bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mobile Communication Development
Authors: Melody William H.
Published: February 2015

There will soon be more mobile phones in the world than people. Yet opportunities for further growth remain great, since “m‐applications” are at an early stage of development and the “digital divide” is still far from closure. The phenomenal growth of mobile has been shaped by the convergence of rapidly evolving technologies in the telecommunication and computer industries, unpredicted and unprecedented demand for mobile services, and by spectrum policy and management. Building on the backs of the inventions of Morse, Bell, and Marconi, electronic communication has been extended to incorporate mobility as an essential component of almost all electronic services in the evolution toward information societies. With smartphones and media tablets, the computer industry has seized leadership from the telecommunication industry in directing further technological development. The dominant factor influencing future development, however, will be the extent to which spectrum policy and management can increase spectrum efficiency by an order of magnitude and provide the essential radio spectrum frequency capacity. This entry explains why this is the limiting factor for fifth‐ generation (5G) mobile communication development and its applications in future information societies.
Law of Cyber Warfare
Authors: Hayes Carol M. , Kesan Jay P.
Published: February 2015

When conflicts arise between countries, these conflicts may be addressed by application of international law. This entry focuses on international law in the modern age, especially as it has been affected by modern communication technologies that increase the danger of cyberwar. First, we provide some general background information about agreements between states under international law, such as treaties. While there are many ways that international law can develop, treaties may be especially effective at addressing new technologies. Next, we turn to the main focus of this entry: applying international law to the modern communication environment, especially given the threat of cyber warfare. The threats are real and the technology is developing rapidly, but formal legal positions are still being debated. Though it is unclear how international law will apply to cyberwar, this topic is a high priority in the area of international relations and diplomacy.
Political Speech and the Law
Authors: Brooten Lisa
Published: February 2015

New tensions have emerged in the digital environment between political speech, privacy, and the need for security and for laws proportionate to the demands for information in a democratic society. The rapidity of technological change has governments, courts, and civil society groups worldwide scrambling to effectively adapt to new challenges, shifting constitutional provisions, laws, regulations, and practices of states. Protections for political speech include provisions for freedom of expression, speech, and the press, as well as protections for privacy and anonymity. In addition to more obvious forms of political speech such as election campaigns and political protests, contested forms of political speech include corporate and anticorporate speech and hate speech. Threats to political speech come in both direct and indirect forms, including antiterrorism laws, increased levels of surveillance, cybersecurity and cybercrime laws, various forms of defamation or libel, and intellectual property rights.
Intermediary Responsibility
Authors: Winseck Dwayne R.
Published: February 2015

Intermediaries operate the facilities that provide access to, or services on, the internet, including internet service providers (ISPs), search engines, social media, etc. As with all media, questions have arisen about what, if any, responsibilities, these entities should have with respect to third party content. While many observers in the 1990s saw the decentralized and cross‐border nature of the internet as making it difficult to regulate, concentration levels for core internet elements – ISPs, search engines, social media sites, etc. – are in fact very high. This, in turn, has made them popular tools as part of the struggle by governments, copyright interests, and others to regulate unwelcome content such as mass piracy, child pornography, whistle‐blowers, bullies, terrorists, etc. Consequently, intermediaries are being tasked – on a “voluntary” and mandatory basis – with a growing list of gatekeeper functions: website blocking and filtering, domain name seizures, data retention, etc.
Service Agreements, Terms of
Authors: Coyer Kate , Wanstreet Rian
Published: February 2015

Terms of service (variously named end user license agreements, privacy policies or user agreements, statements of responsibilities, etc.) are the contracts users commit themselves to when accessing most online platforms, services, applications, and software. Within these contracts lie important legally binding detail about the rights and responsibilities of the users and service providers, however, they are written by the service providers, rarely read by users, and thus typically benefit the service provider or vendor rather than the user. To better understand why these contracts matter and what is embedded within them, this entry looks at terms of service agreements within the context of internet governance and as a legal construct and corporate tool; the impact users experience, privacy and freedom of expression; and broader human rights frameworks and transparency.
Participatory Video
Authors: Roberts Tony , Lunch Chris
Published: February 2015

Participatory video has become an increasingly popular development activity over the last 45 years. This is due, in part, to its claimed efficacy in generating valued development outcomes at the level of the individual, group, and society. Participatory video is a set of techniques using information and communication technologies (ICTs) to involve a group or community in shaping and creating their own film. Unlike other kinds of filmmaking participatory video, it hands control of the film production process to inexpert users to enable them to express and represent themselves, communicating to others about issues affecting their lives. It is claimed that among other benefits, this process can enhance participants' self‐confidence and self‐esteem, individual and collective agency, and serve as an effective mechanism to amplify the voices of marginalized groups to influence their decision making processes. Over time writing about participatory video has generally become less celebratory and more critical, questioning among other things, the extent to which control is handed over and scrutinizing claims that participatory video generates transformational social change.
ICT4D
, Overview of Theories in
Authors: Zheng Yingqin
Published: February 2015

The information and communication technology for development (ICT4D) field is strongly interdisciplinary and draws upon fields such as development studies, information systems, computer science, geography, management studies, media and communication studies, design science, gender/feminist studies, and a large number of disciplines. In the past two decades, a growing number of theories has been developed and applied to generate scholarly insight and improved understanding of practical and policymaking. The boundaries of the literature are blurred in this area, making it challenging to provide a relatively short entry, and it is impossible to offer exhaustive coverage. The aim of this entry is to provide an introduction to several key theoretical perspectives that are frequently cited and that may be considered to be influential in the field and to outline some of the main understandings of ICT4D.
Commercial Applications in Digital Communications
Authors: Steinfield Charles
Published: February 2015

Where in the past the field of digitally mediated communication was focused narrowly within organizational settings and on its impacts on interpersonal communication, it is now clear that the commercial implications of such communication are vast and pervasive, permeating every aspect of the economy. This entry provides an overview of the topics addressed in the commercial applications theme of this
Encyclopedia
, covering six areas: business‐to‐business networks, electronic commerce, online marketing, online content delivery, communication services, and mobile communications. Research related to these topics is needed to understand how digital technologies shape social and business practice, and to better inform policies and practice. The entries offer a comprehensive introduction to the work that has been done and an agenda for where to take research in the future.
Location Based Commercial Services
Authors: Stanoevska‐Slabeva Katarina
Published: February 2015

Location based commercial services (LBS) are specific mobile services that depend on and are based on location information. They provide added value for mobile users through location‐specific information and services, as well as through their visualization on interactive maps. LBS provide basic information regarding the location of a person or object, the persons and objects that are nearby, a depiction of the surroundings, as well as instructions about how to get from one place to another. Examples of LBS are: location‐specific weather and tourist services, location based mobile games and social networks, navigation as well as location‐specific advertising and mobile commerce services. They provide spatial guidance for users and help them in mastering location‐specific tasks and information needs in an efficient way. This entry defines LBS, explains the technologies they are based on and classifies them. It also explains the historical evolution and factors influencing the adoption of LBS.
e‐Commerce Standards
Authors: Steinfield Charles , Wigand Rolf T.
Published: February 2015

Standards are essential to insure that devices and networks work together effectively to provide access to content and communication. They are also necessary to reduce the costs of e‐commerce transactions, especially between businesses. This entry provides a basic definition of standards and a brief overview of the role of standards throughout the history of electronic communications and e‐commerce. The main research themes related to standards are introduced, including research on the economics of compatibility standards; network and bandwagon effects in the adoption of standards; and collective action dilemmas in standards development and diffusion, especially in the context of vertical information system standards to support electronic commerce.
ICT4D
Authors: Kleine Dorothea
Published: February 2015

Research in information and communication technology for development (ICT4D) is an emerging field, bringing together a variety of disciplines across the social and physical sciences and the humanities. Through interdisciplinary approaches and links with practice, research in this area assembles development practitioners, policymakers, scholars, technical experts, and activists. This entry introduces the field, explains its history, core challenges, and the specific areas of research that are included under the ICT4D theme in this Encyclopedia.
Soluble Guanylate Cyclase: A New Therapeutic Target for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Dasgupta A , Bowman L , D'Arsigny CL , Archer SL
Published: February 2015

Nitric oxide (NO) activates soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) by binding its prosthetic heme group, thereby catalyzing cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) synthesis. cGMP causes vasodilation and may inhibit smooth muscle cell proliferation and platelet aggregation. The NO‐sGC‐cGMP pathway is disordered in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a syndrome in which pulmonary vascular obstruction, inflammation, thrombosis, and constriction ultimately lead to death from right heart failure. Expression of sGC is increased in PAH but its function is reduced by decreased NO bioavailability, sGC oxidation and the related loss of sGC's heme group. Two classes of sGC modulators offer promise in PAH. sGC stimulators (e.g., riociguat) require heme‐containing sGC to catalyze cGMP production, whereas sGC activators (e.g., cinaciguat) activate heme‐free sGC. Riociguat is approved for PAH and yields functional and hemodynamic benefits similar to other therapies. Its main serious adverse effect is dose‐dependent hypotension. Riociguat is also approved for inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.
Anti‐Interleukin Therapy in Asthma
Authors: Dunn RM , Wechsler ME
Published: February 2015

Asthma remains one of the most prevalent and costly diseases in the United States. Asthma accounts for a significant amount of direct medical expenditures and indirect cost from days lost at school and work. Modern understanding of its complex pathogenesis has allowed recognition of the heterogeneity of the disease across populations and the various inflammatory pathways that drive airway inflammation in asthma. Interleukins play important roles in both eosinophilic and noneosinophilic asthma, and anti‐interleukin therapy will allow for a targeted, personalized approach to asthma management. With the success of anti‐interleukin (IL) ‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐13 therapy in recent large trials among specific populations of asthmatics, it is likely that targeted anti‐interleukin therapy will be approved for use in the near future. It will be important for clinicians and pharmacists to understand their risks, benefits, and proper indications.
Enabling the Curation of Your Pharmacogenetic Study
Authors: McDonagh EM , Whirl‐Carrillo M , Altman RB , Klein TE
Published: February 2015

As pharmacogenomics becomes integrated into clinical practice, curation of published studies becomes increasingly important. At the Pharmacogenomics Knowledgebase (PharmGKB; www.pharmgkb.org), pharmacogenetic associations reported in published articles are manually curated and evaluated. Standard terminologies are used, making findings uniform and unambiguous. Lack of information, clarity, or standards in the original report can make it difficult or impossible to curate. We provide 10 rules to help authors ensure that their results are accurately captured and integrated.
Are Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies Associated With Less Off‐Label Use of Medications? The Case of Immune Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Sarpatwari A , Franklin JM , Avorn J , Seeger JD , Landon JE , Kesselheim AS
Published: February 2015

Using data from a large commercial health insurer, we studied prescribing of romiplostim (Nplate) and eltrombopag (Promacta), two drugs for primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) for which risk evaluation and mitigation strategies (REMS) with elements to assure safe use were initially imposed and then removed. We identified 103 and 117 new users of romiplostim and eltrombopag, respectively. Use was almost exclusively for FDA‐approved indications (“on‐label”) while the REMS with elements to assure safe use were in place. After these elements were lifted, off‐label use of eltrombopag among patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV), a subsequently approved indication, increased. The ratio of incidence rate ratios of off‐label/HCV to on‐label initiation of eltrombopag between the two time periods was significant (13.41;P< 0.001). Our finding of an association with reduced off‐label prescribing suggests that REMS with elements to assure safe use can help promote patient safety but may also prevent promising off‐label drug uses.
Biologics in the Treatment of Chronic Pain: A New Era of Therapy?
Authors: Bannwarth B , Kostine M
Published: February 2015

Existing analgesics fail to provide adequate pain relief in a significant proportion of patients complaining of chronic pain. Furthermore, their use is limited by tolerability and safety concerns. Thus, there is a huge unmet need for effective and safe innovative painkillers. Considering the major role of nerve growth factor (NGF) in the generation and maintenance of a wide range of pain states, the issue is whether anti‐NGF biologics under development might offer such an opportunity.
Helicase‐Primase as a Target of New Therapies for Herpes Simplex Virus Infections
Authors: James SH , Larson KB , Acosta EP , Prichard MN
Published: February 2015

The seminal discovery of acyclovir 40 years ago heralded the modern era of truly selective antiviral therapies and this drug remains the therapy of choice for herpes simplex virus infections. Yet by modern standards, its antiviral activity is modest and new drugs against novel molecular targets such as the helicase‐primase have the potential to improve clinical outcome, particularly in high‐risk patients. A brief synopsis of current therapies for these infections and clinical need is provided to help provide an initial perspective. The function of the helicase‐primase complex is then summarized and the development of new inhibitors of the helicase‐primase complex, such as pritelivir and amenamevir, is discussed. We review their mechanism of action, propensity for drug resistance, and pharmacokinetic characteristics and discuss their potential to advance current therapeutic options. Strategies that include combinations of these inhibitors with acyclovir are also considered, as they will likely maximize clinical efficacy.
Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptide‐Mediated Transport of, and Inhibition by, Asunaprevir, an Inhibitor of Hepatitis C Virus NS3 Protease
Authors: Eley T , Han Y‐H , Huang S‐P , He B , Li W , Bedford W , Stonier M , Gardiner D , Sims K , Rodrigues AD , Bertz RJ
Published: February 2015

Asunaprevir (ASV), an investigational, highly protein‐bound inhibitor of hepatitis C virus NS3 protease, shows considerable hepatic compartmentalization in animal models. Preclinical data showed ASV inhibition of human OATP1B1 (IC50 = 0.3 μM), OATP2B1 (0.27 μM), and, to a lesser extent OATP1B3 (3.0 μM), confirmed by modest (<2‐fold) clinical elevations in rosuvastatin exposure with concomitant ASV. Although no significant OATP transport of ASV was observed in vitro at standard micromolar assay concentrations, clinical coadministration of ASV with a single dose of the OATP inhibitor rifampin gave large, variable increases in ASV plasma Cmax (21‐fold mean) and AUCinf (15‐fold mean), consistent with reduced hepatic uptake. In vitro reevaluation at therapeutically relevant low‐nanomolar concentrations of unbound ASV showed active, saturable human hepatocyte uptake (Km = 0.685 μM) and rifampin‐reversible transport by OATP1B1 and OATP2B1, but not OATP1B3. At therapeutically relevant concentrations, ASV is therefore a sensitive substrate for, and weak inhibitor of, human OATP1B1, 1B3 and 2B1.
Ondansetron Pharmacokinetics in Pregnant Women and Neonates: Towards a New Treatment for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
Authors: Elkomy MH , Sultan P , Carvalho B , Peltz G , Wu M , Clavijo C , Galinkin JL , Drover DR
Published: February 2015

Ondansetron is the drug of choice to prevent nausea in women undergoing cesarean surgery and can be used to prevent neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). The pharmacokinetics of ondansetron have not been characterized in pregnant women or in newborns. A nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling approach was used to analyze plasma samples obtained from 20 nonpregnant and 40 pregnant women following a single administration of 4 or 8 mg ondansetron, from umbilical cord blood at delivery, and from neonates after birth. The analysis indicates that: ondansetron disposition is not affected by pregnancy (P > 0.05), but influenced by dose (P < 0.05), and is characterized by rapid transplacental transfer and longer elimination half‐life in neonates compared to their mother. A dosing regimen for prevention of NAS was designed based on the model. The regimen involves IV administration of 4 mg to the mothers shortly before cord clamping, or oral administration of 0.07 mg/kg (or equivalently 0.04 mg/kg IV) to neonates.
The Ecological Fallacy: How to Spot One and Tips on how to Use One to Your Advantage
Authors: Winzar Hume
Published: February 2015

The ecological fallacy is a common and little understood error in the interpretation of statistical data wherein inferences about individuals are based on the aggregate of the group from which they belong. This opinion piece overviews the importance of avoiding the error and illustrates the ease with which mistakes in inference can be made by examining some papers appearing in recent conferences and journals, and by demonstrating with artificial data representing Hofstede's cultural dimensions. It concludes with an appeal for caution when considering the combination of aggregate data with our surveys of individuals.
Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) interacting proteins exhibit different expression patterns during development
Authors: Bonaccorso C.M. , Spatuzza M. , Di Marco B. , Gloria A. , Barrancotto G. , Cupo A. , Musumeci S.A. , D'Antoni S. , Bardoni B. , Catania M.V.
Published: February 2015

Fragile X syndrome is caused by the lack of expression of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), an RNA‐binding protein involved in mRNA transport and translation. FMRP is a component of mRNA ribonucleoprotein complexes and it can interact with a range of proteins either directly or indirectly, as demonstrated by two‐hybrid selection and co‐immunoprecipitation, respectively. Most of FMRP‐interacting proteins are RNA‐binding proteins such as FXR1P, FXR2P and 82‐FIP. Interestingly, FMRP can also interact directly with the cytoplasmic proteins CYFIP1 and CYFIP2, which do not bind RNA and link FMRP to the RhoGTPase pathway. The interaction with these different proteins may modulate the functions of FMRP by influencing its affinity to RNA and by affecting the FMRP ability of cytoskeleton remodeling through Rho/Rac GTPases. To better define the relationship of FMRP with its interacting proteins during brain development, we have analyzed the expression pattern of FMRP and its interacting proteins in the cortex, striatum, hippocampus and cerebellum at different ages in wild type (WT) mice. FMRP and FXR2P were strongly expressed during the first week and gradually decreased thereafter, more rapidly in the cerebellum than in the cortex. FXR1P was also expressed early and showed a reduction at later stages of development with a similar developmental pattern in these two regions. CYFIP1 was expressed at all ages and peaked in the third post‐natal week. In contrast, CYFIP2 and 82‐FIP (only in forebrain regions) were moderately expressed at P3 and gradually increased after P7. In general, the expression pattern of each protein was similar in the regions examined, except for 82‐FIP, which exhibited a strong expression at P3 and low levels at later developmental stages in the cerebellum. Our data indicate that FMRP and its interacting proteins have distinct developmental patterns of expression and suggest that FMRP may be preferentially associated to certain proteins in early and late developmental periods. In particular, the RNA‐binding and cytoskeleton remodeling functions of FMRP may be differently modulated during development.
Assessment of quality of life in Indian adults with epilepsy and their caregivers
Authors: Mehndiratta Man Mohan , Alam Anwar , Pandey Sanjay , Singh Ekta
Published: February 2015

Background Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder which requires chronic treatment. This has prominent impact on the quality of life of the patient and their caregivers. This study was planned to assess and correlate the quality of life in epilepsy (QOLIE) in these two groups, in India.

Material and methods A total of 160 subjects with definite diagnosis of epilepsy according to ILAE and their caregivers were included in the study. The QOLIE 31 and SF 36 proforma were used as assessing instruments for subjects and caregivers respectively.

Results Factors such as early age of onset of epilepsy, lesser duration of epilepsy, increased interval between seizures in subjects on monotherapy, socioeconomic and educational status had better quality of life (QOL) in subjects than age, gender, marital and employment status. On the other hand for caregivers following factors-age, gender, relation with the subjects and socioeconomic status had influenced the QOL. The QOL of the caregivers was directly proportional proportional to the QOL of their respective subject.

Conclusion This study reaffirms the findings of the previous studies that key to improving quality of life of people with epilepsy, are good control of seizure and reducing side effects (by minimizing antiepileptic drugs) along with holistic care. Caregivers QOL is also proportionally affected by subjects QOL and it is seen to have adverse outcomes when the caregiver is female (mother or wife), elderly, of low socioeconomic status and when subject has poor seizure control.
Contraceptive practice after surgical repair of obstetric fistula in southeast Nigeria
Authors: Lawani Lucky O. , Iyoke Chukwuemeka A. , Ezeonu Paul O.
Published: February 2015

Objective

To determine the contraceptive practices of women after surgical repair of obstetric fistula and to assess determinants of uptake and the pregnancy rate in the first year.

Methods

A prospective cohort study enrolled women who had a successful surgical repair of obstetric fistula at a center in Nigeria between 2011 and 2013. Patients were followed up for 1 year. Data were obtained through record review and completion of a semi‐structured questionnaire.

Results

Among 188 participants, 180 (95.7%) were aware of contraception, but only 70 (37.2%) used contraceptive methods after surgery. The most commonly used methods were the male condom (50 [71.4%] of 70) and hormonal injections (14 [20.0%]). The main reasons for non‐use were fear of adverse effects (48 [40.7%] of 118 women), future desire for more children (35 [29.7%]), religious prohibition (26 [22.0%]), cultural beliefs (29 [24.6%]), and partner disapproval (42 [35.6%]). The risk of unplanned pregnancy in the first year was significantly lower among women who used contraceptives than among those who did not (relative risk 0.14, 95% confidence interval 0.02–1.06; P = 0.03).

Conclusion

Contraceptive uptake for birth control after fistula repair surgery was low because of socioeconomic reasons, religious and cultural beliefs, and myths, resulting in unplanned pregnancies.
MIND diet associated with reduced incidence of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Morris Martha Clare , Tangney Christy C. , Wang Yamin , Sacks Frank M. , Bennett David A. , Aggarwal Neelum T.
Published: February 2015

Introduction

In a previous study, higher concordance to the MIND diet, a hybrid Mediterranean‐Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet, was associated with slower cognitive decline. In this study we related these three dietary patterns to incident Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

We investigated the diet‐AD relations in a prospective study of 923 participants, ages 58 to 98 years, followed on average 4.5 years. Diet was assessed by a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire.

Results

In adjusted proportional hazards models, the second (hazards ratio or HR = 0.65, 95% confidence interval or CI 0.44, 0.98) and highest tertiles (HR = 0.47, 95% CI 0.26, 0.76) of MIND diet scores had lower rates of AD versus tertile 1, whereas only the third tertiles of the DASH (HR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.38, 0.97) and Mediterranean (HR = 0.46, 95% CI 0.26, 0.79) diets were associated with lower AD rates.

Discussion

High adherence to all three diets may reduce AD risk. Moderate adherence to the MIND diet may also decrease AD risk.
Dynamical multifractal zeta-functions and fine multifractal spectra of graph-directed self-conformal constructions
Authors: MIJOVIĆ V. , OLSEN L.
Published: February 2015

We introduce multifractal pressure and dynamical multifractal zeta-functions providing precise information of a very general class of multifractal spectra, including, for example, the fine multifractal spectra of graph-directed self-conformal measures and the fine multifractal spectra of ergodic Birkhoff averages of continuous functions on graph-directed self-conformal sets.
Badly approximable vectors, curves and number fields
Authors: EINSIEDLER MANFRED , GHOSH ANISH , LYTLE BEVERLY
Published: February 2015

We show that the set of points on $C^{1}$ curves which are badly approximable by rationals in a number field form a winning set in the sense of Schmidt. As a consequence, we obtain a number field version of Schmidt’s conjecture in Diophantine approximation.
Pointwise characteristic factors for Wiener–Wintner double recurrence theorem
Authors: ASSANI IDRIS , DUNCAN DAVID , MOORE RYO
Published: February 2015

In this paper we extend Bourgain’s double recurrence result to the Wiener–Wintner averages. Let $(X,{\mathcal{F}},{\it\mu},T)$ be a standard ergodic system. We will show that for any $f_{1},f_{2}\in L^{\infty }(X)$, the double recurrence Wiener–Wintner average $$\begin{eqnarray}\frac{1}{N}\mathop{\sum }_{n=1}^{N}f_{1}(T^{an}x)f_{2}(T^{bn}x)e^{2{\it\pi}int}\end{eqnarray}$$ converges off a single null set of $X$ independent of $t$ as $N\rightarrow \infty$. Furthermore, we will show a uniform Wiener–Wintner double recurrence result: if either $f_{1}$ or $f_{2}$ belongs to the orthogonal complement of the Conze–Lesigne factor, then there exists a set of full measure such that the supremum on $t$ of the absolute value of the averages above converges to $0$.
FROM SUBSTANTIAL BURDEN ON RELIGION TO DIMINISHED SPIRITUAL FULFILLMENT: THE SAN FRANCISCO PEAKS CASE AND THE MISUNDERSTANDING OF NATIVE AMERICAN RELIGION
Authors: McNally Michael D.
Published: February 2015

In Navajo Nation v. U.S. Forest Service, 535 F.3d 1058 (9th Cir. 2008), cert. denied, 129 S. Ct. 2763 (2009), the Ninth Circuit seated en banc found that federal approval of a plan by a ski resort to make artificial snow with treated sewage effluent on Arizona's San Francisco Peaks, a mountain massif held sacred by the Navajo, Hopi, and four other claimant tribes, did not violate their religious liberty under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). The court accepted numerous factual findings about sincere religious exercise, but found federal approval of the scheme did not constitute a “substantial burden” on religion; rather, it only “decreased spiritual fulfillment” of tribal members. Despite a spirited dissent, the Ninth Circuit narrowly interpreted RFRA's language of “substantial burden” by making reference to the Supreme Court's 1988 holding in Lyng v. Northwest Cemetery Protective Association, 485 U.S. 439 (1988). This article shows how conventional wisdom about individualistic, subjective, and protean “spirituality” and in particular about “Native American spirituality” equips the court to denature highly specific and collective religious claims about the mountain by plaintiff tribes, and in turn to naturalize those claims as merely spiritual. Misrecognition of Native religions as Native spirituality then troubles the substantial burden analysis. While Navajo Nation suggests courts may never fully understand Native claims to sacred sites, the Supreme Court's 2014 holding in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby, Inc., 134 S. Ct. 2751, 2759 (2014), opens the door to revisiting the interpretive posture spelled out in Navajo Nation, and the Ninth Circuit's interpretive approach to “substantial burden” bears revisiting.
EFFECT OF FERTILISER AND IRRIGATION ON FORAGE YIELD AND IRRIGATION WATER USE EFFICIENCY IN SEMI-ARID REGIONS OF PAKISTAN
Authors: UL-ALLAH SAMI , KHAN ASIF ALI , FRICKE THOMAS , BUERKERT ANDREAS , WACHENDORF MICHAEL
Published: February 2015

In many parts of Pakistan, availability of green forage is critical to livestock farmers. Forage production is often conducted with two succeeding crops grown within one year and it is highly affected by uncertain availability of irrigation water and low levels of applied mineral fertilisers. The objectives of the present study were to (i) evaluate the effects of crop species, fertiliser type and irrigation level on yield, (ii) determine the corresponding water use efficiency and (iii) investigate relationships between chlorophyll content and crop yield as a basis for a simple sensor-based prediction of crop yield for on-farm use. To this end a two-year field experiment was conducted in Faisalabad, Pakistan, with a completely randomised design with four replications in a split plot arrangement. A combination of fertiliser treatment (control, farm yard manure and mineral fertiliser) and irrigation (recommended irrigation, half recommended irrigation) were assigned to main plot whereas subplots were assigned to cropping systems (common (CCS): Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinumL.) followed by corn (Zea maysL.), drought-adapted (DACS): Oat (Avena sativaL.) followed by Sudangrass (Andropogon sorghumsubsp.drummondii). Yield and irrigation water use efficiency of DACS was higher than CCS (14.8 and 26% respectively), the differences were bigger with reduced irrigation and fertilised crops used the available water better than the control. Positive linear relationships were found between chlorophyll concentration estimated by a chlorophyll meter and yield for all crops (r2= 0.63–0.96), suggesting this technique as a fairly accurate approach to predict yields of crops in vegetative growth stage.
ON-FARM EXPERIMENTATION ON CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE IN MAIZE-LEGUME BASED CROPPING SYSTEMS IN KENYA: WATER USE EFFICIENCY AND ECONOMIC IMPACTS
Authors: MICHENI A. N. , KANAMPIU F. , KITONYO O. , MBURU D. M. , MUGAI E.N. , MAKUMBI D. , KASSIE M.
Published: February 2015

Conservation agriculture (CA) is a promising technology for controlling soil degradation, mitigating drought, increasing crop yield and reducing production costs. We hypothesized that adopting CA system would improve system productivity and efficiency, hence resulting in higher profits. To test the hypothesis, we designed a study to evaluate water use efficiency (WUE) and the economic benefits (yield and gross margins) of CA in the upper and lower midlands agro-ecological zones of eastern Kenya. Four tillage treatments, including farmers’ practice (residues removed), conventional tillage (residues removed) and two CA practices with residue retention (zero tillage and furrow–ridge), were laid out in 22 farmers’ fields where each farm was treated as a replicate. The results are based on four consecutive seasons farmer–researcher managed trials during the period 2010 and 2012. CA significantly improved crop yields after the first season of experimentation. Joint use of zero tillage and furrow–ridge provided higher WUE and yield advantage (25–34%) in the third and fourth seasons compared to the conventional practices. The lower midlands zone gave higher WUE values, which can be explained by the effects of water harvesting and retention for longer period on CA treatments. CA practices have increased income on average by 12% resulted from labour cost reduction and yield increment. Weeding costs for conventional tillage were USD 88 ha−1 compared to USD 24 ha−1 for herbicide application under CA. Practicing CA will certainly increase crop yields, WUE, generate more revenue and diversify risks during poor seasons. However, these benefits may not necessarily be earned in the first season, but will accrue in subsequent seasons.
Human Rights Prosecutions and Autocratic Survival
Authors: Escribà-Folch Abel , Wright Joseph
Published: February 2015

Do human rights prosecutions deter dictatorships from relinquishing power? Advances in the study of human rights show that prosecutions reduce repression in transition countries. However, prosecuting officials for past crimes may jeopardize the prospects of regime change in countries that have not transitioned, namely dictatorships. The creation of the International Criminal Court has further revitalized this debate. This article assesses how human rights prosecutions influence autocratic regime change in neighboring dictatorships. We argue that when dictators and their elite supporters can preserve their interests after a regime transition, human rights prosecutions are less likely to deter them from leaving power. Using personalist dictatorship as a proxy for weak institutional guarantees of posttransition power, the evidence indicates that these regimes are less likely to democratize when their neighbors prosecute human rights abusers. In other dictatorships, however, neighbor prosecutions do not deter regimes from democratizing.
The sheep growth hormone gene polymorphism and its effects on milk traits
Authors: Dettori Maria Luisa , Pazzola Michele , Pira Emanuela , Paschino Pietro , Vacca Giuseppe Massimo
Published: February 2015

Growth hormone (GH) is encoded by theGHgene, which may be single copy or duplicate in sheep. The two copies of the sheep GH gene (GH1/GH2-NandGH2-Z) were entirely sequenced in one 106 ewes of Sarda breed, in order to highlight sequence polymorphisms and investigate possible association between genetic variants and milk traits. Milk traits included milk yield, fat, protein, casein and lactose percentage. We evidenced 75 nucleotide changes. Transcription factor binding site prediction revealed two sequences potentially recognised by the pituitary-specific transcription factorPOU1FIat theGH1/GH2-Ngene, which were lost at the promoter ofGH2-Z, which might explain the different tissues of expression ofGH1/GH2-N(pituitary) andGH2-Z(placenta). Significant differences in milk traits were observed among genotypes at polymorphic loci only for theGH2-Zgene. Sheep with homozygote genotype ss748770547 CC had higher fat percentage (P < 0·01) than TT. SNP ss748770547 was part of a potential transcription factor binding site for C/EBP alpha (CCAAT/Enhancer Binding Protein), which is involved in the regulation of adipogenesis and adipoblast differentiation. SNP ss748770547, located in theGH2-Zgene 5′ flanking region, may be a causal mutation affecting milk fat content. These findings might contribute to the knowledge of the sheepGHlocus and might be useful in selection processes in sheep.
Solving kinematics and stiffness of a novel n(2-UPS/PS+RPS) spatial hyper-redundant manipulator
Authors: Hu Bo , Wang Yin , Yu Jingjing , Lu Yi
Published: February 2015

A novel n(2-UPS/PS+RPS) spatial hyper-redundant manipulator (SHRM) formed by an optional number of 2-UPS/PS+RPS(2-universal joint-prismatic joint-spherical joint/prismatic joint-spherical joint+revolute joint-prismatic joint-spherical joint) parallel manipulators(PMs) connected in series is proposed and analyzed in this paper. First, the forward kinematics of the 2-UPS/PS+RPS PM is derived in close form. By extending this result to the whole SHRM, the forward kinematics model of the n(2-UPS/PS+RPS) SHRM is established. Second, the compact and elegant expressions for solving the forward velocity of the n(2-UPS/PS+RPS) SHRM are derived. Third, the statics and stiffness of the n(2-UPS/PS+RPS) SHRM are analyzed systematically by considering both active forces and constrained forces existed in each 2-UPS/PS+RPS PM. Finally, an analytically solved example is given for a 4(2-UPS/PS+RPS) SHRM formed by four 2-UPS/PS+RPS PMs. The analytical results are verified by CAD software.
Ambivalent Alliance: Chinese Policy towards Indonesia, 1960–1965
Authors: Zhou Taomo
Published: February 2015

From 1960 until 1965, the People's Republic of China (PRC) built a remarkably cordial quasi alliance with the Republic of Indonesia. At the same time, however, the years between 1960 and 1965 were marked by two large waves of anti-Chinese movements in Indonesia. Although more than half a century has passed since these events, our understanding of Chinese foreign policy towards Indonesia during these turbulent years remains incomplete. In 2008, the Chinese Foreign Ministry Archives declassified for the first time documents produced during the years between 1961 and 1965. However, very recently in summer 2013, the Chinese Foreign Ministry Archives re-classified the main body of its collection. Through examining this body of fresh but currently inaccessible official records, this article aims to bridge the gap between scholarly works on the PRC's diplomatic history and overseas Chinese history. By tracing the processes by which Chinese diplomats dealt with Sukarno, the ethnic Chinese in Indonesia, and the Communist Party of Indonesia (Partai Komunis Indonesia, or the PKI), this article argues that the ambivalent Chinese alliance with Indonesia was shaped by three disparate pressures which interacted and competed with one another: the strategic need to befriend Third World countries, ethnic ties to the Chinese in Indonesia and ideological commitment to the international communist movement.
Das hitzige Mittagessen
Authors: Leonhard Nicole , Braunwalder Jan , Stanga Zeno , Leuenberger Michèle
Published: February 2015

Wir berichten über drei Patienten, die nach Konsum von Thunfischsalat im gleichen Restaurant mit allergieähnlichen Symptomen in der Arztpraxis vorstellig wurden. Die Therapie mit Antihistaminika und Steroiden war sehr effektiv, die Symptome verschwanden bald. Wir beleuchten differenzialdiagnostische Überlegungen und deren Folgen und erläutern die pathophysiologischen und biochemischen Mechanismen des Scombrotoxismus.
Temporally sequenced anticancer drugs overcome adaptive resistance by targeting a vulnerable chemotherapy-induced phenotypic transition
Authors: Goldman Aaron , Majumder Biswanath , Dhawan Andrew , Ravi Sudharshan , Goldman David , Kohandel Mohammad , Majumder Pradip K. , Sengupta Shiladitya
Published: February 2015

Understanding the emerging models of adaptive resistance is key to overcoming cancer chemotherapy failure. Using human breast cancer explants, in vitro cell lines, mouse in vivo studies and mathematical modelling, here we show that exposure to a taxane induces phenotypic cell state transition towards a favoured transient CD44HiCD24Hi chemotherapy-tolerant state. This state is associated with a clustering of CD44 and CD24 in membrane lipid rafts, leading to the activation of Src Family Kinase (SFK)/hemopoietic cell kinase (Hck) and suppression of apoptosis. The use of pharmacological inhibitors of SFK/Hck in combination with taxanes in a temporally constrained manner, where the kinase inhibitor is administered post taxane treatment, but not when co-administered, markedly sensitizes the chemotolerant cells to the chemotherapy. This approach of harnessing chemotherapy-induced phenotypic cell state transition for improving antitumour outcome could emerge as a translational strategy for the management of cancer.
A genetic contribution from the Far East into Ashkenazi Jews via the ancient Silk Road
Authors: Tian Jiao-Yang , Wang Hua-Wei , Li Yu-Chun , Zhang Wen , Yao Yong-Gang , van Straten Jits , Richards Martin B. , Kong Qing-Peng
Published: February 2015

Contemporary Jews retain a genetic imprint from their Near Eastern ancestry, but obtained substantial genetic components from their neighboring populations during their history. Whether they received any genetic contribution from the Far East remains unknown, but frequent communication with the Chinese has been observed since the Silk Road period. To address this issue, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation from 55,595 Eurasians are analyzed. The existence of some eastern Eurasian haplotypes in eastern Ashkenazi Jews supports an East Asian genetic contribution, likely from Chinese. Further evidence indicates that this connection can be attributed to a gene flow event that occurred less than 1.4 kilo-years ago (kya), which falls within the time frame of the Silk Road scenario and fits well with historical records and archaeological discoveries. This observed genetic contribution from Chinese to Ashkenazi Jews demonstrates that the historical exchange between Ashkenazim and the Far East was not confined to the cultural sphere but also extended to an exchange of genes.
Hybrid luminescence materials assembled by [Ln(DPA)3]3− and mesoporous host through ion-pairing interactions with high quantum efficiencies and long lifetimes
Authors: Li Qing-Feng , Yue Dan , Lu Wei , Zhang Xinlei , Li Chunyang , Wang Zhenling
Published: February 2015

A kind of mesoporous hybrid luminescence material was assembled through the ion exchange method between [Ln(DPA)3]3− and ionic liquid functionalized SBA-15. [Ln(DPA)3]3− was successfully anchored onto positive-charge modified SBA-15 by the strong electrostatic interaction. In [Ln(DPA)3]3−, Ln3+ ions are in 9-fold coordination through six oxygen atoms of carboxyl groups and three nitrogen atoms of pyridine units, leaving no coordination site for water molecules. Therefore the hybrids possess prominent luminescent properties, SBA-15-IMI-Tb(DPA)3 and SBA-15-IMI-Eu(DPA)3 exhibit high quantum yield values of 63% and 79% and long lifetimes values of 2.38 ms and 2.34 ms, respectively. Especially, SBA-15-IMI-Eu(DPA)3 presents a high color purity and the red/orange intensity ratio is as high as 7.6. The excellent luminescence properties and ordered mesoporous structures give rise to many potential applications in optical and electronic areas.
Phenazine virulence factor binding to extracellular DNA is important for Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation
Authors: Das Theerthankar , Kutty Samuel K. , Tavallaie Roya , Ibugo Amaye I. , Panchompoo Janjira , Sehar Shama , Aldous Leigh , Yeung Amanda W. S. , Thomas Shane R. , Kumar Naresh , Gooding J. Justin , Manefield Mike
Published: February 2015

Bacterial resistance to conventional antibiotics necessitates the identification of novel leads for infection control. Interference with extracellular phenomena, such as quorum sensing, extracellular DNA integrity and redox active metabolite release, represents a new frontier to control human pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and hence reduce mortality. Here we reveal that the extracellular redox active virulence factor pyocyanin produced by P. aeruginosa binds directly to the deoxyribose-phosphate backbone of DNA and intercalates with DNA nitrogenous base pair regions. Binding results in local perturbations of the DNA double helix structure and enhanced electron transfer along the nucleic acid polymer. Pyocyanin binding to DNA also increases DNA solution viscosity. In contrast, antioxidants interacting with DNA and pyocyanin decrease DNA solution viscosity. Biofilms deficient in pyocyanin production and biofilms lacking extracellular DNA show similar architecture indicating the interaction is important in P. aeruginosa biofilm formation.
High resolution Raman spectroscopy mapping of stem cell micropatterns
Authors: von Erlach Thomas C. , Hedegaard Martin A. B. , Stevens Molly M.
Published: February 2015

We report on the use of high resolution Raman spectroscopy mapping combined with a micro-engineered stem cell platform.
Lipid-coated polymeric nanoparticles for cancer drug delivery
Authors: Krishnamurthy Sangeetha , Vaiyapuri Rajendran , Zhang Liangfang , Chan Juliana M.
Published: February 2015

This review discusses the recent advancements and future directions in the application of lipid-coated polymeric nanoparticles for cancer drug delivery.
Well-defined diblock brush polymer–drug conjugates for sustained delivery of paclitaxel
Authors: Zou Jiong , Yu Yun , Li Yukun , Ji Wei , Chen Chih-Kuang , Law Wing-Cheung , Prasad Paras N. , Cheng Chong
Published: February 2015

The synthesis, characterization and property studies of paclitaxel (PTXL)-containing brush polymer–drug conjugates (BPDCs) are presented and the influence of grafting structures of BPDCs on their assembly behaviour, drug release profile and therapeutic effects is discussed in this article.
Mn–salen catalysed benzylic C–H activation for the synthesis of aryl [18F]CF3-containing PET probes
Authors: Carroll L. , Evans H. L. , Spivey A. C. , Aboagye E. O.
Published: February 2015

Development of a Mn–salen catalysed oxidative benzylic fluorination of non-activated C–H bonds using [18F]fluoride is described for installation of [18F]CHRF, [18F]CR2F and [18F]CF3 containing groups.
Microspheres with Au@SiO2 core and mesoporous aluminosilica shell as superior heterogeneous catalysts for the aerobic epoxidation of cis-cyclooctene
Authors: Bai Linlu , Yao Lin , Yang Yanhui , Lee Jong-Min
Published: February 2015

Gold supported on SiO2 microspheres with aluminosilica shell acts as an effective heterogeneous catalyst in the aerobic epoxidation of cis-cyclooctene.