrate the method’s improved precision. Based on the results, the procedure is recommended for general use.
A Political Economy of Income Tax Policies
Authors: Bueno de Mesquita Bruce , Downs George , Smith Alastair
Published: October 2015

Despite the close ties between tax-generated revenue and government policies, little is known about how political institutions shape the structure of tax choices across income levels. We propose and test a model based on the selectorate perspective, which predicts that leader choices regarding taxing and spending are driven by their desire to maximize their survival prospects against domestic challengers. The empirical tests investigate the conditions under which income taxes are non-existent, flat, more regressive or more progressive, and the degree of heterogeneity in tax systems as a function of governance institutions. The empirical results strongly and robustly support the theoretical predictions while also shedding light on how tax structures implemented in large coalition systems reduce income inequality.
Pimps and Pied Pipers: Quality Television in the Age of Its Direct Delivery
Authors: SZALAY MICHAEL
Published: October 2015

This essay examines the fascination with bodily conversion that characterizes recent HBO programming. Dramas and comedies like True Blood, Veep, Silicon Valley, and True Detective describe human forms in various states of transformation: into a menagerie of supernatural creatures, polling data, digital information and, even, the landscape of the American South. These transformations anticipate and seek to rationalize the exchange of the programs in which they appear into and out of diverse forms of Time Warner brand equity – even as they rehearse anxieties that the network's famed “quality” diminishes in the face of such exchanges. Female characters bear the brunt of this reflexivity; their forcibly contorted and monetized bodies figure the temporary material form assumed by otherwise liquid equity as it moves within Time Warner and, ultimately, over Internet lines and into the viewer's home. The network's famed misogyny is, in this respect, self-conscious and idiosyncratic, and reveals something essential about the incoherence of HBO's parent company at the moment that the network discovers new pathways for the direct distribution of its product.
Epidemiological analysis of the distribution of cystic and alveolar echinococcosis in Osh Oblast in the Kyrgyz Republic, 2000–2013
Authors: Raimkulov K.M. , Kuttubaev O.T. , Toigombaeva V.S.
Published: October 2015

Alveolar and cystic echinococcosis are highly endemic in the Kyrgyz Republic. This report documents the numbers of recorded cases of these two diseases that have been reported in the past 14 years. The number of cases of echinococcosis has increased from approximately 550 to 1044 cases in 2013. This is an increase in incidence from 11.3 to 18.3 cases per 100,000 annually. In 2000 no cases of alveolar echinococcosis (AE) were reported in the Kyrgyz Republic. During this period the disease has emerged, with 148 cases reported in 2013 (2.6 cases per 100,000). Osh Oblast is a highly endemic focus for AE, with 60 cases reported in 2013 (6.0 per 100,000). The Alay Valley in the south of Osh Oblast reported the majority of AE cases for this region. In this valley, in 2013, 42 cases of AE were reported, which is a local incidence of 58 per 100,000.
Attachment features of mytilids in ecosystems with mobile substrate:Brachidontes rodrigueziiin San Antonio Bay (Patagonia, Argentina)
Authors: Salas María Cecilia , Defeo Omar , Narvarte Maite
Published: October 2015

The force required to dislodge mussels from the substrate is known as attachment strength. This feature has been mostly studied in mytilids inhabiting the intertidal of consolidated rocky substrates, whereas it has been less studied in sedimentary substrates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the attachment strength and the number of byssal threads ofBrachidontes rodrigueziiin two sites with mobile substrates in San Antonio Bay, Argentina [Punta Verde (PV) and Punta Delgado (PD)]. PV has relatively higher current velocities and coarser grain size than PD. Along coastal line transects at two different levels of the mid-intertidal of each site, the attachment strength was measured. The number of byssal threads in collected mytilids and the weight of the sediment adhered to them were recorded in the lab. The attachment strength, the number of byssal threads and the sediment adhered to the byssus differed significantly between levels and sites. Mytilids from the mid-level of both sites where the density was relatively lower, had a significantly greater number of byssal threads and higher weight of sediment adhered. This study reveals that a high amount of coarse sediment adhered to the byssus affects the attachment strength ofB. rodrigueziiin ecosystems relative to unstable substrates. We underline the importance of mobile substrates in understanding attachment features (attachment strength and byssal threads) of mytilids in this unstable ecosystem.
Individual social capital and health-related quality of life among older rural Chinese
Authors: SUN XIAOJIE , LIU KUN , WEBBER MARTIN , SHI LIZHENG
Published: October 2015

No study based on the Resource Generator has explored the association between individual social capital and health-related quality of life among older adults. This study aims to evaluate the validity and reliability of the adapted Resource Generator-China, and examine the association between individual social capital measured by the Resource Generator-China and health-related quality of life of older rural-dwelling Chinese people. A field survey including 975 rural-dwelling people aged between 60 and 75 years was conducted in three counties of the Shandong Province of China in 2013. Quality of life was measured by the Chinese version of the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36): scores of Physical Component Summary and Mental Component Summary. Cumulative scale analyses were performed to analyse the homogeneity and reliability of the Resource Generator-China. We constructed generalised linear models by gender to examine the associations of social capital with health-related quality of life. Our findings suggest that the adapted instrument for older rural-dwelling Chinese people can be a reliable and valid measure of access to individual social capital. There were positive associations between individual social capital (total scores and sub-scale scores) and health-related quality of life. Individual social capital had a stronger association with mental health among women than men. Future studies should be improved through a longitudinal design with a larger and randomised sample covering large geographical rural areas in China.
Coevolutionary and genetic algorithm based building spatial and structural design
Authors: Hofmeyer Hèrm , Davila Delgado Juan Manuel
Published: October 2015

In this article, two methods to develop and optimize accompanying building spatial and structural designs are compared. The first, a coevolutionary method, applies deterministic procedures, inspired by realistic design processes, to cyclically add a suitable structural design to the input of a spatial design, evaluate and improve the structural design via the finite element method and topology optimization, adjust the spatial design according to the improved structural design, and modify the spatial design such that the initial spatial requirements are fulfilled. The second method uses a genetic algorithm that works on a population of accompanying building spatial and structural designs, using the finite element method for evaluation. If specific performance indicators and spatial requirements are used (i.e., total strain energy, spatial volume, and number of spaces), both methods provide optimized building designs; however, the coevolutionary method yields even better designs in a faster and more direct manner, whereas the genetic algorithm based method provides more design variants. Both methods show that collaborative design, for example, via design modification in one domain (here spatial) to optimize the design in another domain (here structural) can be as effective as monodisciplinary optimization; however, it may need adjustments to avoid the designs becoming progressively unrealistic. Designers are informed of the merits and disadvantages of design process simulation and design instance exploration, whereas scientists learn from a first fully operational and automated method for design process simulation, which is verified with a genetic algorithm and subject to future improvements and extensions in the community.
Assessment of uncertainty and confidence in building design exploration
Authors: Rezaee Roya , Brown Jason , Augenbroe Godfried , Kim Jinsol
Published: October 2015

Performance assessment at early stages of buildings design is complicated by an inherent lack of information on the design and the uncertainty in how a building design may evolve to a final design. This pilot study reports on an initial quantification of such uncertainty associated with building energy performance and develops a method for informing decision makers of the risks in early design decisions under this uncertainty. Two case studies of building design decision situations under this uncertainty are explored along with using two different energy modeling tools: a reduced-order model and a high-order model. The intended contribution is to identify if a decision can be made with confidence in early design given a high level of uncertainty in the evolution of a design and what models can support decisions of this sort. Integration of the proposed decision support approach with a computer-aided design model is shown as well.
A fast genetic algorithm for solving architectural design optimization problems
Authors: Su Zhouzhou , Yan Wei
Published: October 2015

Building performance simulation and genetic algorithms are powerful techniques for helping designers make better design decisions in architectural design optimization. However, they are very time consuming and require a significant amount of computing power. More time is needed when two techniques work together. This has become the primary impediment in applying design optimization to real-world projects. This study focuses on reducing the computing time in genetic algorithms when building simulation techniques are involved. In this study, we combine two techniques (offline simulation and divide and conquer) to effectively improve the run time in these architectural design optimization problems, utilizing architecture-specific domain knowledge. The improved methods are evaluated with a case study of a nursing unit design to minimize the nurses’ travel distance and maximize daylighting performance in patient rooms. Results show the computing time can be saved significantly during the simulation and optimization process.
Advantages of surrogate models for architectural design optimization
Authors: Wortmann Thomas , Costa Alberto , Nannicini Giacomo , Schroepfer Thomas
Published: October 2015

Climate change, resource depletion, and worldwide urbanization feed the demand for more energy and resource-efficient buildings. Increasingly, architectural designers and consultants analyze building designs with easy-to-use simulation tools. To identify design alternatives with good performance, designers often turn to optimization methods. Randomized, metaheuristic methods such as genetic algorithms are popular in the architectural design field. However, are metaheuristics the best approach for architectural design problems that often are complex and ill defined? Metaheuristics may find solutions for well-defined problems, but they do not contribute to a better understanding of a complex design problem. This paper proposes surrogate-based optimization as a method that promotes understanding of the design problem. The surrogate method interpolates a mathematical model from data that relate design parameters to performance criteria. Designers can interact with this model to explore the approximate impact of changing design variables. We apply the radial basis function method, a specific type of surrogate model, to two architectural daylight optimization problems. These case studies, along with results from computational experiments, serve to discuss several advantages of surrogate models. First, surrogate models not only propose good solutions but also allow designers to address issues outside of the formulation of the optimization problem. Instead of accepting a solution presented by the optimization process, designers can improve their understanding of the design problem by interacting with the model. Second, a related advantage is that designers can quickly construct surrogate models from existing simulation results and other knowledge they might possess about the design problem. Designers can thus explore the impact of different evaluation criteria by constructing several models from the same set of data. They also can create models from approximate data and later refine them with more precise simulations. Third, surrogate-based methods typically find global optima orders of magnitude faster than genetic algorithms, especially when the evaluation of design variants requires time-intensive simulations.
Notes on the design process of a responsive sun-shading system: A case study of designer and user explorations supported by computational tools
Authors: Velasco Rodrigo , Hernández Rubén , Marrugo Nicolás , Díaz César
Published: October 2015

Responding to growing concerns regarding energy-efficient facades, this paper describes the structure and process followed in the design of a responsive sun-shading system based on the use of rotating plates with two degrees of freedom. The proposal considers, among others, the definition of variable design parameters, areas of performance evaluation and control, and construction detailing development represented by a first 1:2 unit (module) model. In the process, computational simulation procedures were employed to explore configurational possibilities that would provide high-performance solutions to the light requirements of the particular covered spaces. In developing the system, it was noticed that due to the highly subjective requirements of users in terms of quantity and quality of lighting, a purely Boolean control system would not always be appropriate. Following from that, and taking advantage of the dynamic nature of the system, a further approach of control supported by fuzzy logic was also implemented at the operative state, whose logic is explained. Digital simulations were carried out to assess the performance of the system, and their results demonstrate more even light distribution levels compared to traditional systems.
Effect of growth factors on oocyte maturation and allocations of inner cell mass and trophectoderm cells of cloned bovine embryos
Authors: Arat Sezen , Caputcu Arzu Tas , Cevik Mesut , Akkoc Tolga , Cetinkaya Gaye , Bagis Haydar
Published: October 2015

This study was conducted to determine the additive effects of exogenous growth factors during in vitro oocyte maturation (IVM) and the sequential culture of nuclear transfer (NT) embryos. Oocyte maturation and culture of reconstructed embryos derived from bovine granulosa cells were performed in culture medium supplemented with either epidermal growth factor (EGF) alone or a combination of EGF with insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). The maturation rates of oocytes matured in the presence of EGF or the EGF + IGF-I combination were significantly higher than those of oocytes matured in the presence of only fetal calf serum (FCS) (P < 0.05). The developing NT embryos showed no significant differences in fusion, cleavage or blastocyst rates among the culture groups (P > 0.05). IGF-I alone or in combination with EGF in sequential embryo culture medium significantly increased the ratio of inner cell mass (ICM) to total blastocyst cells (P < 0.05). Our results showed that the addition of growth factors to IVM and sequential culture media of cloned bovine embryos increased the ICM without changing the total cell number. These unknown and uncontrolled effects of growth factors can alter the allocation of ICM and trophectoderm cells (TE) in NT embryos. A decrease in TE cell numbers could be a reason for developmental abnormalities in embryos in the cloning system.
Constriction of the ductus arteriosus, severe right ventricular hypertension, and a right ventricular aneurysm in a fetus after maternal use of a topical treatment for striae gravidarum
Authors: Hayes Denise A.
Published: October 2015

Fetal constriction of the ductus arteriosus is a complication of maternal non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use and polyphenol-rich food intake. It is unclear as to whether polyphenol-containing topical treatments have similar effects. We present a case of fetal constriction of the ductus arteriosus, severe right ventricular hypertension, and a right ventricular aneurysm associated with maternal use of a topical treatment for striae gravidarum.
Using political science to progress public health nutrition: a systematic review
Authors: Cullerton Katherine , Donnet Timothy , Lee Amanda , Gallegos Danielle
Published: October 2015

Objective

Poor dietary intake is the most important behavioural risk factor affecting health globally. Despite this, there has been little investment in public health nutrition policy actions. Policy process theories from the field of political science can aid understanding why policy decisions have occurred and identify how to influence ongoing or future initiatives. The present review aims to examine public health nutrition policy literature and identify whether a policy process theory has been used to analyse the process.

Design

Electronic databases were searched systematically for studies examining policy making in public health nutrition in high-income, democratic countries.

Setting

International, national, state and local government jurisdictions within high-income, democratic countries.

Subjects

Individuals and organisations involved in the nutrition policy-making process.

Results

Sixty-three studies met the eligibility criteria, most were conducted in the USA and a majority focused on obesity. The analysis demonstrates an accelerating trend in the number of nutrition policy papers published annually and an increase in the diversity of nutrition topics examined. The use of policy process theory was observed from 2003; however, it was utilised by only 14 % of the reviewed papers.

Conclusions

There is limited research into the nutrition policy process in high-income countries. While there has been a small increase in the use of policy process theory from 2003, an opportunity to expand its use is evident. We suggest that nutrition policy making would benefit from a pragmatic approach that ensures those trying to influence or understand the policy-making process are equipped with basic knowledge around these theories.
Co-designing innovative cropping systems that match biophysical and socio-economic diversity: The DATE approach to Conservation Agriculture in Madagascar, Lao PDR and Cambodia
Authors: Husson Olivier , Tran Quoc Hoá , Boulakia Stéphane , Chabanne André , Tivet Florent , Bouzinac Serge , Lienhard Pascal , Michellon Roger , Chabierski Stéphane , Boyer Johnny , Enjalric Frank , Rakotondramanana  , Moussa Narcisse , Jullien Frédéric , Balarabe Oumarou , Rattanatray Bounmy , Castella Jean-Christophe , Charpentier Hubert , Séguy Lucien
Published: October 2015

Rapid changes in agricultural systems call for profound changes in agricultural research and extension practices. The Diagnosis, Design, Assessment, Training and Extension (DATE) approach was developed and applied to co-design Conservation Agriculture-based cropping systems in contrasted situations. DATE is a multi-scale, multi-stakeholder participatory approach that integrates scientific and local knowledge. It emerged in response to questions raised by and issues encountered in the design of innovative systems. A key feature of this approach is the high input of innovative systems which are often although not exclusively based on conservation agricultural practices. Prototyping of innovative cropping systems (ICSs) largely relies on a conceptual model of soil–plant–macrofauna–microorganism system functioning. By comparing the implementation of the DATE approach and conservation agriculture-based cropping systems in Madagascar, Lao PDR, and Cambodia, we show that: (i) the DATE approach is flexible enough to be adapted to local conditions; (ii) market conditions need to be taken into account in designing agricultural development scenarios; and (iii) the learning process during the transition to conservation agriculture requires time. The DATE approach not only enables the co-design of ICSs with farmers, but also incorporates training and extension dimensions. It feeds back practitioners’ questions to researchers, and provides a renewed and extended source of innovation to farmers.
Understanding catalysis in a multiphasic two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenide
Authors: Chou Stanley S. , Sai Na , Lu Ping , Coker Eric N. , Liu Sheng , Artyushkova Kateryna , Luk Ting S. , Kaehr Bryan , Brinker C. Jeffrey
Published: October 2015

Establishing processing–structure–property relationships for monolayer materials is crucial for a range of applications spanning optics, catalysis, electronics and energy. Presently, for molybdenum disulfide, a promising catalyst for artificial photosynthesis, considerable debate surrounds the structure/property relationships of its various allotropes. Here we unambiguously solve the structure of molybdenum disulfide monolayers using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy supported by density functional theory and show lithium intercalation to direct a preferential transformation of the basal plane from 2H (trigonal prismatic) to 1T′ (clustered Mo). These changes alter the energetics of molybdenum disulfide interactions with hydrogen (ΔGH), and, with respect to catalysis, the 1T′ transformation renders the normally inert basal plane amenable towards hydrogen adsorption and hydrogen evolution. Indeed, we show basal plane activation of 1T′ molybdenum disulfide and a lowering of ΔGH from +1.6 eV for 2H to +0.18 eV for 1T′, comparable to 2H molybdenum disulfide edges on Au(111), one of the most active hydrogen evolution catalysts known.
Formation of oligopeptides in high yield under simple programmable conditions
Authors: Rodriguez-Garcia Marc , Surman Andrew J. , Cooper Geoffrey J.T. , Suárez-Marina Irene , Hosni Zied , Lee Michael P. , Cronin Leroy
Published: October 2015

Many high-yielding reactions for forming peptide bonds have been developed but these are complex, requiring activated amino-acid precursors and heterogeneous supports. Herein we demonstrate the programmable one-pot dehydration–hydration condensation of amino acids forming oligopeptide chains in around 50% yield. A digital recursive reactor system was developed to investigate this process, performing these reactions with control over parameters such as temperature, number of cycles, cycle duration, initial monomer concentration and initial pH. Glycine oligopeptides up to 20 amino acids long were formed with very high monomer-to-oligomer conversion, and the majority of these products comprised three amino acid residues or more. Having established the formation of glycine homo-oligopeptides, we then demonstrated the co-condensation of glycine with eight other amino acids (Ala, Asp, Glu, His, Lys, Pro, Thr and Val), incorporating a range of side-chain functionality.
Development of potent in vivo mutagenesis plasmids with broad mutational spectra
Authors: Badran Ahmed H. , Liu David R.
Published: October 2015

Methods to enhance random mutagenesis in cells offer advantages over in vitro mutagenesis, but current in vivo methods suffer from a lack of control, genomic instability, low efficiency and narrow mutational spectra. Using a mechanism-driven approach, we created a potent, inducible, broad-spectrum and vector-based mutagenesis system in E. coli that enhances mutation 322,000-fold over basal levels, surpassing the mutational efficiency and spectra of widely used in vivo and in vitro methods. We demonstrate that this system can be used to evolve antibiotic resistance in wild-type E. coli in <24 h, outperforming chemical mutagens, ultraviolet light and the mutator strain XL1-Red under similar conditions. This system also enables the continuous evolution of T7 RNA polymerase variants capable of initiating transcription using the T3 promoter in <10 h. Our findings enable broad-spectrum mutagenesis of chromosomes, episomes and viruses in vivo, and are applicable to both bacterial and bacteriophage-mediated laboratory evolution platforms.
PKA antagonizes CLASP-dependent microtubule stabilization to re-localize Pom1 and buffer cell size upon glucose limitation
Authors: Kelkar Manasi , Martin Sophie G.
Published: October 2015

Cells couple growth with division and regulate size in response to nutrient availability. In rod-shaped fission yeast, cell-size control occurs at mitotic commitment. An important regulator is the DYRK-family kinase Pom1, which forms gradients from cell poles and inhibits the mitotic activator Cdr2, itself localized at the medial cortex. Where and when Pom1 modulates Cdr2 activity is unclear as Pom1 medial cortical levels remain constant during cell elongation. Here we show that Pom1 re-localizes to cell sides upon environmental glucose limitation, where it strongly delays mitosis. This re-localization is caused by severe microtubule destabilization upon glucose starvation, with microtubules undergoing catastrophe and depositing the Pom1 gradient nucleator Tea4 at cell sides. Microtubule destabilization requires PKA/Pka1 activity, which negatively regulates the microtubule rescue factor CLASP/Cls1/Peg1, reducing CLASP’s ability to stabilize microtubules. Thus, PKA signalling tunes CLASP’s activity to promote Pom1 cell side localization and buffer cell size upon glucose starvation.
Mesenchymal stem cells use extracellular vesicles to outsource mitophagy and shuttle microRNAs
Authors: Phinney Donald G. , Di Giuseppe Michelangelo , Njah Joel , Sala Ernest , Shiva Sruti , St Croix Claudette M. , Stolz Donna B. , Watkins Simon C. , Di Y. Peter , Leikauf George D. , Kolls Jay , Riches David W. H. , Deiuliis Giuseppe , Kaminski Naftali , Boregowda Siddaraju V. , McKenna David H. , Ortiz Luis A.
Published: October 2015

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and macrophages are fundamental components of the stem cell niche and function coordinately to regulate haematopoietic stem cell self-renewal and mobilization. Recent studies indicate that mitophagy and healthy mitochondrial function are critical to the survival of stem cells, but how these processes are regulated in MSCs is unknown. Here we show that MSCs manage intracellular oxidative stress by targeting depolarized mitochondria to the plasma membrane via arrestin domain-containing protein 1-mediated microvesicles. The vesicles are then engulfed and re-utilized via a process involving fusion by macrophages, resulting in enhanced bioenergetics. Furthermore, we show that MSCs simultaneously shed micro RNA-containing exosomes that inhibit macrophage activation by suppressing Toll-like receptor signalling, thereby de-sensitizing macrophages to the ingested mitochondria. Collectively, these studies mechanistically link mitophagy and MSC survival with macrophage function, thereby providing a physiologically relevant context for the innate immunomodulatory activity of MSCs.
Identifying causal gateways and mediators in complex spatio-temporal systems
Authors: Runge Jakob , Petoukhov Vladimir , Donges Jonathan F. , Hlinka Jaroslav , Jajcay Nikola , Vejmelka Martin , Hartman David , Marwan Norbert , Paluš Milan , Kurths Jürgen
Published: October 2015

Identifying regions important for spreading and mediating perturbations is crucial to assess the susceptibilities of spatio-temporal complex systems such as the Earth’s climate to volcanic eruptions, extreme events or geoengineering. Here a data-driven approach is introduced based on a dimension reduction, causal reconstruction, and novel network measures based on causal effect theory that go beyond standard complex network tools by distinguishing direct from indirect pathways. Applied to a data set of atmospheric dynamics, the method identifies several strongly uplifting regions acting as major gateways of perturbations spreading in the atmosphere. Additionally, the method provides a stricter statistical approach to pathways of atmospheric teleconnections, yielding insights into the Pacific–Indian Ocean interaction relevant for monsoonal dynamics. Also for neuroscience or power grids, the novel causal interaction perspective provides a complementary approach to simulations or experiments for understanding the functioning of complex spatio-temporal systems with potential applications in increasing their resilience to shocks or extreme events.
Metastable orientational order of colloidal discoids
Authors: Hsiao Lilian C. , Schultz Benjamin A. , Glaser Jens , Engel Michael , Szakasits Megan E. , Glotzer Sharon C. , Solomon Michael J.
Published: October 2015

The interplay between phase separation and kinetic arrest is important in supramolecular self-assembly, but their effects on emergent orientational order are not well understood when anisotropic building blocks are used. Contrary to the typical progression from disorder to order in isotropic systems, here we report that colloidal oblate discoids initially self-assemble into short, metastable strands with orientational order—regardless of the final structure. The model discoids are suspended in a refractive index and density-matched solvent. Then, we use confocal microscopy experiments and Monte Carlo simulations spanning a broad range of volume fractions and attraction strengths to show that disordered clusters form near coexistence boundaries, whereas oriented strands persist with strong attractions. We rationalize this unusual observation in light of the interaction anisotropy imparted by the discoids. These findings may guide self-assembly for anisotropic systems in which orientational order is desired, such as when tailored mechanical properties are sought.
Membrane stiffening by STOML3 facilitates mechanosensation in sensory neurons
Authors: Qi Yanmei , Andolfi Laura , Frattini Flavia , Mayer Florian , Lazzarino Marco , Hu Jing
Published: October 2015

Sensing force is crucial to maintain the viability of all living cells. Despite its fundamental importance, how force is sensed at the molecular level remains largely unknown. Here we show that stomatin-like protein-3 (STOML3) controls membrane mechanics by binding cholesterol and thus facilitates force transfer and tunes the sensitivity of mechano-gated channels, including Piezo channels. STOML3 is detected in cholesterol-rich lipid rafts. In mouse sensory neurons, depletion of cholesterol and deficiency of STOML3 similarly and interdependently attenuate mechanosensitivity while modulating membrane mechanics. In heterologous systems, intact STOML3 is required to maintain membrane mechanics to sensitize Piezo1 and Piezo2 channels. In C57BL/6N, but not STOML3−/− mice, tactile allodynia is attenuated by cholesterol depletion, suggesting that membrane stiffening by STOML3 is essential for mechanical sensitivity. Targeting the STOML3–cholesterol association might offer an alternative strategy for control of chronic pain.
Patched bimetallic surfaces are active catalysts for ammonia decomposition
Authors: Guo Wei , Vlachos Dionisios G.
Published: October 2015

Ammonia decomposition is often used as an archetypical reaction for predicting new catalytic materials and understanding the very reason of why some reactions are sensitive on material’s structure. Core–shell or surface-segregated bimetallic nanoparticles expose outstanding activity for many heterogeneously catalysed reactions but the reasons remain elusive owing to the difficulties in experimentally characterizing active sites. Here by performing multiscale simulations in ammonia decomposition on various nickel loadings on platinum (111), we show that the very high activity of core–shell structures requires patches of the guest metal to create and sustain dual active sites: nickel terraces catalyse N−H bond breaking and nickel edge sites drive atomic nitrogen association. The structure sensitivity on these active catalysts depends profoundly on reaction conditions due to kinetically competing relevant elementary reaction steps. We expose a remarkable difference in active sites between transient and steady-state studies and provide insights into optimal material design.