bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Core‐Cone Structured Monodispersed Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles with Ultra‐large Cavity for Protein Delivery
Authors: Xu Chun , Yu Meihua , Noonan Owen , Zhang Jun , Song Hao , Zhang Hongwei , Lei Chang , Niu Yuting , Huang Xiaodan , Yang Yannan , Yu Chengzhong
Published: October 2015

A new type of monodispersed mesoporous silica nanoparticles with a core–cone structure (MSN‐CC) has been synthesized. The large cone‐shaped pores are formed by silica lamellae closely packed encircling a spherical core, showing a structure similar to the flower dahlia. MSN‐CC has a large pore size of 45 nm and a high pore volume of 2.59 cm3 g−1. MSN‐CC demonstrates a high loading capacity of large proteins and successfully delivers active β‐galactosidase into cells, showing their potential as efficient nanocarriers for the cellular delivery of proteins with large molecular weights.
Rod‐to‐Globule Transition of pDNA/PEG–Poly(l‐Lysine) Polyplex Micelles Induced by a Collapsed Balance Between DNA Rigidity and PEG Crowdedness
Authors: Tockary Theofilus A. , Osada Kensuke , Motoda Yusuke , Hiki Shigehiro , Chen Qixian , Takeda Kaori M. , Dirisala Anjaneyulu , Osawa Shigehito , Kataoka Kazunori
Published: October 2015

The role of poly(ethylene‐glycol) (PEG) in rod‐shaped polyplex micelle structures, having a characteristic core of folded plasmid DNA (pDNA) and a shell of tethered PEG chains, is investigated using PEG‐detachable polyplex micelles. Rod shapes undergo change to compacted globule shapes by removal of PEG from polyplex micelles prepared from block copolymer with acid‐labile linkage between PEG and poly(l‐lysine) (PLys) through exposure to acidic milieu. This structural change supports the previous investigation on the rod shapes that PEG shell prevents the DNA structure from being globule shaped as the most favored structure in minimizing surface area. Noteworthy, despite the PEG is continuously depleted, the structural change does not occur in gradual shortening manner but the rod shapes keep their length unchanged and abruptly transform into globule shapes. Analysis of PEG density reveals the transition occurred when tethered PEG of rod shapes has decreased to a critical crowdedness, i.e., discontacted with neighboring PEG, which eventually illuminates another contribution, rigidity of DNA packaged as bundle in the rod shapes, in addition to the steric repulsion of PEG, in sustaining rod shapes. This investigation affirms significant role of PEG and also DNA rigidity as bundle in the formation of rod‐shaped structures enduring the quest of compaction of charge‐neutralized DNA in the polyplex micelles.
On the use of variability operations in the V‐Modell XT software process line
Authors: Kuhrmann Marco , Méndez Fernández Daniel , Ternité Thomas
Published: October 2015

Software process lines provide a systematic approach to develop and manage software processes. It defines a reference process containing general process assets, whereas a well‐defined customization approach allows process engineers to create new process variants, for example, by extending or modifying process assets. Variability operations are an instrument to realize flexibility by explicitly declaring required modifications, which are applied to create a procedurally generated company‐specific process. However, little is known about which variability operations are suitable in practice. In this article, we present a study on the feasibility of variability operations to support the development of software process lines in the context of the V‐Modell XT. We analyze which variability operations are defined and practically used. We provide an initial catalog of variability operations as an improvement proposal for other process models. Our findings show that 69 variability operation types are defined across several metamodel versions of which, however, 25 remain unused. The found variability operations allow for systematically modifying the content of process model elements and the process documentation, and they allow for altering the structure of a process model and its description. Furthermore, we also find that variability operations can help process engineers to compensate process metamodel evolution. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Positron emission tomography quantification of serotonin transporter binding in medication‐free bipolar disorder
Authors: Miller Jeffrey M. , Everett Benjamin A. , Oquendo Maria A. , Ogden R. Todd , Mann J. John , Parsey Ramin V.
Published: October 2015

Objectives: Bipolar disorder (BD) is associated with abnormalities in the serotonin transporter (5‐HTT), but specific in vivo findings have been discrepant. Using positron emission tomography (PET) and [11C]DASB, we compared 5‐HTT binding between unmedicated depressed BD subjects and healthy volunteers (HVs). Experimental Design: 5‐HTT binding in six brain regions was compared between 17 depressed, unmedicated BD subjects and 31 HVs, using the outcome measure of VT/fP (proportional to the total number of available transporters). Alternative outcome measures were examined as well. 47% of BD were BP I; and 65% reported a prior suicide attempt. Principal Observations: 5‐HTT binding (VT/fP) did not differ between BD and HV groups considering six brain regions of interest simultaneously (P = 0.24). In contrast, alternative outcome measures (BPF*, BPP*, and BPND*) indicated lower binding in BD compared with HV across these six regions of interest (BPF*: P = 0.047; BPP*: P = 0.032; BPND*: P = 0.031). 5‐HTT binding was unrelated to suicide attempt history, depression severity, bipolar subtype, or history of past substance use disorder. Conclusions: Choice of outcome measure strongly affects comparisons of serotonin transporter binding using PET with [11C]DASB. We do not find evidence of abnormal 5‐HTT binding in bipolar depression using our primary outcome measure, VT/fP. However, we did observe lower 5‐HTT binding in BD with alternative outcome measures that are frequently used with [11C]DASB. Relative merits and assumptions of different outcome measures are discussed. Evaluation in larger samples and during different mood states, including remission, is warranted. Synapse 70:24–32, 2016.. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Altered NMDA receptor function in primary cultures of hippocampal neurons from mice lacking the Homer2 gene
Authors: Smothers C. Thetford , Szumlinski Karen K. , Worley Paul F. , Woodward John J.
Published: October 2015

N‐Methyl‐D‐Aspartate (NMDA) receptors are inhibited during acute exposure to ethanol and are involved in changes in neuronal plasticity following repeated ethanol exposure. The postsynaptic scaffolding protein Homer2 can regulate the cell surface expression of NMDA receptors in vivo, and mice with a null mutation of the Homer2 gene exhibit an alcohol‐avoiding and ‐intolerant phenotype that is accompanied by a lack of ethanol‐induced glutamate sensitization. Thus, Homer2 deletion may perturb the function or acute ethanol sensitivity of the NMDA receptor. In this study, the function and ethanol sensitivity of glutamate receptors in cultured hippocampal neurons from wild‐type (WT) and Homer2 knock‐out (KO) mice were examined at 7 and 14 days in vitro (DIV) using standard whole‐cell voltage‐clamp electrophysiology. As compared with wild‐type controls, NMDA receptor current density was reduced in cultured hippocampal neurons from Homer2 KO mice at 14 DIV, but not at 7 DIV. There were no genotype‐dependent changes in whole‐cell capacitance or in currents evoked by kainic acid. The GluN2B‐selective antagonist ifenprodil inhibited NMDA‐evoked currents to a similar extent in both wild‐type and Homer2 KO neurons and inhibition was greater at 7 versus 14 DIV. NMDA receptor currents from both WT and KO mice were inhibited by ethanol (10–100 mM) and the degree of inhibition did not differ as a function of genotype. In conclusion, NMDA receptor function, but not ethanol sensitivity, is reduced in hippocampal neurons lacking the Homer2 gene. Synapse 70:33–39, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tensile properties, morphology, and electrical conductivity of (Poly[vinyl chloride])/(Poly[ethylene oxide])/Polyaniline conductive films
Authors: Ghani Supri A. , Mohd Din Siti Hajar , Abd Jalil Jalilah
Published: October 2015

The effect of polyaniline (PAni) on the tensile properties, electrical conductivity, morphology, and thermal degradation of (poly[vinyl chloride])/(poly[ethylene oxide])/PAni (PVC/PEO/PAni) conductive films was studied. The tensile strength and modulus of elasticity of PVC/PEO/PAni conductive films decreased with an increase in the PAni loading. At high PAni content, the PVC/PEO/PAni conductive films exhibited higher electrical conductivity and thermal stability than lower filler loadings. A scanning electron micrograph morphology study showed that the PAni could significantly improve interaction at the interface of the filler into the PVC/PEO phase. The PVC/PEO/PAni conductive films are known to interact with chemical samples while maintaining good compatibility and good application of conductive polymer for use in gas sensors. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 24:44–49, 2018. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Splicing noncoding RNAs from the inside out
Authors: Yang Li
Published: October 2015

Eukaryotic precursor‐messenger RNAs (pre‐mRNAs) undergo splicing to remove intragenic regions (introns) and ligate expressed regions (exons) together. Unlike exons in the mature messenger RNAs (mRNAs) that are used for translation, introns that are spliced out of pre‐mRNAs were generally believed to lack function and to be degraded. However, recent studies have revealed that a large group of spliced introns can escape complete degradation and are processed to generate noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including different types of small RNAs, long‐noncoding RNAs, and circular RNAs. Strikingly, exonic sequences can be also back‐spliced from pre‐mRNAs to form stable circular RNAs. Together, the findings that ncRNAs can be spliced out of mRNA precursors not only expand the ever‐growing repertoire of ncRNAs that originate from different genomic regions, but also reveal the unexpected transcriptomic complexity and functional capacity of eukaryotic genomes. WIREs RNA 2015, 6:651–660. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1307

This article is categorized under:

RNA Evolution and Genomics > Computational Analyses of RNA

RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs
The Need for a Step-up in Postoperative Medical Care is Predictable in Orthopedic Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery
Authors: Urban Michael K. , Mangini-Vendel Michele , Lyman Stephen , Pan Ting Jung , Magid Steven K.
Published: October 2015

Background

The goal of elective orthopedic surgery is to return patients to their expected level of activity without an increased incidence of postoperative complications. The first step is identifying patient and/or surgical characteristics responsible for these complications.

Questions/Purposes

This study sought to identify predictors of a step-up in medical care after non-ambulatory elective orthopedic surgery.

Methods

At a single specialty orthopedic hospital, we identified all in-hospital postoperative patients who were transferred to a higher level of medical care ((PACU) post-anesthesia care unit). The characteristics of both transferred and non-transferred patients were compared. A model was built which incorporated predictors of return to a higher level of care.

Results

During a 1-year period, 155 of 7967 patients (1.95%) required transfer to the PACU within 5 days of surgery. Cardiac complications were the major reason for transfer (50.3%), followed by pulmonary (11.0%) and neurological complications (9.7%). Patients who returned to the PACU were older, had more Exlihauser comorbidities, and had obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In a model adjusting for all patient characteristics: age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) status, congestive heart failure (CHF), the Charlson comorbidity index and OSA predicted return to the PACU.

Conclusions

In an elderly population with multiple comorbidities undergoing elective common major orthopedic procedures, approximately 2% of patients required readmission to the PACU. The most common problems requiring this step-up in care were cardiac and pulmonary, which resulted in an increased length of hospital stay. Patients with OSA and multiple comorbidities undergoing total knee arthroplasty carry an increased risk for postoperative complications.
Humeral Tray-Taper Failure in Modular Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Authors: McDonald Lucas S. , Dines Joshua S. , Chin Christopher , Warren Russell F. , Dines David M.
Published: October 2015

Background

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) provides reconstructive options in patients previously not candidates for total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) or who have failed previous anatomic TSA. Revision from anatomic TSA to RTSA previously required removal of all components, a difficult and extensive procedure. Modular humeral components permit conversion from anatomic TSA to RTSA without removal of well-fixed humeral components.

Questions/Purposes

Our purpose is to present a case series of patients treated for the unique and not previously reported complication of humeral tray-taper failure following modular RTSA. Challenges in diagnosis and treatment are described, including the use of dynamic fluoroscopy and manufacturer-specific instruments for component revision.

Methods

Five patients with a total of six humeral tray-taper failures were identified from 300 patients with first-generation (titanium) humeral trays over a 7-year period. Dynamic fluoroscopic evaluation aided in diagnosis in a majority of the cases. All cases have been revised to second-generation (cobalt chrome) humeral trays.

Results

Average follow-up was 22 ± 23 months (range 3–60 months). One individual required a second revision for the same complication, but otherwise, no additional procedures were required. Symptom relief was obtained in all patients.

Conclusions

This case series illustrates a previously unpublished complication of humeral tray-taper junction failure following modular RTSA. Clinical and radiographic diagnosis is challenging; however, dynamic fluoroscopic evaluation permits identification of the component failure, and revision surgery results in good outcomes. We must, however, continue to evaluate what activities are recommend for patients following shoulder arthroplasty, specifically reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.
Structural Analysis of Partial and Total Esters of Glycerol Undecenoate and Diglycerol Undecenoate
Authors: Boussambe Gildas Nyame Mendendy , Valentin Romain , Mouloungui Zéphirin
Published: October 2015

The direct esterification reaction between glycerol and undecylenic acid or between diglycerol and undecylenic acid generates all the possible types of glycerol or diglycerol esters. Purification by silica gel chromatography resulted in the isolation of each of these types of ester in a pure form. The molecular structures of the compounds isolated were characterized and identified by mass spectrometry, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and DEPT‐135. We then studied the composition of esters of undecylenic acid formed with glycerol or diglycerol as a function of their reaction conditions, which constitute a highly complex system. We purified undecylenic acid esters from each polyol family to allow the structural identification of each ester of glycerol and each ester of diglycerol with undecylenic acid. We found that the polarity of these non‐ionic amphiphilic esters directly affected their affinity for organic and inorganic solvents and that these esters behaved very differently from anionic amphiphilic molecules, such as undecylenic acid.
Beyond the end-consumer: how would improvements in residential energy efficiency affect the power sector in Saudi Arabia?
Authors: Matar Walid
Published: October 2015

Energy efficiency in buildings has garnered significant attention in Saudi Arabia. This paper outlines the potential effects of higher residential efficiency on electricity load profiles in the Kingdom. It further presents the associated benefits that could have been realized by the local utilities in 2011. To perform the analysis, we designed an integrated methodology in which an engineering-based residential electricity demand model is used within an economic equilibrium framework. The modeling approach allows us to capture the physical interactions arising from higher efficiency and the structural changes that could occur in the economy beyond the end-consumers. Raising the average air-conditioner energy efficiency ratio (EER) to 11 British thermal unit (BTU)/(Wh) from its 2011 average would have saved 225,000 barrels/day of crude oil in electricity generation. Alternatively, increasing the share of insulated homes from 27 to 64 % would have allowed the power sector to lower its use of the fuel by 158,000 barrels/day. Combining both measures in a single simulation yields incremental yet not additive reductions. All alternative scenarios reduce costs to the utilities and improve the average thermal efficiency for the electricity generated. The studied efficiency options shift the load curve downward during the peak load segment when the least efficient turbines would be used. We additionally show how efficiency improvements in end-uses can affect the decisions of other sectors in the economy.
KUDLA’S MODULARITY CONJECTURE AND FORMAL FOURIER–JACOBI SERIES
Authors: BRUINIER JAN HENDRIK , WESTERHOLT-RAUM MARTIN
Published: October 2015

We prove modularity of formal series of Jacobi forms that satisfy a natural symmetry condition. They are formal analogs of Fourier–Jacobi expansions of Siegel modular forms. From our result and a theorem of Wei Zhang, we deduce Kudla’s conjecture on the modularity of generating series of special cycles of arbitrary codimension and for all orthogonal Shimura varieties.
Mental health disabilities and human rights protections
Authors: Szmukler G. , Bach M.
Published: October 2015

Background.

Around the world, reports regularly expose persistent and systemic human rights violations of patients in mental health services and facilities, and of those who are unable to access needed supports. A number of factors contribute – political will; the range and quality of services available; public and professional attitudes to mental health; stigma; health professionals’ training and expertise; and available resources.

Methods.

This paper examines one of the main determinants, the legal framework. This sets the parameters for mental health policies and services and for applicable human rights norms and standards that can be realized in practice.

Results.

We provide an overview of international human rights instruments in relation to mental health disabilities, and of the major human rights violations in this area. Key implications for mental health law reform are drawn with a particular focus on discrimination and coercive interventions. The major challenges posed by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006) are examined. Current mental health laws, to greater or lesser degrees, fail to meet the newly required standards. We discuss reforms based on ‘generic law’ and ‘legal capacity’ principles that seek to meet those standards.

Conclusions.

We outline some emergent and promising examples of reform. The role of civil society and the importance of the standing of those with mental health disabilities in this process is noted.
Vorticity reconnection during vortex cutting by a blade
Authors: Saunders D. Curtis , Marshall Jeffrey S.
Published: October 2015

A computational study of vorticity reconnection, associated with the breaking and reconnection of vortex lines, during vortex cutting by a blade is reported. A series of Navier–Stokes simulations of vortex cutting with different values of the vortex strength are described, and the different phases in the vortex cutting process are compared to those of the more traditional vortex tube reconnection process. Each of the three phases of vortex tube reconnection described by Melander & Hussain (Phys. Fluids A, vol. 1(4), 1989, pp. 633–635) are found to have counterparts in the vortex cutting problem, although we also point out numerous differences in the detailed mechanics by which these phases are achieved. Of particular importance in the vortex cutting process is the presence of vorticity generation from the blade surface within the reconnection region and the presence of strong vortex stretching due to the ambient flow about the blade leading edge. A simple exact Navier–Stokes solution is presented that describes the process by which incident vorticity is stretched and carried towards the surface by the ambient flow, and then interacts with and is eventually annihilated by diffusive interaction with vorticity generated at the surface. The model combines a Hiemenz straining flow, a Burgers vortex sheet and a Stokes first problem boundary layer, resulting in a nonlinear ordinary differential equation and a partial differential equation in two scaled time and distance variables that must be solved numerically. The simple model predictions exhibit qualitative agreement with the full numerical simulation results for vorticity annihilation near the leading-edge stagnation point during vortex cutting.
The associations of BMI trajectory and excessive weight gain with demographic and socio-economic factors: the Adolescent Nutritional Assessment Longitudinal Study cohort
Authors: Moreira Naiara Ferraz , Sichieri Rosely , Reichenheim Michael Eduardo , Oliveira Alessandra Silva Dias de , Veiga Gloria Valeria da
Published: October 2015

Assessing changes in adolescents’ BMI over brief periods could contribute to detection of acute changes in weight status and prevention of overweight. The objective of this study was to analyse the BMI trajectory and the excessive weight gain of Brazilian adolescents over 3 years and the association with demographic and socio-economic factors. Data regarding the BMI of 1026 students aged between 13 and 19 years were analysed over 3 consecutive years (2010, 2011 and 2012) from the Adolescent Nutritional Assessment Longitudinal Study. Linear mixed effects models were used to assess the BMI trajectory according to the type of school attended (public or private), skin colour, socio-economic status and level of maternal schooling by sex. Associations between excessive weight gain and socio-economic variables were identified by calculation of OR. Boys attending private schools (βcoefficient: 0·008;P=0·01), those with white skin (βcoefficient: 0·007;P=0·04) and those whose mothers had >8 years of schooling (βcoefficient: 0·009;P=0·02) experienced greater BMI increase than boys and girls in other groups. Boys in private schools also presented higher excessive weight gain compared with boys attending public schools (P=0·03). Boys attending private schools experienced greater BMI increase and excessive weight gain, indicating the need to develop specific policies for the prevention and reduction of overweight in this population.
AFRICANISING APARTHEID: IDENTITY, IDEOLOGY, AND STATE-BUILDING IN POST-INDEPENDENCE AFRICA
Authors: MILLER JAMIE
Published: October 2015

Between 1968 and 1975, the leaders of white South Africa reached out to independent African leaders. Scholars have alternately seen these counterintuitive campaigns as driven by a quest for regional economic hegemony, divide-and-rule realpolitik, or a desire to ingratiate the regime with the West. This article instead argues that the South African government's outreach was intended to energise a top-down recalibration of the ideology of Afrikaner nationalism, as the regime endeavoured to detach its apartheid programme from notions of colonialist racial supremacy, and instead reach across the colour line and lay an equal claim to the power and protection of African nationalism. These diplomatic manoeuvrings, therefore, serve as a prism through which to understand important shifts in state identity, ideological renewal, and the adoption of new state-building models.
‘LUCUMÍ’, ‘TERRANOVA’, AND THE ORIGINS OF THE YORUBA NATION
Authors: LOVEJOY HENRY B. , OJO OLATUNJI
Published: October 2015

The etymology of ‘Lucumí’ and ‘Terranova’, ethnonyms used to describe Yoruba-speaking people during the Atlantic slave trade, helps to reconceptualize the origins of a Yoruba nation. While there is general agreement that ‘Lucumí’ refers to the Yoruba in diaspora, the origin of the term remains unclear. We argue ‘Lucumí’ was first used in the Benin kingdom as early as the fifteenth century, as revealed through the presence of Olukumi communities involved in chalk production. The Benin and Portuguese slave trade extended the use of ‘Lucumí’ to the Americas. As this trade deteriorated by 1550, ‘Terranova’ referred to slaves captured west of Benin's area of influence, hence ‘new land’. By the eighteenth century, ‘Nagô’ had replaced ‘Lucumí’, while the ‘Slave Coast’ had substituted ‘Terranova’ as terms of reference. This etymology confirms the collective identification of ‘Yoruba’ and helps trace the evolution of a transnational identity.
THE UNACCOUNTABLE CENSUS: COLONIAL ENUMERATION AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR THE SOMALI PEOPLE OF KENYA
Authors: WEITZBERG KEREN
Published: October 2015

In 2010, the Kenyan government annulled national census results due to concerns that Somalis in the country had been over-counted. This article traces the genesis of this recent demographic dispute, which held important implications for the distribution of political power. It shows that African leaders inherited long-standing practices laid down by the colonial state, which was unable to obtain a reliable count of the number of people in Kenya or render its Somali subjects into a countable, traceable population. In regions where expansive Somali networks had long predated British rule, colonial authorities only loosely enforced the concept of a permanent population. By yielding to this reality, colonial officials developed governance techniques that should not be mistakenly portrayed as state ‘failures’. These policies call into question the applicability of James C. Scott's concept of ‘legibility’ to Kenya. They also suggest that recent demographic controversies cannot be reductively blamed on ‘illegal’ immigration.
Altered serotonin transporter binding potential in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder under escitalopram treatment: [11C]DASB PET study
Authors: Kim E. , Howes O. D. , Park J. W. , Kim S. N. , Shin S. A , Kim B.-H. , Turkheimer F. E. , Lee Y.-S. , Kwon J. S.
Published: October 2015

Background

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic, relapsing mental illness. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors block serotonin transporters (SERTs) and are the mainstay of treatment for OCD. SERT abnormalities are reported in drug-free patients with OCD, but it is not known what happens to SERT levels during treatment. This is important as alterations in SERT levels in patients under treatment could underlie poor response, or relapse during or after treatment. The aim of the present study was first to validate a novel approach to measuring SERT levels in people taking treatment and then to investigate SERT binding potential (BP) using [11C]DASB PET in patients with OCD currently treated with escitalopram in comparison with healthy controls.

Method

Twelve patients and age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled. The patients and healthy controls underwent serial PET scans after administration of escitalopram and blood samples for drug concentrations were collected simultaneously with the scans. Drug-free BPs were obtained by using an inhibitory Emax model we developed previously.

Results

The inhibitory Emax model was able to accurately predict drug-free SERT BP in people taking drug treatment. The drug-free BP in patients with OCD currently treated with escitalopram was significantly different from those in healthy volunteers [Cohen's d = 0.03 (caudate), 1.16 (putamen), 1.46 (thalamus), −5.67 (dorsal raphe nucleus)].

Conclusions

This result extends previous findings showing SERT abnormalities in drug-free patients with OCD by indicating that altered SERT availability is seen in OCD despite treatment. This could account for poor response and the high risk of relapse in OCD.
Fake or Fortune? Art Authentication Rules in the Art Market and at Court
Authors: Bandle Anne Laure
Published: October 2015

This article analyzes the dichotomy between the practices of the art market and of court judges when it comes to the authentication of works of art. While judges very much rely on experts acting in the art market, they may not necessarily pursue the same examination methods and conclusions, which can have serious repercussions on the art object and for its owner. The dichotomy unavoidably leads to the questions of what the correct assessment is and whether court judges should be conducting such examinations.

Taking account of the difficulties judges and legislators face in attempting to interfere with established art market practices, it is suggested that courts are not an adequate forum to resolve authenticity disputes. Instead, scholars and art market actors should adopt improved authentication standards and, in the event of a dispute, refer to alternative means of dispute resolution.
Syria and its Regional Neighbors: A Case of Cultural Property Protection Policy Failure?
Authors: Brodie Neil
Published: October 2015

Cultural property protection policy as implemented in Syria since 2011 is structured around standards and practices enshrined within the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict (including its First and Second Protocols) and the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property. Policy emphasis is on thein situprotection of cultural sites and the recovery and return of stolen or looted cultural objects. But policy initiatives have very obviously failed to stop the plunder and illegal trade of cultural objects in Syria, as they have failed before for neighboring countries. This paper describes why policy initiatives aimed at site protection and object recovery have failed and how policy might be improved by a market reduction approach aimed at subduing demand.
Reality and Practicality: Challenges to Effective Cultural Property Policy on the Ground in Latin America
Authors: Yates Donna
Published: October 2015

Although on-the-ground preservation and policing is a major component of our international efforts to prevent the looting and trafficking of antiquities, the expectation placed on source countries may be beyond their capacity. This dependence on developing world infrastructure and policing may challenge our ability to effectively regulate this illicit trade. Using case studies generated from fieldwork in Belize and Bolivia, this paper discusses a number of these challenges to effective policy and offers some suggestions for future regulatory development.
Dealing with UK Museum Collections: Law, Ethics and the Public/Private Divide
Authors: Ulph Janet
Published: October 2015

In the UK, there is a public perception that, if a cultural object is given to a museum, it will remain in its collections forever. But does UK law reflect this? This article analyses UK law and discusses whether a commercial approach is not always well suited to serve the needs of the museum sector and whether there should be more thought given to the public nature of museums. It calls for law reform in order to ensure that UK law and ethical guidance relating to deaccessioning and disposals from collections is sufficient to maintain public trust, so that people continue to visit museums and to offer objects for their collections.
Purchasing Art in a Market Full of Forgeries: Risks and Legal Remedies for Buyers
Authors: Amineddoleh Leila
Published: October 2015

Since the first lawsuit against the Knoedler Gallery was filed for selling forgeries, the art world has been abuzz with stories of high-end fakes. However, forgeries are not a new phenomenon. The law of supply and demand dictates that there will be no end to the rising value of artworks done by the hands of “masters.” And with soaring market prices, art forgery will proliferate as forgers find incentive in skyrocketing sales. At the heart of forgery disputes is the determination of authenticity. Who makes these determinations? How does the market and legal world handle a battle of experts? Moreover, what remedies are available to disappointed buyers? The best method of protection is to complete due diligence; however, the process is often complex and expensive. Even after completing due diligence, it is possible for buyers to be left with sophisticated fakes. What legal remedies are available to buyers?
State Immunity, Property Rights, and Cultural Objects on Loan
Authors: Chechi Alessandro
Published: October 2015

In the art field the centuries-old concepts of property and state immunity are interwoven in an ambivalent relationship. Immunity rules may constitute a shield for the works of art that have been temporarily sent abroad for exhibition purposes. The obverse of the same coin is that the same rules may thwart the legal actions filed by individuals against foreign states to retrieve art objects lost in the past as a result or in connection with grave violations of human rights and humanitarian law. This article examines this conundrum and argues that the relationship between property rights and immunity rules should be reconceptualised and aligned with the values and priorities of the international community, such as the protection of human rights, the reparation of massive and violent crimes and the respect for cultural heritage.
Cryptosporidiosis outbreak in visitors of a UK industry-compliant petting farm caused by a rare Cryptosporidium parvum subtype: a case-control study
Authors: UTSI L. , SMITH S. J. , CHALMERS R. M. , PADFIELD S.
Published: October 2015

A case-control study was conducted to investigate an outbreak of 46 cases of cryptosporidiosis in visitors to a petting farm in England. Details of exposures on the farm were collected for 38 cases and 39 controls, recruited through snowball sampling. Multivariable logistic regression identified that cases were 5·5 times more likely than controls to have eaten without washing their hands [95% confidence interval (CI) 1·51–19·9, P = 0·01] and 10 times less likely to report being informed of risk of infection on arrival (odds ratio 0·10, 95% CI 0·01–0·71, P = 0·02). An uncommon Cryptosporidium parvum gp60 subtype (IIaA19G1R1) was identified in a lamb faecal sample and all subtyped cases (n = 22). We conclude that lack of verbal advice and non-compliance with hand washing are significantly associated with a risk of cryptosporidiosis on open farms. These findings highlight the public health importance of effectively communicating risk to petting farm visitors in order to prevent future outbreaks of zoonotic infections.
Possible role of Prussian blue nanoparticles in chemical evolution: interaction with ribose nucleotides
Authors: Sharma Rachana , Iqubal Md. Asif , Kamaluddin
Published: October 2015

Ribonucleotides (RMPs) are the building blocks of genetic material consisting of a sugar group, a phosphate group and a nucleobase. Prussian blue (PB) is an ancient compound which is supposed to have formed under the conditions of primitive Earth. The interaction between nucleotides and mineral surfaces is of primary importance in the context of prebiotic chemistry. In the present work, the adsorption of RMPs on PB has been studied in the concentration range 0.4 × 10−4–3.0 × 10−4 M of RMPs at pH 7.5, T = 27°C and found to be 53.1, 41.7, 25.8 and 24.0% for adenosine 5′-monophosphate (5′-AMP), guanosine 5′-monophosphate, cytidine 5′-monophosphate and uridine 5′-monophosphate, respectively. Optimum conditions for the adsorption were studied as a function of concentration, time, amount of adsorbent and pH and data obtained were found to fit the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Langmuir constants (KL and Xm) values were calculated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffractometry techniques were used to investigate the interaction of RMPs on PB surface. Adsorption kinetics of 5′-AMP on PB has been found to be pseudo-second order. Results obtained from this study should prove valuable for a better understanding of the mechanism of RMP–PB interaction.
Credit counseling: a substitute for consumer financial literacy?
Authors: DISNEY RICHARD , GATHERGOOD JOHN , WEBER JÖRG
Published: October 2015

Is financial literacy a substitute or complement for financial advice? We analyze the decision by consumers to seek financial advice in the form of credit counseling. Credit counseling is an important component of the consumer credit sector for consumers facing debt problems. Our analysis accounts for the endogeneity of an individual's financial situation to financial literacy, and the endogeneity of financial literacy to exposure to credit counseling. Results show counseling substitutes for financial literacy. Individuals with better literacy are 60% less likely to use credit counseling. These results suggest that credit counseling provides a safety net for poor financial literacy.
Hyperbolic discounting and life-cycle portfolio choice
Authors: LOVE DAVID , PHELAN GREGORY
Published: October 2015

This paper studies how hyperbolic discounting affects stock market participation, asset allocation, and saving decisions over the life cycle in an economy with Epstein–Zin preferences. Hyperbolic discounting affects saving and portfolio decisions through at least two channels: (1) it lowers desired saving, which decreases financial wealth relative to future earnings; and (2) it lowers the incentive to pay a fixed cost to enter the stock market. We find that hyperbolic discounters accumulate less wealth relative to their geometric counterparts and that they participate in the stock market at a later age. Because they have lower levels of financial wealth relative to future earnings, hyperbolic discounters who do participate in the stock market tend to hold a higher share of equities, particularly in the retirement years. We find that increasing the elasticity of intertemporal substitution, holding risk aversion constant, greatly magnifies the impact of hyperbolic discounting on all of the model's decision rules and simulated levels of participation, allocation, and wealth. Finally, we introduce endogenous financial knowledge accumulation and find that hyperbolic discounting leads to lower financial literacy and inefficient stock market investment.
Debt literacy, financial experiences, and overindebtedness
Authors: LUSARDI ANNAMARIA , TUFANO PETER
Published: October 2015

We analyze a national sample of Americans with respect to their debt literacy, financial experiences, and their judgments about the extent of their indebtedness. Debt literacy is a component of broader financial understanding that measures knowledge about debt and self-assessed financial knowledge. Financial experiences are the participants’ reported experiences with traditional borrowing, alternative borrowing, and investing. Overindebtedness is a self-reported measure. Debt literacy is low, with only about one-third of the population grasping the basics of interest compounding. Even after controlling for demographics, we find a relationship between debt literacy and both financial experiences and debt loads. Individuals with lower levels of debt literacy tend to transact in high-cost manners, incurring higher fees and using high-cost borrowing. We provide a rough estimate of the national implications of debt ignorance on credit card costs by consumers. Less knowledgeable individuals also report that their debt loads are excessive or that they are unable to judge their debt position.
Peanut farming in the rural interior of Guyana
Authors: Cho A.H. , MacDonald G.E. , Williams J.T. , Isele E.D.
Published: October 2015

Farmers of Aranaputa Valley village in the rural interior of Guyana rely on peanut as their primary cash crop. The focus of this study was to document current peanut farming practices in this community. Household surveys and informal interviews were conducted in 2012 to evaluate the 2011 farming season. Farmers relied on distant markets or the community development council for agricultural inputs. More than half of farmers were selling their peanut crop to truck drivers who pass through their community, while 35% sold their peanut crop to the local peanut butter cottage industry. Interviewees indicated the desire for new peanut varieties to produce in their farming systems, suggesting the potential for adoption of new varieties recently evaluated in the region. These results suggest a need for additional agricultural research in the region and development projects that can assist in closing the gap of market accessibility; both for inputs and farm sales.
Suizidalität bei Adoleszenten – Prävention und Behandlung
Authors: Berger Gregor E. , Della Casa André , Pauli Dagmar
Published: October 2015

Zusammenfassung. Suizidprävention und Behandlung von Suizidalität bei Adoleszenten ist ein komplexes Unterfangen. Subjektiv erlebte Insuffizienzgefühle, Hoffnungslosigkeit und das Gefühl der eigenen Nutzlosigkeit, kombiniert mit einem konkreten Suizidwunsch und dem Vermögen, diesen in die Tat umzusetzen, sind wichtige Indikatoren zur Einschätzung des Suizidrisikos. Suizidversuche als stärkster Risikofaktor für einen Suizid sollen immer ernst genommen werden, auch wenn diese im Rahmen von situationsbedingten Problemen auftreten. Persönlichkeitsmerkmale wie erhöhte Impulsivität oder Kränkbarkeit sind zu beachten. Die Früherkennung psychischer Störungen wie Depressionen, Angststörungen, bipolar-affektiver Störungen oder Erkrankungen aus dem psychotischen Formenkreis bietet die Grundlage für eine effektive Behandlung der zugrundeliegenden Probleme und bringt eine grosse Chance zur Reduktion der Suizidhäufigkeit mit sich. Besondere Vorsicht ist geboten, wenn eine komorbide Suchterkrankung vorhanden ist. Während einer suizidalen Krise erweist sich die Aufrechterhaltung oder Etablierung tragfähiger Beziehungen mit dem Betroffenen als zentraler Wirkfaktor. Bei Suizidalität und zunehmendem Rückzug aus Beziehungen ist der frühzeitige Einbezug von Experten dringend angezeigt. Bei akuter Suizidalität muss die Einweisung in eine psychiatrische Klinik in Erwägung gezogen werden. Persönlichkeitsbedingte wiederkehrende Suizidalität benötigt spezifische Behandlungsansätze für die zugrundeliegende Problematik unter Berücksichtigung der Vermeidung einer iatrogenen Verstärkung.
Suizidalität bei Migranten – transkulturelle Aspekte
Authors: Maier Thomas
Published: October 2015

Zusammenfassung. Als Migrant in einer fremden Umgebung sein Leben nochmals neu zu beginnen, stellt hohe Anforderungen an die Anpassungsfähigkeit eines Menschen. Bestimmte Gruppen von Migranten kommen aus Lebenswelten, die geprägt sind von Armut, Vernachlässigung, physischer Gewalt und Verfolgung. Diese Faktoren tragen dazu bei, dass einige Migranten ein erhöhtes Risiko für Suizidversuche und Suizide aufweisen, so z. B. Asylsuchende, Migranten der zweiten Generation oder entwurzelte Flüchtlinge. Um bei Migranten die Suizidalität richtig einschätzen und eine effektive Behandlung durchführen zu können, ist das Erheben der migrationsspezfischen Anamnese wichtig. Erst wenn die Geschichte und die aktuelle Lebensrealität des Patienten verstanden werden, kann ein Zugang gelingen. Der Beizug von professionellen Dolmetschern ist unverzichtbar, wenn Untersucher und Patient keine gemeinsame Sprache sprechen. Behelfslösungen mit übersetzenden Bekannten und Angehörigen sind untauglich. Eine nicht wertende, offene und empathische Grundhaltung ist der Schlüssel, um auch kulturell sehr fremden Menschen in suizidalen Krisen helfen zu können.
IMP2/p62 induces genomic instability and an aggressive hepatocellular carcinoma phenotype
Authors: Kessler S M , Laggai S , Barghash A , Schultheiss C S , Lederer E , Artl M , Helms V , Haybaeck J , Kiemer A K
Published: October 2015

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths and commonly develops in inflammatory environments. The IGF2 mRNA-binding protein IMP2-2/IGF2BP2-2/p62 was originally identified as an autoantigen in HCC. Aim of this study was to investigate a potential pathophysiological role of p62 in hepatocarcinogenesis. Human HCC tissue showed overexpression of IMP2, which strongly correlated with the fetal markers AFP and DLK1/Pref-1/FA-1 and was particularly elevated in tumors with stem-like features and hypervascularization. Molecular classification of IMP2-overexpressing tumors revealed an aggressive phenotype. Livers of mice overexpressing the IMP2 splice variant p62 highly expressed the stem cell marker DLK1 and secreted DLK1 into the blood. p62 was oncogenic: diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-treated p62 transgenic mice exhibited a higher tumor incidence and multiplicity than wild types. Tumors of transgenics showed a more aggressive and stem-like phenotype and displayed more oncogenic chromosomal aberrations determined with aCGH analysis. DEN-treated p62 transgenic mice exhibited distinct signs of inflammation, such as inflammatory cytokine expression and oxidative stress markers, that is, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) levels. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was elevated in HepG2 cells, which either overexpressed p62 or were treated with DLK1. p62 induced this ROS production by a DLK1-dependent induction and activation of the small Rho-GTPase RAC1, activating NADPH oxidase and being overexpressed in human HCC. Our data indicate that p62/IMP2 promotes hepatocarcinogenesis by an amplification of inflammation.
The structural basis of Miranda-mediated Staufen localization during Drosophila neuroblast asymmetric division
Authors: Jia Min , Shan Zelin , Yang Ying , Liu Chunhua , Li Jianchao , Luo Zhen-Ge , Zhang Mingjie , Cai Yu , Wen Wenyu , Wang Wenning
Published: October 2015

During the asymmetric division of Drosophila neuroblasts (NBs), the scaffold Miranda (Mira) coordinates the subcellular distribution of cell-fate determinants including Staufen (Stau) and segregates them into the ganglion mother cells (GMCs). Here we show the fifth double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-binding domain (dsRBD5) of Stau is necessary and sufficient for binding to a coiled-coil region of Mira cargo-binding domain (CBD). The crystal structure of Mira514–595/Stau dsRBD5 complex illustrates that Mira forms an elongated parallel coiled-coil dimer, and two dsRBD5 symmetrically bind to the Mira dimer through their exposed β-sheet faces, revealing a previously unrecognized protein interaction mode for dsRBDs. We further demonstrate that the Mira–Stau dsRBD5 interaction is responsible for the asymmetric localization of Stau during Drosophila NB asymmetric divisions. Finally, we find the CBD-mediated dimer assembly is likely a common requirement for Mira to recognize and translocate other cargos including brain tumour (Brat).