bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rights to urban climate resilience: moving beyond poverty and vulnerability
Authors: Friend Richard , Moench Marcus
Published: September 2015

Urbanization represents a transformation of social‐ecological systems. In Asia within a generation, the dramatic pace and extent of urbanization transformed the ecological landscape and caused a fundamental shift in labor and production from rural, agricultural society to urban, industrialized society. Much of this has and continues to occur in locations that are hazardous and will exacerbate future climate risks. While Asia leads this process of urbanization, similar patterns are emerging across the Global South. Rapid urbanization compels us to rethink poverty and vulnerability. Much of the literature on urban poverty argues that it has been long ignored and is poorly understood due to inappropriate indicators and weak measurement methods. However in addition to these challenges, the nature of urbanization—including dependence on complex infrastructural, technological, and institutional systems—creates new drivers of poverty that necessitates new approaches to understanding and addressing urban poverty and vulnerability. As a result, there exists a problem regarding how urban poverty and vulnerability are framed. With the emergence of urban climate concerns and the discourse of resilience, poverty, and vulnerability are increasingly framed as impacts to be addressed and are seen as problems of welfare and social protection. At the heart of urbanization in Asia, however, are challenges of governance and equity rather than simply welfare. Issues of governance and equity link strongly to questions regarding how the urban future is shaped, for whose benefit and by whom, that is to say, to concepts of wellbeing and the ‘right of the city.’ WIREs Clim Change 2015, 6:643–651. doi: 10.1002/wcc.364

This article is categorized under:

Climate and Development > Urbanization, Development, and Climate Change
Gut Microbial Fatty Acid Metabolites Reduce Triacylglycerol Levels in Hepatocytes
Authors: Nanthirudjanar Tharnath , Furumoto Hidehiro , Zheng Jiawen , Kim Young‐Il , Goto Tsuyoshi , Takahashi Nobuyuki , Kawada Teruo , Park Si‐Bum , Hirata Akiko , Kitamura Nahoko , Kishino Shigenobu , Ogawa Jun , Hirata Takashi , Sugawara Tatsuya
Published: September 2015

Hydroxy and oxo fatty acids were recently found to be produced as intermediates during gut microbial fatty acid metabolism. Lactobacillus plantarum produces these fatty acids from unsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid. In this study, we investigated the effects of these gut microbial fatty acid metabolites on the lipogenesis in liver cells. We screened their effect on sterol regulatory element binding protein‐1c (SREBP‐1c) expression in HepG2 cells treated with a synthetic liver X receptor α (LXRα) agonist (T0901317). The results showed that 10‐hydroxy‐12(Z)‐octadecenoic acid (18:1) (HYA), 10‐hydroxy‐6(Z),12(Z)‐octadecadienoic acid (18:2) (γHYA), 10‐oxo‐12(Z)‐18:1 (KetoA), and 10‐oxo‐6(Z),12(Z)‐18:2 (γKetoA) significantly decreased SREBP‐1c mRNA expression induced by T0901317. These fatty acids also downregulated the mRNA expression of lipogenic genes by suppressing LXRα activity and inhibiting SREBP‐1 maturation. Oral administration of KetoA, which effectively reduced triacylglycerol accumulation and acetyl‐CoA carboxylase 2 (ACC2) expression in HepG2 cells, for 2 weeks significantly decreased Srebp‐1c, Scd‐1, and Acc2 expression in the liver of mice fed a high‐sucrose diet. Our findings suggest that the hypolipidemic effect of the fatty acid metabolites produced by L. plantarum can be exploited in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases or dyslipidemia.
Are Purkinje Cell Pauses Drivers of Classically Conditioned Blink Responses?
Authors: Jirenhed Dan-Anders , Hesslow Germund
Published: September 2015

Several lines of evidence show that classical or Pavlovian conditioning of blink responses depends on the cerebellum. Recordings from cerebellar Purkinje cells that control the eyelid and the conditioned blink show that during training with a conditioning protocol, a Purkinje cell develops a pause response to the conditional stimulus. This conditioned cellular response has many of the properties that characterise the overt blink. The present paper argues that the learned Purkinje cell pause response is the memory trace and main driver of the overt conditioned blink and that it explains many well-known behavioural phenomena.
Morphotectonic Study of the Brahmaputra Basin using Geoinformatics
Authors: Sarma Jogendra Nath , Acharjee Shukla , Murgante Beniamino
Published: September 2015

The Brahmaputra river basin occupies an area of 580,000 km2 lying in Tibet (China), Bhutan, India and Bangladesh. It is bounded on the north by the Nyen-Chen-Tanghla mountains, on the east by the Salween river basin and Patkai range of hills, on the south by Nepal Himalayas and the Naga hills and on the west by the Ganga sub-basin. Brahmaputra river originates at an elevation of about 5150 m in southwest Tibet and flows for about 2900 km through Tibet (China), India and Bangladesh to its mouth in the Bay of Bengal. The Brahmaputra river basin is investigated to examine the influence of active structures by applying an integrated study on morphotectonics, SRTM, and seismic data. The indices for morphotectonic analysis, viz. basin elongation ratio (Re) indicated tectonically active, transverse topographic symmetry (T = 0.018-0.664) indicated asymmetric nature, asymmetric factor (AF=33) suggested tilt, valley floor width to valley height ratio (Vf = 0.0013-2.945) indicated active incision and mountain-front sinuosity (Smf = 1.11-1.68) values indicated active tectonics in the area. Two prominent knicks on the long profile at distances of about 1600 km and 1900 km closely correlate to the two prominent peaks on the SL index. The first one represents the Indus –Tsangpo suture zone after crossing which the Brahmaputra (Tsangpo) enters the Himalayas and the second one represents the zone where the Dihang (Brahmaputra) comes out of the Himalayas after crossing the Main Boundary Thrust. A great or major earthquake in the modern times, in this region may create havoc with huge loss of life and property due to high population density and rapidly developing infrastructure.
Effect of Rock Fragments on Pore Water Pressure and Slope Stability at a Hillslope
Authors: Mukhlisin Muhammad , Naam Syahdatul Isnain
Published: September 2015

This study investigates the effects of rock fragments on pore water pressure and safety factor of a slope. The study was conducted using computer software SEEP/W and SLOPE/W for a slope with and without rock fragment in order to get value for the pore water pressure and safety factor of the slope. The study also been carried out on the rock fragment characteristics such as position (top, middle and bottom) and size (large, medium and small) to find out the effects of rock fragments on hydrologic response and slope stability. The results show that the rock fragments obstruct water flow on the slope and increase the pore water pressure. However, higher pore water pressure can cause the slope to become less stable. These indicate that the safety factor for the slope with rock fragment is lower than slope without the rock fragment. The results also showed that pore water pressure and seepage flow response are affected by different position of the rock fragment. At a lower position of the rock fragments, the pore water pressure is the highest. Therefore, the safety factors are smaller compared to other rock positions. On the other hand, the results show that the pore water pressure and safety factor of the slope are less influenced by the size of rock fragments.
Rainfall Induced Rock-Fall Debris Avalanche in October 2010, at Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria
Authors: Effiong Abiye Brooks , Igwe Ogbonnaya , Okoro Una Chuku , Maduka Raphael Iweanya , Ojonugwa Reuben Ajodo
Published: September 2015

This study explains the causes and the mechanism of the landslide occurrence at Kwande local Government Area of Benue, Nigeria in 2010. Although there was no fatality or any damage in the area, a large area of farmland was destroyed, trees were uprooted and a normal stream course was also disturbed. To study and understand the landslide event, a combination of geotechnical investigations and statistical data were used. These parameters were applied to a numerical model to simulate the causes of the landslide. Results of the geotechnical investigations made on samples taken from the area, showed average maximum dry density value of 1.6kg/m3, and average optimum moisture content value of 14%, hence the low to moderate density is indicative of a soil that can easily disperse. Also the triaxial compression test showed an angle of internal friction and cohesion values averaging around 14.82° and 25kPa respectively, and these low values indicate that the shear strength of the soil was reduced, due to the combined effect of increase in slope gradient, and high precipitation intensity which increased to a monthly value of 145mm before the landslide. The simulation result showed that the factor of safety value was 1.158, which is still close to the value for an incipient failure. Hence the results shown can be used in predicting the mechanisms and areas of possible landslides, as well as the causes of such soil deformations, and as such, safety measures could be taken against the reoccurrence of landslides in the area.
Lipoprotein‐associated phospholipase A2, homocysteine, and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Doody Rachelle S. , Demirovic Jasenka , Ballantyne Christie M. , Chan Wenyaw , Barber Robert , Powell Suzanne , Pavlik Valory ,   Texas Alzheimer's Disease Research and Care Consortium
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Lipoprotein‐associated phospholipase A2 (Lp‐PLA2) and homocysteine (Hcy) have been linked to inflammation and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Using a case‐control design, we examined their independent effects and interactions with cardiovascular disease equivalent (CVDE), on AD risk.

Methods

AD cases and controls were from the Texas Alzheimer's Research and Care Consortium study. Lp‐PLA2 was determined using the PLAC test (diaDexus, Inc), and Hcy by recombinant cycling assay (Roche Hitachi 911). Logistic regression was used to predict AD case status. We assayed for Lp‐PLA2 in the brain tissue of cases and controls.

Results

AD case status was independently associated with Lp‐PLA2 and Hcy above the median (odds ratio [OR] = 1.91; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.22–2.97; P < .001 and OR = 1.81; 95% CI = 1.16–2.82; P = .009, respectively). Lp‐PLA2, but not Hcy, interacted with CVDE to increase risk. Lp‐PLA2 was absent from the brain tissue in both groups.

Discussion

Higher Lp‐PLA2 and Hcy are independently associated with AD. The association of Lp‐PLA2 with AD may be mediated through vascular damage.
A Common Brotherhood for Their Mutual Benefit: Sir Charles Macara and Internationalism in the Cotton Industry, 1904–1914
Authors: ROBINS JONATHAN E.
Published: September 2015

Unlike their national counterparts, international trade associations are a little-studied aspect of the global economic system. Much of the literature on trade associations has focused on rent-seeking behavior, although theories of transaction costs and social capital have been gaining influence. This article uses the early history of the International Federation of Master Cotton Spinners’ and Manufacturers’ Associations (IFMCSMA), still operating today as the International Textile Manufacturers’ Federation, to test different explanations for the formation and persistence of international trade associations. The IFMCSMA case illustrates the challenges of rent-seeking on an international scale, and highlights the importance of social ties in building cooperation. Firms and individuals used the IFMCSMA to pursue reforms across the cotton textile industry and enjoyed some success in collective negotiations with other actors and organizations.
Marketing the Message: The Making of the Market for Life Insurance in Australia, 1850–1940
Authors: KENELEY MONICA J.
Published: September 2015

During the late nineteenth century, sales of life insurance products in Australia increased at a rapid rate. An investigation of the way in which life insurance products were targeted to the consumers provides insights not only into the marketing approaches, but also the changing nature of the mutual organization. This article uses a “stages” approach to analyze the evolution of the marketing message. The experience of Australian mutual insurers suggests that marketing strategies, as with other types of organizational skills, evolve in response to both the prevailing business environment and the ability of the firm to acquire and implement new knowledge and ways of conducting business.
A Comprehensive Assessment Across the Healthcare Continuum: Risk of Hospital-Associated Clostridium difficile Infection Due to Outpatient and Inpatient Antibiotic Exposure
Authors: Tartof Sara Y. , Rieg Gunter K. , Wei Rong , Tseng Hung Fu , Jacobsen Steven J. , Yu Kalvin C.
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUND

Limitations in sample size, overly inclusive antibiotic classes, lack of adjustment of key risk variables, and inadequate assessment of cases contribute to widely ranging estimates of risk factors for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI).

OBJECTIVE

To incorporate all key CDI risk factors in addition to 27 antibiotic classes into a single comprehensive model.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Kaiser Permanente Southern California.

PATIENTS

Members of Kaiser Permanente Southern California at least 18 years old admitted to any of its 14 hospitals from January 1, 2011, through December 31, 2012.

METHODS

Hospital-acquired CDI cases were identified by polymerase chain reaction assay. Exposure to major outpatient antibiotics (10 classes) and those administered during inpatient stays (27 classes) was assessed. Age, sex, self-identified race/ethnicity, Charlson Comorbidity Score, previous hospitalization, transfer from a skilled nursing facility, number of different antibiotic classes, statin use, and proton pump inhibitor use were also assessed. Poisson regression estimated adjusted risk of CDI.

RESULTS

A total of 401,234 patients with 2,638 cases of incident CDI (0.7%) were detected. The final model demonstrated highest CDI risk associated with increasing age, exposure to multiple antibiotic classes, and skilled nursing facility transfer. Factors conferring the most reduced CDI risk were inpatient exposure to tetracyclines and first-generation cephalosporins, and outpatient macrolides.

CONCLUSIONS

Although type and aggregate antibiotic exposure are important, the factors that increase the likelihood of environmental spore acquisition should not be underestimated. Operationally, our findings have implications for antibiotic stewardship efforts and can inform empirical and culture-driven treatment approaches.

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2015;36(12):1409–1416
Adolescent Drinking and Delinquent Activities: Associations and Gender Differences
Authors: Curcio Angela L. , Mak Anita S.
Published: September 2015

A thorough understanding of adolescent drinking and delinquent behaviour is required in order to implement early prevention and intervention programs in schools. Broadly based on the common cause model of adolescent deviance, this study investigated and compared, across genders, the prevalence and inter-relationships of various indicators of adolescent drinking and delinquency. Participants were 312 secondary school students (aged 13–17, 57.7% male) in Canberra, Australia, who completed an anonymous survey comprising the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test and the Australian Self-Reported Delinquency Scale — Revised. We found very few gender differences in drinking and delinquency patterns, and noted medium-to-strong associations among various dimensions of adolescent drinking and delinquent activities. Resulting implications for school prevention programs are considered.
Indigenous Student Perspectives on Support and Impediments at University
Authors: Oliver Rhonda , Grote Ellen , Rochecouste Judith , Dann Tomzarni
Published: September 2015

Aboriginal Australians are entering university in greater numbers than in past decades, yet many struggle to complete their degrees. This paper reports on the qualitative component of a research project aimed at enhancing understandings about this issue by investigating student perspectives about those structures that facilitate or impede their retention. Interview and survey data were gathered from 57 participants at one university and analysed for emerging themes. The findings demonstrate a diverse Indigenous student population in terms of age; comprised personal, professional and university networks; institutional services and resources; and the students’ personal qualities and study practices. Factors perceived to obstruct retention included: a lack of support from some teaching staff, schools and faculties; financial insecurity; and often interrelated issues surrounding university workload, jobs, health, as well as family and community responsibilities. These findings are discussed in the light of relevant literature and recommendations.
Dietary proteins improve endothelial function under fasting conditions but not in the postprandial state, with no effects on markers of low-grade inflammation
Authors: Teunissen-Beekman Karianna F. M. , Dopheide Janneke , Geleijnse Johanna M. , Bakker Stephan J. L. , Brink Elizabeth J. , de Leeuw Peter W. , Schalkwijk Casper G. , van Baak Marleen A.
Published: September 2015

Endothelial dysfunction (ED) and low-grade inflammation (LGI) have a role in the development of CVD. The two studies reported here explored the effects of dietary proteins and carbohydrates on markers of ED and LGI in overweight/obese individuals with untreated elevated blood pressure. In the first study, fifty-two participants consumed a protein mix or maltodextrin (3×20 g/d) for 4 weeks. Fasting levels and 12 h postprandial responses of markers of ED (soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM), soluble endothelial selectin and von Willebrand factor) and markers of LGI (serum amyloid A, C-reactive protein and sICAM) were evaluated before and after intervention. Biomarkers were also combined into mean Z-scores of ED and LGI. The second study compared 4 h postprandial responses of ED and LGI markers in forty-eight participants after ingestion of 0·6 g/kg pea protein, milk protein and egg-white protein. In addition, postprandial responses after maltodextrin intake were compared with a protein mix and sucrose. The first study showed significantly lower fasting ED Z-scores and sICAM after 4 weeks on the high-protein diet (P≤0·02). The postprandial studies found no clear differences of ED and LGI between test meals. However, postprandial sVCAM decreased more after the protein mix compared with maltodextrin in both studies (P≤0·04). In conclusion, dietary protein is beneficial for fasting ED, but not for fasting LGI, after 4 weeks of supplementation. On the basis of Z-scores, postprandial ED and LGI were not differentially affected by protein sources or carbohydrates.
Associations between the use of social networking sites and unhealthy eating behaviours and excess body weight in adolescents
Authors: Sampasa-Kanyinga Hugues , Chaput Jean-Philippe , Hamilton Hayley A.
Published: September 2015

Unhealthy eating behaviour and excess body weight have been related to sedentary behaviour, particularly screen time, in adolescents; however, little is known about their associations with the use of social networking sites (SNS). We investigated the associations between time spent using SNS and unhealthy eating behaviours (including breakfast skipping, consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) and energy drinks) and body weight in adolescents. Data on 9858 students (mean age: 15·2 (sd 1·9) years) in grades 7 through 12 were derived from the 2013 cycle of the Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey – a cross-sectional school-based survey of middle and high school students. The majority (81·5 %) of students reported daily use of SNS and an additional 10·7 % reported using them on an irregular basis. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the use of SNS was associated with increased odds of skipping breakfast (Ptrend<0·01) and consuming SSB (Ptrend<0·01) and energy drinks (Ptrend<0·01) in a dose–response manner with adjustments for age, sex, ethnicity, socio-economic status, tobacco, alcohol and cannabis use as well as BMI. However, there was no evidence of a significant association between use of SNS and BMI before or after adjusting for all the covariates and unhealthy eating behaviours. In conclusion, our results suggest associations between the use of SNS and unhealthy eating behaviours among youth. Given the popularity of SNS, more efforts are needed to better understand the impact of social networks on eating behaviours and risk of excess weight.
Dust acoustic and drift waves in a non-Maxwellian dusty plasma with dust charge fluctuation
Authors: Zakir U. , Haque Q. , Imtiaz N. , Qamar A.
Published: September 2015

The properties of dust acoustic and drift waves are investigated in a charge varying magnetized dusty plasma. The plasma is composed of non-thermal electrons and ions with dynamic dust particles. The mathematical expression which describes the dust charge fluctuation is obtained using ${\it\kappa}$-distribution for both the electrons and ions. A dispersion relation is derived and analysed numerically by choosing space plasma parameters. It is found that the inclusion of variable dust charge along with the non-thermal effects of electrons and ions significantly affect linear/nonlinear properties of the dust acoustic and dust drift waves. The effects of different physical parameters including spectral index (${\it\kappa}$), dust charge number ($Z_{d}$), electron density ($n_{e}$) and ion temperature ($T_{i}$) on the wave dispersion and instability are presented. It is found that the presence of the non-thermal electron and ion populations reduce the growth rate of the instability which arises due to the dust charging effect. In addition, the nonlinear vortex solutions are also obtained. For illustration, the results are analysed by using the dusty plasma parameters of Saturn’s magnetosphere.
Intranasal vaccination with killed Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes antigen (LaAg) associated with CAF01 adjuvant induces partial protection in BALB/c mice challenged with Leishmania (infantum) chagasi.
Authors: LEAL JANINE MIRANDA , MOSQUINI MARCELLE , COVRE LUCIANA POLACO , STAGMILLER NATALY PESCINALLI , RODRIGUES RODRIGO RIBEIRO , CHRISTENSEN DENNIS , GUEDES HERBERT LEONEL DE MATOS , ROSSI-BERGMANN BARTIRA , GOMES DANIEL CLÁUDIO DE OLIVIERA
Published: September 2015

The CAF01 adjuvant has previously been shown to be safe for human use and to be a potent adjuvant for several vaccine antigens. In the present work, we sought to optimize the Leishmania amazonensis antigens (LaAg) intranasal vaccine in an attempt to enhance the protective immune responses against Leishmania (infantum) chagasi by using the CAF01 association. LaAg/CAF01 vaccinated mice that were challenged 15 days after booster dose with L. (infantum) chagasi showed a significant reduction in their parasite burden in both the spleen and liver, which is associated with an increase in specific production of IFN-γ and nitrite, and a decrease in IL-4 production. In addition, LaAg/CAF01 intranasal delivery was able to increase lymphoproliferative immune responses after parasite antigen recall. These results suggest the feasibility of using the intranasal route for the delivery of crude antigens and of a human-compatible adjuvant against visceral leishmaniasis.
Editorial
Authors: Sellheim Nikolas
Published: September 2015

Time is without doubt a very relative concept. As we all know, sometimes it moves quickly, sometimes it moves slowly and sometimes it seems to be at a standstill, although this cannot be said about the waning Finnish summer. At least it should be waning, but it seems as if it is gathering way at the moment. But irrespective of what time feels like for us individually, and irrespective of this strange 2015 Finnish summer, one thing is certain: time moves inexorably. And with moving time come changes, probably the mere definition of time anyway. Either way, Polar Record is subject to time as well and in order to keep up with time, one needs to adapt.
Value and Preference Relations: Are They Symmetric?
Authors: ROSSI MAURO
Published: September 2015

According to Wlodek Rabinowicz's fitting-attitude analysis of comparative value, it is possible to analyse both standard and non-standard value relations in terms of the standard preference relations and two levels of normativity. In a recent article, however, Johan Gustafsson has argued that Rabinowicz's analysis violates a principle of value–preference symmetry, according to which for any value relation, there is a corresponding preference relation. Gustafsson has proposed an alternative analysis which respects this principle and which allegedly accounts for the idea that originally motivated Rabinowicz's analysis, namely, that in some cases different preference relations between a pair of items are equally permissible. The goal of my article is to show that the arguments offered by Gustafsson in favour of his account do not succeed. In particular, I argue that Gustafsson faces a dilemma: either he abandons the principle of value–preference symmetry or he cannot make conceptual room for multiple permissible preferences.
Mitral atresia with transposed great arteries and normal semilunar valves: a rare combination
Authors: Rajesh Gopalan Nair , Mohanan Sandeep , Vellani Haridasan
Published: September 2015

Mitral atresia is commonly seen as a part of the spectrum of hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and it is usually associated with multiple levels of systemic outflow tract obstruction. Isolated mitral atresia with a normal aortic valve is extremely rare. We report the rare combination of mitral atresia, transposition of the great arteries, and unobstructed systemic and pulmonary blood flow.
The relationships between height and arm span, mid-upper arm and waist circumferences and sum of four skinfolds in Ellisras rural children aged 8–18 years
Authors: Monyeki Kotsedi Daniel , Sekhotha Michael Matome
Published: September 2015

Objective

Height is required for the assessment of growth and nutritional status, as well as for predictions and standardization of physiological parameters. To determine whether arm span, mid-upper arm and waist circumferences and sum of four skinfolds can be used to predict height, the relationships between these anthropometric variables were assessed among Ellisras rural children aged 8–18 years.

Design

The following parameters were measured according to the International Society for the Advancement of Kinathropometry: height, arm span, mid-upper arm circumference, waist circumference and four skinfolds (suprailiac, subscapular, triceps and biceps). Associations between the variables were assessed using Pearson correlation coefficients and linear regression models.

Setting

Ellisras Longitudinal Study (ELS), Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Subjects

Boys (n911) and girls (n858) aged 8–18 years.

Results

Mean height was higher than arm span, with differences ranging from 4 cm to 11·5 cm between boys and girls. The correlation between height and arm span was high (ranging from 0·74 to 0·91) withP<0·001. The correlation between height and mid-upper arm circumference, waist circumference and sum of four skinfolds was low (ranging from 0·15 to 0·47) withP<0·00 among girls in the 15–18 years age group.

Conclusions

Arm span was found to be a good predictor of height. The sum of four skinfolds was significantly associated with height in the older age groups for girls, while waist circumference showed a negative significant association in the same groups.
Regulatory Competition after Laval
Authors: Deakin Simon
Published: September 2015

Leaving aside cases of overt discrimination and interventions aimed at favouring certain firms or modes of production, legislative and regulatory provisions may have such an impact on costs and prices that it will be necessary to consider with the greatest care whether, either by virtue of their own impact or by reason of disparities between two or more countries, some of them may have the effect of distorting conditions of competition among the national economies as a whole or in particular branches of economic activity … But at the same time it will be necessary to identify very precisely the limits of whatever action is necessary, and to dispel certain misunderstandings …
Häufigkeiten von adulten ADHS-assoziierten Symptomen in der Normalbevölkerung – Referenzwerte der ADHS-Selbstbeurteilungsskala und des Wender-Reimherr-Interviews
Authors: Philipp-Wiegmann Florence , Rösler Michael , Retz Wolfgang , Schindelbeck Katharina , Retz-Junginger Petra
Published: September 2015

Zusammenfassung. Die Aufmerksamkeitsdefizit-/Hyperaktivitätsstörung (ADHS) ist eine Erkrankung, welche sich im Kindesalter erstmalig manifestiert und bei bis zu 60 % der Betroffenen in Teil- oder Vollausprägung in das Erwachsenenalter persistiert. Dabei charakterisieren sich ADHS-Syndrome nicht als qualitativ auftretende Merkmale, sondern entsprechen Beeinträchtigungen, welche auch in einem gesunden Kollektiv auftreten können, und lediglich in Abhängigkeit ihres Schweregrads eine krankheitswertige Valenz innehaben. Mit Blick auf die Dimensionalität der ADHS-Symptomatik und unter Berücksichtigung epidemiologischer Daten, welche bereits im subklinischen Bereich ADHS-assoziierter Symptome Beeinträchtigungen in der Alltagsfunktionalität Erwachsener berichten, erscheinen daher Referenzwerte, welche eine Einschätzung ADHS-assoziierter Symptome in Bezug auf eine nicht-klinische Stichprobe ermöglichen, wünschenswert. Diese Lücke soll mit der vorliegenden Arbeit geschlossen werden. Es werden altersabhängige Referenzwerte für die Selbstbeurteilungsskala ADHS-SB und die deutsche Übersetzung des halbstandardisierten Wender-Reimherr-Interviews zur Einschätzung ADHS-assoziierter Symptome in einer nicht-klinischen Stichprobe vorgelegt. Ferner unterstützen unsere Ergebnisse bisherige Befunde, dass bereits unterhalb der diagnostischen Schwelle der Klassifikationssysteme psychopathologische Phänomene aus dem ADHS-Spektrum einen negativen Einfluss auf den Lebensalltags der Betroffenen haben können.
NRG1 and KITL signal downstream of retinoic acid in the germline to support soma-free syncytial growth of differentiating spermatogonia
Authors: Chapman KM , Medrano GA , Chaudhary J , Hamra FK
Published: September 2015

Defined culture systems supporting spermatogonial differentiation will provide experimental platforms to study spermatogenesis. However, germline-intrinsic signaling mechanisms sufficient to support spermatogonial differentiation without somatic cells remain largely undefined. Here we analyzed EGF superfamily receptor and ligand diversity in rat testis cells and delineated germline-intrinsic signaling via an ERBB3 co-transducer, ERBB2, as essential for retinoic acid-induced syncytial growth by differentiating spermatogonia. Similar to the ERBB2/3 agonist NRG1, we found that KIT Ligand (KITL) robustly supported spermatogonial differentiation without serum or somatic cells. ERBB2 inhibitors failed to disrupt KITL-dependent spermatogonial development, and KITL prevented ERBB3-deficient spermatogonial degeneration upon differentiation. Thus we report that NRG1 and KITL activate alternative pathways downstream of retinoic acid signaling in the germline that are essential for stem cells to undergo premeiotic steps of spermatogenesis in culture. Robust serum/soma-free spermatogonial differentiation opens new doors to study mammalian germ cell biology in culture and to discover factors that can drive meiotic progression in vitro.
Differential effects of the APOE e4 allele on different domains of cognitive ability across the life-course
Authors: Marioni Riccardo E , Campbell Archie , Scotland Generation , Hayward Caroline , Porteous David J , Deary Ian J
Published: September 2015

The association between APOE genotype and cognitive function suggests a positive role for the e2 allele and a negative role for the e4 allele. Both alleles have relatively low frequencies in the general population; hence, meta-analyses have been based on many small, heterogeneous studies. Here, we report the APOE-cognition associations in the largest single analysis to date. APOE status and cognitive ability were measured in 18 337 participants from the Generation Scotland study between 2006 and 2011. The age range was 18–94 years with a mean of 47 (SD 15). Four cognitive domains were assessed: verbal declarative memory (paragraph recall), processing speed (digit symbol substitution), verbal fluency (phonemic verbal fluency), and vocabulary (Mill Hill synonyms). Linear regression was used to assess the associations between APOE genetic status and cognition. Possession of the e4 allele was associated with lower scores on the measures of memory and processing speed in subjects aged >60. Across all age ranges, the e4 allele was linked to better verbal fluency scores. In younger subjects (≤60 years) the e4 allele was linked to higher vocabulary scores. There were no associations between the e2 allele and cognitive ability. As seen in previous meta-analyses, the APOE e4 allele is linked to poorer cognitive performance in the domains of memory and processing speed. By contrast, positive associations were seen between the e4 allele and measures of verbal fluency and vocabulary. All associations were relatively small and, in many cases, nominally significant despite the very large sample size.
A de novo microdeletion of SEMA5A in a boy with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability
Authors: Mosca-Boidron Anne-Laure , Gueneau Lucie , Huguet Guillaume , Goldenberg Alice , Henry Céline , Gigot Nadège , Pallesi-Pocachard Emilie , Falace Antonio , Duplomb Laurence , Thevenon Julien , Duffourd Yannis , ST-Onge Judith , Chambon Pascal , Rivière Jean-Baptiste , Thauvin-Robinet Christel , Callier Patrick , Marle Nathalie , Payet Muriel , Ragon Clemence , Goubran Botros Hany , Buratti Julien , Calderari Sophie , Dumas Guillaume , Delorme Richard , Lagarde Nathalie , Pinoit Jean-Michel , Rosier Antoine , Masurel-Paulet Alice , Cardoso Carlos , Mugneret Francine , Saugier-Veber Pascale , Campion Dominique , Faivre Laurence , Bourgeron Thomas
Published: September 2015

Semaphorins are a large family of secreted and membrane-associated proteins necessary for wiring of the brain. Semaphorin 5A (SEMA5A) acts as a bifunctional guidance cue, exerting both attractive and inhibitory effects on developing axons. Previous studies have suggested that SEMA5A could be a susceptibility gene for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). We first identified a de novo translocation t(5;22)(p15.3;q11.21) in a patient with ASD and intellectual disability (ID). At the translocation breakpoint on chromosome 5, we observed a 861-kb deletion encompassing the end of the SEMA5A gene. We delineated the breakpoint by NGS and observed that no gene was disrupted on chromosome 22. We then used Sanger sequencing to search for deleterious variants affecting SEMA5A in 142 patients with ASD. We also identified two independent heterozygous variants located in a conserved functional domain of the protein. Both variants were maternally inherited and predicted as deleterious. Our genetic screens identified the first case of a de novo SEMA5A microdeletion in a patient with ASD and ID. Although our study alone cannot formally associate SEMA5A with susceptibility to ASD, it provides additional evidence that Semaphorin dysfunction could lead to ASD and ID. Further studies on Semaphorins are warranted to better understand the role of this family of genes in susceptibility to neurodevelopmental disorders.
Multi-scale thermal stability of a hard thermoplastic protein-based material
Authors: Latza Victoria , Guerette Paul A. , Ding Dawei , Amini Shahrouz , Kumar Akshita , Schmidt Ingo , Keating Steven , Oxman Neri , Weaver James C. , Fratzl Peter , Miserez Ali , Masic Admir
Published: September 2015

Although thermoplastic materials are mostly derived from petro-chemicals, it would be highly desirable, from a sustainability perspective, to produce them instead from renewable biopolymers. Unfortunately, biopolymers exhibiting thermoplastic behaviour and which preserve their mechanical properties post processing are essentially non-existent. The robust sucker ring teeth (SRT) from squid and cuttlefish are one notable exception of thermoplastic biopolymers. Here we describe thermoplastic processing of squid SRT via hot extrusion of fibres, demonstrating the potential suitability of these materials for large-scale thermal forming. Using high-resolution in situ X-ray diffraction and vibrational spectroscopy, we elucidate the molecular and nanoscale features responsible for this behaviour and show that SRT consist of semi-crystalline polymers, whereby heat-resistant, nanocrystalline β-sheets embedded within an amorphous matrix are organized into a hexagonally packed nanofibrillar lattice. This study provides key insights for the molecular design of biomimetic protein- and peptide-based thermoplastic structural biopolymers with potential biomedical and 3D printing applications.
Atomistic understandings of reduced graphene oxide as an ultrathin-film nanoporous membrane for separations
Authors: Lin Li-Chiang , Grossman Jeffrey C.
Published: September 2015

The intrinsic defects in reduced graphene oxide (rGO) formed during reduction processes can act as nanopores, making rGO a promising ultrathin-film membrane candidate for separations. To assess the potential of rGO for such applications, molecular dynamics techniques are employed to understand the defect formation in rGO and their separation performance in water desalination and natural gas purification. We establish the relationship between rGO synthesis parameters and defect sizes, resulting in a potential means to control the size of nanopores in rGO. Furthermore, our results show that rGO membranes obtained under properly chosen synthesis conditions can achieve effective separations and provide significantly higher permeate fluxes than currently available membranes.
Paleoproterozoic high-pressure metamorphism in the northern North China Craton and implications for the Nuna supercontinent
Authors: Wan Bo , Windley Brian F. , Xiao Wenjiao , Feng Jianyun , Zhang Ji’en
Published: September 2015

The connection between the North China Craton (NCC) and contiguous cratons is important for the configuration of the Nuna supercontinent. Here we document a new Paleoproterozoic high-pressure (HP) complex dominated by garnet websterite on the northern margin of the NCC. The peak metamorphism of the garnet websterite was after ∼1.90 Ga when it was subducted to eclogite facies at ∼2.4 GPa, then exhumed back to granulite facies at ∼0.9 GPa before ∼1.82 Ga. The rock associations with their structural relationships and geochemical affinities are comparable to those of supra-subduction zone ophiolites, and supported by subduction-related signatures of gabbros and basalts. We propose that a ∼1.90 Ga oceanic fragment was subducted and exhumed into an accretionary complex along the northern margin of the NCC. Presence of the coeval Sharyzhalgai complex with comparable HP garnet websterites in the southern Siberian active margin favours juxtaposition against the NCC in the Paleoproterozoic.
Direct quantitative detection of Doc2b-induced hemifusion in optically trapped membranes
Authors: Brouwer Ineke , Giniatullina Asiya , Laurens Niels , van Weering Jan R. T. , Bald Dirk , Wuite Gijs J. L. , Groffen Alexander J.
Published: September 2015

Ca2+-sensor proteins control the secretion of many neuroendocrine substances. Calcium-secretion coupling may involve several mechanisms. First, Ca2+-dependent association of their tandem C2 domains with phosphatidylserine may induce membrane curvature and thereby enhance fusion. Second, their association with SNARE complexes may inhibit membrane fusion in the absence of a Ca2+ trigger. Here we present a method using two optically trapped beads coated with SNARE-free synthetic membranes to elucidate the direct role of the C2AB domain of the soluble Ca2+-sensor Doc2b. Contacting membranes are often coupled by a Doc2b-coated membrane stalk that resists forces up to 600 pN upon bead separation. Stalk formation depends strictly on Ca2+ and phosphatidylserine. Real-time fluorescence imaging shows phospholipid but not content mixing, indicating membrane hemifusion. Thus, Doc2b acts directly on membranes and stabilizes the hemifusion intermediate in this cell-free system. In living cells, this mechanism may co-occur with progressive SNARE complex assembly, together defining Ca2+-secretion coupling.
Effect of electrical energy on the efficacy of biofilm treatment using the bioelectric effect
Authors: Kim Young Wook , Subramanian Sowmya , Gerasopoulos Konstantinos , Ben-Yoav Hadar , Wu Hsuan-Chen , Quan David , Carter Karen , Meyer Mariana T , Bentley William E , Ghodssi Reza
Published: September 2015

Background/Objectives:

The use of electric fields in combination with small doses of antibiotics for enhanced treatment of biofilms is termed the ‘bioelectric effect’ (BE). Different mechanisms of action for the AC and DC fields have been reported in the literature over the last two decades. In this work, we conduct the first study on the correlation between the electrical energy and the treatment efficacy of the bioelectric effect on Escherichia coli K-12 W3110 biofilms.

Methods:

A thorough study was performed through the application of alternating (AC), direct (DC) and superimposed (SP) potentials of different amplitudes on mature E. coli biofilms. The electric fields were applied in combination with the antibiotic gentamicin (10 μg/ml) over a course of 24 h, after the biofilms had matured for 24 h. The biofilms were analysed using the crystal violet assay, the colony-forming unit method and fluorescence microscopy.

Results:

Results show that there is no statistical difference in treatment efficacy between the DC-, AC- and SP-based BE treatment of equivalent energies (analysis of variance (ANOVA) P>0.05) for voltages <1 V. We also demonstrate that the efficacy of the BE treatment as measured by the crystal violet staining method and colony-forming unit assay is proportional to the electrical energy applied (ANOVA P<0.05). We further verify that the treatment efficacy varies linearly with the energy of the BE treatment (r2 =0.984). Our results thus suggest that the energy of the electrical signal is the primary factor in determining the efficacy of the BE treatment, at potentials less than the media electrolysis voltage.

Conclusions:

Our results demonstrate that the energy of the electrical signal, and not the type of electrical signal (AC or DC or SP), is the key to determine the efficacy of the BE treatment. We anticipate that this observation will pave the way for further understanding of the mechanism of action of the BE treatment method and may open new doors to the use of electric fields in the treatment of bacterial biofilms.
Polar domain walls trigger magnetoelectric coupling
Authors: Fontcuberta Josep , Skumryev Vassil , Laukhin Vladimir , Granados Xavier , Salje Ekhard K. H.
Published: September 2015

Interface physics in oxides heterostructures is pivotal in material’s science. Domain walls (DWs) in ferroic systems are examples of naturally occurring interfaces, where order parameter of neighboring domains is modified and emerging properties may develop. Here we show that electric tuning of ferroelastic domain walls in SrTiO3leads to dramatic changes of the magnetic domain structure of a neighboring magnetic layer (La1/2Sr1/2MnO3) epitaxially clamped on a SrTiO3substrate. We show that the properties of the magnetic layer are intimately connected to the existence of polar regions at twin boundaries of SrTiO3, developing at "Equation missing", that can be electrically modulated. These findings illustrate that by exploiting the responsiveness of DWs nanoregions to external stimuli, even in absence of any domain contribution, prominent and adjustable macroscopic reactions of neighboring layers can be obtained. We conclude that polar DWs, known to exist in other materials, can be used to trigger tunable responses and may lead to new ways for the manipulation of interfacial emerging properties.
Early changes in corticospinal excitability when seeing fearful body expressions
Authors: Borgomaneri Sara , Vitale Francesca , Avenanti Alessio
Published: September 2015

Quick inhibition of approach tendencies in response to signals of potential threats is thought to promote survival. However, little is known about the effect of viewing fearful expressions on the early dynamics of the human motor system. We used the high temporal resolution of single-pulse and paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over the motor cortex to assess corticospinal excitability (CSE) and intracortical facilitation (ICF) during observation of happy, fearful and neutral body postures. To test motor circuits involved in approach tendencies, CSE and ICF were recorded from the first dorsal interosseous (FDI), a muscle involved in grasping and the abductor pollicis brevis (APB), which served as a control. To test early motor dynamics, CSE and ICF were measured 70–90 ms after stimulus onset. We found a selective reduction in CSE in the FDI when participants observed fearful body expressions. No changes in ICF or in the excitability of APB were detected. Our study establishes an extremely rapid motor system reaction to observed fearful body expressions. This motor modulation involves corticospinal downstream projections but not cortical excitatory mechanisms and appears to reflect an inhibition of hand grasping. Our results suggest a fast visuo-motor route that may rapidly inhibit inappropriate approaching actions.
A top-down approach for fabricating free-standing bio-carbon supercapacitor electrodes with a hierarchical structure
Authors: Li Yingzhi , Zhang Qinghua , Zhang Junxian , Jin Lei , Zhao Xin , Xu Ting
Published: September 2015

Biomass has delicate hierarchical structures, which inspired us to develop a cost-effective route to prepare electrode materials with rational nanostructures for use in high-performance storage devices. Here, we demonstrate a novel top-down approach for fabricating bio-carbon materials with stable structures and excellent diffusion pathways; this approach is based on carbonization with controlled chemical activation. The developed free-standing bio-carbon electrode exhibits a high specific capacitance of 204 F g−1 at 1 A g−1; good rate capability, as indicated by the residual initial capacitance of 85.5% at 10 A g−1; and a long cycle life. These performance characteristics are attributed to the outstanding hierarchical structures of the electrode material. Appropriate carbonization conditions enable the bio-carbon materials to inherit the inherent hierarchical texture of the original biomass, thereby facilitating effective channels for fast ion transfer. The macropores and mesopores that result from chemical activation significantly increase the specific surface area and also play the role of temporary ion-buffering reservoirs, further shortening the ionic diffusion distance.