bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultra high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry screening and mutagenicity evaluation of photodegradation products of Carmoisine (E122) dye in a beverage
Authors: Yamjala Karthik , Nainar Meyyanathan Subramania , Ramisetti Nageswara Rao
Published: April 2016

The present study deals with the separation and identification of the photodegradation products formed when a commercial soft drink containing Carmoisine (E122) dye was exposed to natural sunlight. An ultra high performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated to identify the unknown species of E122. During the study, it was observed that the dye decolourizes rapidly in beverage when compared to model standard solutions. The sunlight irradiation of beverage containing E122 resulted in four photodegradation products as identified by nontarget screening using high‐resolution tandem mass spectrometry. Accurate mass measurements were used to identify the elemental composition, and to elucidate the structures of degradation products a software tool was employed. The degradation products (P1–P4) were formed from the interactions of the dye with other ingredients present in the beverage. The toxicity of the degradation products was evaluated on five bacterial strains (TA98, TA100, TA1535, TA1537, and WP2 uvrA pKM101) through an in vitro bacterial reverse mutation assay. The photodegradation products showed strong mutagenic potential in strain TA 100 (without S9) as detected by the Ames assay.
Nomenclature of genetic movement disorders: Recommendations of the international Parkinson and movement disorder society task force
Authors: Marras Connie , Lang Anthony , van de Warrenburg Bart P. , Sue Carolyn M. , Tabrizi Sarah J. , Bertram Lars , Mercimek‐Mahmutoglu Saadet , Ebrahimi‐Fakhari Darius , Warner Thomas T. , Durr Alexandra , Assmann Birgit , Lohmann Katja , Kostic Vladimir , Klein Christine
Published: April 2016

The system of assigning locus symbols to specify chromosomal regions that are associated with a familial disorder has a number of problems when used as a reference list of genetically determined disorders,including (I) erroneously assigned loci, (II) duplicated loci, (III) missing symbols or loci, (IV) unconfirmed loci and genes, (V) a combination of causative genes and risk factor genes in the same list, and (VI) discordance between phenotype and list assignment. In this article, we report on the recommendations of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society Task Force for Nomenclature of Genetic Movement Disorders and present a system for naming genetically determined movement disorders that addresses these problems. We demonstrate how the system would be applied to currently known genetically determined parkinsonism, dystonia, dominantly inherited ataxia, spastic paraparesis, chorea, paroxysmal movement disorders, neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation, and primary familial brain calcifications. This system provides a resource for clinicians and researchers that, unlike the previous system, can be considered an accurate and criterion‐based list of confirmed genetically determined movement disorders at the time it was last updated. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Pitfalls in genetic testing: the story of missed SCN1A mutations
Authors: Djémié Tania , Weckhuysen Sarah , von Spiczak Sarah , Carvill Gemma L. , Jaehn Johanna , Anttonen Anna‐Kaisa , Brilstra Eva , Caglayan Hande S. , de Kovel Carolien G. , Depienne Christel , Gaily Eija , Gennaro Elena , Giraldez Beatriz G. , Gormley Padhraig , Guerrero‐López Rosa , Guerrini Renzo , Hämäläinen Eija , Hartmann Corinna , Hernandez‐Hernandez Laura , Hjalgrim Helle , Koeleman Bobby P. C. , Leguern Eric , Lehesjoki Anna‐Elina , Lemke Johannes R. , Leu Costin , Marini Carla , McMahon Jacinta M. , Mei Davide , Møller Rikke S. , Muhle Hiltrud , Myers Candace T. , Nava Caroline , Serratosa Jose M. , Sisodiya Sanjay M. , Stephani Ulrich , Striano Pasquale , van Kempen Marjan J. A. , Verbeek Nienke E. , Usluer Sunay , Zara Federico , Palotie Aarno , Mefford Heather C. , Scheffer Ingrid E. , De Jonghe Peter , Helbig Ingo , Suls Arvid ,   EuroEPINOMICS‐RES Dravet working group
Published: April 2016

Background

Sanger sequencing, still the standard technique for genetic testing in most diagnostic laboratories and until recently widely used in research, is gradually being complemented by next‐generation sequencing (NGS). No single mutation detection technique is however perfect in identifying all mutations. Therefore, we wondered to what extent inconsistencies between Sanger sequencing and NGS affect the molecular diagnosis of patients. Since mutations in SCN1A, the major gene implicated in epilepsy, are found in the majority of Dravet syndrome (DS) patients, we focused on missed SCN1A mutations.

Methods

We sent out a survey to 16 genetic centers performing SCN1A testing.

Results

We collected data on 28 mutations initially missed using Sanger sequencing. All patients were falsely reported as SCN1A mutation‐negative, both due to technical limitations and human errors.

Conclusion

We illustrate the pitfalls of Sanger sequencing and most importantly provide evidence that SCN1A mutations are an even more frequent cause of DS than already anticipated.
Hybrid meshing using constrained Delaunay triangulation for viscous flow simulations
Authors: Wang Feng , di Mare Luca
Published: April 2016

In this paper, we present a generalized prismatic hybrid meshing method for viscous flow simulations. One major difficulty in implementing a robust prismatic hybrid meshing tool is to handle boundary layer mesh collisions, and normally an extra data structure (e.g. quadtree in two‐dimensional and octree in three‐dimensional) is required. The proposed method overcomes this difficulty via an heuristic approach, and it only relies on constrained delaunay triangulation/tetrahedralization(CDT). No extra data structures are required. Geometrical reasoning is used to approximate the maximum marching distance of each point by walking through the CDT. This is combined with post‐processing of marching vectors and distance and prohibition of multilevel differences to form an automatic and robust mechanism to remove boundary layer mesh collisions. Benefiting from the matureness of CDT techniques, the proposed method is robust, efficient and simple to implement. Its capability is demonstrated by generating quality prismatic hybrid meshes for industrial models with complex geometries. The proposed method is believed to be able considerably reduce the effort to implement a robust hybrid prismatic mesh generator for viscous flow simulations. © 2016 The Authors. International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Reward for organ donation: is it effective or not as a promotion strategy?
Authors: Ahn Jisoo , Park Hyun Soon
Published: April 2016

This study aims to investigate the effects of the rewards for organ donation as a promotion strategy, which is part of a campaign to promote organ donation in Korea by the non‐profit organization Korean Network for Organ Sharing. This study examines how the effects of rewards for organ donation differ in terms of reward types, public self‐consciousness, and stages of change. An interaction effect between types of reward, stage of change, and the degree of public self‐consciousness was found. Reward type and stage of change were found to function as moderators of the effect of public self‐consciousness on the intention to register for organ donation. The effect of public self‐consciousness on the intention for organ donation was positive and statistically significant among those who were in the contemplation stage and exposed to non‐material types of reward. On the other hand, the effect of public self‐consciousness on the intention for organ donation was negative among those in the pre‐contemplation stage and exposed to material types of reward. Practical implications for organ donation organizations are suggested. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and morphological studies of uniquely shaped graphene oxide@piperazine‐polyaniline nanocomposites
Authors: Nami Shahab A. A. , Khan Imran
Published: April 2016

The present study deals with the synthesis and detailed morphological characterization of novel ternary nanocomposites of graphene oxide@piperazine‐polyaniline (GO@PP‐PANI). The GO@PP‐PANI nanocomposites were obtained via traditional polymerization method under low temperature conditions. The facile and sustainable protocol for the synthesis of uniquely shaped GO@PP‐PANI nanocomposites is quite high yielding. The formation of ternary composites takes place in presence of graphene oxide (GO) leading to the generation of nanoblock structures. GO has dual role of acting as dopant as well as soft template. The morphology of composite was dramatically altered by the change in mass ratios of GO. The different shapes obtained in the present work were novel. The morphology and microstructure of the copolymers, piperazine‐polyaniline (PP‐PANI) and their GO@PP‐PANI nanocomposites were examined by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results of thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses results were of an enhanced thermal stability of the GO@PP‐PANI nanocomposites as compared with the PP‐PANI copolymers. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:E295–E302, 2017. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Pyrrole/N‐p‐toluenepyrrole copolymers in the presence of surfactants: A promising material for glucose sensing
Authors: Ozkan Sevki , Sen Gursoy Songul
Published: April 2016

In this study, pyrrole/N‐para‐toluenpyrrole (Py/NptPy) copolymers were synthesized by chemical oxidative polymerization method. The effects of different kinds of (anionic, cationic, and nonionic) surfactants on the properties of copolymer were investigated. The structural, morphological, thermal, and conductivity properties of the copolymers were investigated by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and the four‐probe measurement device respectively. FTIR spectra of copolymers synthesized in different environments that support the formation of copolymer. SEM results show that the morphologies of copolymers synthesized in the presence of surfactant are more homogeneous and the particle sizes are smaller than that of polypyrrole (PPy). TGA results revealed that the thermal stabilities of Py/NptPy‐NaDBS (400°C) and Py/NptPy‐Tween 20 (260°C) copolymers were higher than surfactant free Py/NptPy copolymer (180°C) according to their initial decomposition temperatures. It was determined that the conductivity values of copolymers were higher than PNptPy. Glucose sensor properties of copolymer synthesized in the presence of tetradecylthreemethyl ammonium bromide (TTAB) were investigated with cyclic voltammetry (CV) method. Michaelis–Menten constant of Py/NptPy‐TTAB copolymer modified electrochemical biosensor was calculated as 5.30 mM. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 56:995–1003, 2016. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Microwave dielectric properties of polytetrafluoroethylene‐polyacrylate composite films made via aerosol deposition
Authors: O'Keefe Shamus , Luscombe Christine K
Published: April 2016

Few studies have examined the deposition of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) using additive manufacturing and their subsequent properties in microwave devices. The present study examines polytetrafluoroethylene‐polyacrylate (PTFE‐PA) composite films made via aerosol deposition to assess the potential use of PTFE in additive manufacturing processes. The composites are composed of PTFE‐PA core − shell nanoparticles, synthesized using a seeded emulsion polymerization, containing various PTFE weight fractions up to 50%. The synthesized nanoparticles were sprayed onto a heated glass substrate and subsequently annealed at a temperature above the glass transition temperature of PA and below that of PTFE, rendering a solid film approximately 40 µm thick. A cavity perturbation resonance technique was employed to determine the complex permittivity of the films. As the volume fraction of PTFE increased, the real part of the permittivity ϵ′ decreased while the imaginary part of the permittivity ϵ″ showed little variation. The results demonstrate a promising approach for incorporating PTFE into additive manufacturing processes, particularly for microwave devices. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Similarity of Palaeocurrent: A Tool for Stratigraphic Correlation
Authors: Hota Rabindra Nath , Maejima Wataru
Published: April 2016

Conventional stratigraphic correlations are based on similarity of lithology, order of superposition, marker bed, unconformity, grade of metamorphism, fossil content and geochronology of the rock units. The Gondwana strata have been correlated referring to the above mentioned criteria. In the present work, the Talchir and Karharbari formations of two adjacent Gondwana basins separated by over 200 Km were examined with respect to their palaeocurrent directions. The study suggests that the palaeocurrent populations of different formations in both the basins are statistically dissimilar, this is because, both are stratigraphically distinct in order of superposition and thus are not correlatable. On the other hand, the palaeocurrent populations of the same formation in both the basins are statistically similar and stratigraphically correlatable. It is suggested that the similarity of palaeocurrent can be regarded as a criterion for stratigraphic correlation at least in local and regional scale.
Petrology and Ar/Ar Chronology of Erdembaba and Kuyucak Volcanics Exposed along the North Anatolian Fault Zone (Eastern Pontides, NE Turkey): Implications for the Late Cenozoic Geodynamic Evolution of Eastern Mediterranean Region
Authors: Ekici Taner
Published: April 2016

The Cenozoic geodynamic evolution of the Eastern Pontides Orogenic Belt (EPOB), which geographically corresponds to the northeastern part of Turkey, is still controversial due to lack of systematic geological, geochemical and chronological data. This paper provides new geochemical and chronological data from the Kuyucak and Erdembaba volcanics exposed along the North Anatolian Fault Zone, which is one of the most seismically-active intracontinental strike-slip fault systems on the globe, in the Reºadiye (Tokat) area that is situated in the southern part of the EPOB. Kuyucak volcanics consist predominantly of basaltic rocks including mainly olivine, augite and plagioclase. Erdembaba volcanics comprise mainly dacite and minor trachydacite-trachyandesite that are composed mainly of augite, plagioclase, hornblende and rarely biotite. The Geochemical properties of the Erdembaba volcanic define small amounts of magma mixing events and it follow a linear trend from a primitive end member through to upper crustal evolution. The 40Ar/39Ar age determinations of whole rock of volcanic rock samples yielded the ages ranging from 1.33 to 6.31 Ma (late Miocene-Pleistocene). Both groups display an enrichment in LIL and LREE elements relative to HFS and HREE elements, strong negative Nb and Ti anomalies. All geochemical and Ar/Ar chronological data indicate that the late Miocene Kuyucak volcanic rocks, which are characterized by low concentrations of SiO2 (<50 wt.%), were generated by mantle-derived magmas that underwent contamination processes during their transfer to the surface. Whereas, Erdembaba volcanic rocks including high concentrations of SiO2 were derived from partial melting of the plunging continental crust beneath the Eurasian plate in Pliocene, after closure of Neotethys ocean that was situated in the southern part of the EPOB.
Earthquake Triggered Soft Sediment Deformational Structures (Seismites) in the Karewa Formations of Kashmir Valley – An Indicator for Palaeo-seismicity
Authors: Bhat Gulam Rasool , Bali Bikram S. , Balaji S. , Iqbal Vazeem , Balakrishna
Published: April 2016

The intermontane Karewa basin contains a wide variety of seismically induced soft sediment deformation structures, interpreted as seismites and occurs in 1300 m thick succession of upper and lower Karewas. The Karewa Formation of Kashmir valley are glacio-fluvial-lacustrine and aeolian loess of Plio-Pleistocene age. The soft sediment deformational structures occurs in various formations and members of Karewas and vary greatly in terms of morphology and pattern. The Karewa Formations were frequently confronted with recurrent seismic activities during differential upliftment of Pir Panjal and Zanaskar ranges which resulted in various deformation structures during their evolution and development. In the present study, an attempt has been made to relate the palaeo-seismicity events in Karewa formations with the deformed structures of various formations. The origin of these deformational structures have been interpreted and analyzed from the field evidences by applying paleo-seismological approach. During and after the deposition of Karewas different soft sediment deformation structures (seismites) like load cast, convolute lamination, pseudonodules, recumbent folds, sand dykes etc. were formed during liquefaction and triggered by tectonic impulsive events. The deformational structures are evidenced by their unique nature, distribution, association, behaviour and deformation, and can be used as vital indicators for palaeo-seismicity.
Statistical Analysis of Different Chemical Elements in Groundwater of Northwestern Saudi Arabia
Authors: Zumlot Taisser , Batayneh Awni , Zaman Haider , Ghrefat Habes , Mogren Saad , Nazzal Yousef , Elawadi Eslam , Elwaheidi Mahmoud
Published: April 2016

A total of 72 water samples were collected from the sub-surface aquifer system in the Midyan basin and analyzed for 24 major, minor and trace elements. Histograms and normal quantile plots were used to delineate the sub-populations of the chemical constituents in the studied groundwater samples. Some of the elements such as Al, K, Ca, Mg, Na and Cl have concentrations that could be linked to the weathering of the surface rock strata. On the other hand, the elements like As, Pb and Sb have concentration, that can be linked to agricultural practices in the area. The use of simple statistical analysis, frequency histograms, and Q-Q plots were useful for the detection and evaluation of elemental constituents in the groundwater of the study area.
The relationship between the social support level perceived by patients with gynecologic cancer and mental adjustment to cancer
Authors: Yağmur Yurdagül , Duman Mesude
Published: April 2016

Objective

To determine the relationship between the level of the social support perceived by patients with gynecologic cancer and their mental adjustment to cancer.

Methods

The present descriptive study enrolled women with gynecologic cancer receiving care in the Diyarbakir province of Turkey between November 2013 and October 2014. Data were obtained via the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support questionnaire and the scale of Mental Adjustment to Cancer.

Results

Among 190 women with gynecologic cancer, all subscales of perceived social support had a positive correlation with the subscale fighting spirit (r = 0.34–0.56; P < 0.001 for all), and a negative correlation with the subscales of helplessness/hopelessness (r = − 0.25 to − 0.48; P < 0.001 for all) and fatalism (r = − 0.20 to − 0.30; P < 0.01 for all) in the Mental Adjustment to Cancer scale.

Conclusion

Among patients with gynecologic cancer, the response styles to cancer were considerably affected by the perceived level of social support. Raising the awareness of society and healthcare professionals will increase the level and quality of social support provided for patients with gynecologic cancer.
Streamflow variability for the Aksu River on the southern slopes of the Tien Shan inferred from tree ring records
Authors: Zhang Ruibo , Yuan Yujiang , Gou Xiaohua , Yang Qing , Wei Wenshou , Yu Shulong , Zhang Tongwen , Shang Huaming , Chen Feng , Fan Ziang , Qin Li
Published: April 2016

Gauged river flow records from China generally span only a few decades, which hampers the detection of long-term, decadal- to centennial-scale cycles and trends in streamflow variability. New and updated tree-ring chronologies help reconstructed the water-year (October–September) streamflow for the Aksu River, which is an important river at the edge of the Taklimakan Desert that drains into the Tarim Basin. The reconstruction dates back to 1692 and has an adjusted r2 of 0.61 (1957–2006). Based on frequency, intensity and duration of droughts and pluvial events, the lowest streamflows occurred in the 1920s. Since then streamflow has continuously increased, and was exceptionally rapidly after the 1960s, until today. The start and end of the 20th century to the present were the highest streamflow periods. The mid-20th century was the longest and driest period over the past 300 yr. The reconstructed streamflow series has a strong positive correlation with the North Atlantic Oscillation Index. Changes in mid-latitude circulation patterns influencing precipitation may have indirectly resulted in streamflow variations along the Aksu River over the past 300 yr. The rapid increase and the exceptional streamflows of the 1960s are likely linked with global warming and mid-latitude atmospheric circulation changes.
A Preliminary Investigation of the Time Course of Attention Bias Variability in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: The Moderating Role of Attentional Control
Authors: Bardeen Joseph R. , Tull Mathew T. , Daniel Thomas A. , Evenden John , Stevens Erin N.
Published: April 2016

The present study sought to explicate the time-course of posttraumatic stress (PTS)-related attentional bias to threat (ABT) by examining differences in attention bias variability (ABV; a measure which accounts for the temporal dynamics of ABT). A dot-probe task with four presentation durations was used to capture both subliminal and supraliminal stages of processing. Task stimuli consisted of neutral and threat images. Attentional control (AC) was examined as a moderator of the relationship between PTSD and ABV. At an experimental session, participants (PTSD = 11, trauma control = 18) completed questionnaires, a modified dot-probe task, and a stimulus-response task measuring AC. Individuals in the PTSD group exhibited greater ABV compared to trauma control participants. AC moderated this relationship, with participants with PTSD and poor AC exhibiting significantly greater ABV than trauma-exposed control participants with poor AC. These effects remained significant after accounting for traditionally calculated ABT scores and variability on trials for which only neutral stimuli were present, thus ensuring that the observed effects were specific to the presence of threat stimuli and not merely a function of general variability in response times. Findings implicate AC as a buffering mechanism against threat-related attentional dyscontrol among those with PTSD. Clinical implications will be discussed.
In utero testosterone exposure influences physiological responses to dyadic interactions in neurotypical adults
Authors: Truzzi Anna , Senese Vincenzo Paolo , Setoh Peipei , Ripoli Cristian , Esposito Gianluca
Published: April 2016

Objective

We investigated how different levels of prenatal exposure to testosterone influence physiological reactions to dyadic interactions, hypothesising that higher levels of prenatal testosterone are linked to greater physiological responses.

Method

Autonomic nervous system responses to dyadic interactions focussed on social or physical norms were measured. Physiological assessment of excitability (heart rate, facial temperature) and a behavioural assessment (Likert items judgements) were run on 25 neurotypical participants who had distinct testosterone exposure levels in utero. In utero exposure to testosterone was assessed measuring 2D : 4D (ratio between the lengths of the index and the ring fingers).

Results

Higher testosterone exposure participants showed greater physiological arousal: a greater heart rate decrease, independent from scenario type (p<0.05), and opposite facial temperature changes in response to social (increase) (vs.) physical scenarios (decrease) were found (Left-cheek: p<0.05; Right-cheek: p<0.05).

Conclusion

These findings suggest a long-term influence of prenatal environment on adults’ physiological responses during social situations.
The association between dietary patterns derived by reduced rank regression and depressive symptoms over time: the Invecchiare in Chianti (InCHIANTI) study
Authors: Vermeulen Esther , Stronks Karien , Visser Marjolein , Brouwer Ingeborg A. , Schene Aart H. , Mocking Roel J. T. , Colpo Marco , Bandinelli Stefania , Ferrucci Luigi , Nicolaou Mary
Published: April 2016

This study aimed to identify dietary patterns using reduced rank regression (RRR) and to explore their associations with depressive symptoms over 9 years in the Invecchiare in Chianti study. At baseline, 1362 participants (55·4 % women) aged 18–102 years (mean age 68 (sd 15·5) years) were included in the study. Baseline data collection started in 1998 and was repeated after 3, 6 and 9 years. Dietary intake information was obtained using a country-specific, validated FFQ with 188 food items. For baseline diet, dietary pattern scores in quartiles (Q) were derived using RRR with the nutrients EPA+DHA, folate, Mg and Zn as response variables. Continuous depression scores from the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale were used for assessing depressive symptoms. The derived dietary pattern was rich in vegetables, olive oil, grains, fruit, fish and moderate in wine and red and processed meat, and was labelled as ‘typical Tuscan dietary pattern’. After full adjustment, an inverse association was observed between this dietary pattern and depressive symptoms at baseline (Q1 v. Q4, B −2·77; 95 % CI −4·55, −0·98). When examining the relationship between the above-mentioned dietary pattern at baseline and depressive symptoms over 9 years, a similar association was found after full adjustment for confounding factors (Q1 v. Q4, B −1·78; 95 % CI −3·17, −0·38). A diet rich in vegetables, olive oil, grains, fruits, fish and moderate in wine and red and processed meat was consistently associated with lower CES-D scores over a 9-year period in the Tuscan population.
ACQUISITION AND AUTOMATED RECTIFICATION OF HIGH-RESOLUTION RGB AND NEAR-IR AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS TO ESTIMATE PLANT BIOMASS AND SURFACE TOPOGRAPHY IN ARID AGRO-ECOSYSTEMS
Authors: SELSAM PETER , SCHAEPER WOLFGANG , BRINKMANN KATJA , BUERKERT ANDREAS
Published: April 2016

Increasing image resolution and shrinking camera size facilitates easy mounting of digital cameras on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to collect large amounts of high-resolution aerial photos for soil surface and vegetation monitoring. Major challenges remain geo-referencing of these images, reliable stitching (mosaicking), elimination of geometric image distortions and compensation of limited image quality and high cost of the equipment. In this study, we report upon the design and field-testing of a custom-made, cost-effective mini-UAV allowing the acquisition of RGB and near-IR images covering areas of 1–2 km2 in each flight and the development of a software tool to automatically combine the geo-referenced images into a seamless image mosaic. Object-orientated image classification was used to estimate plant biomass. The images allowed to determine the distribution and biomass of selected plant species and other landscape features such as field borders and settlement patterns as well as to construct a simple 3D model of the topography of the surveyed area. The setup facilitates the cost-effective acquisition, mosaicking and classification of hundreds of RGB and near-IR images with a spatial resolution of 5–10 cm.
Asylum Seekers and the Co-production of Public Services: Understanding the Implications for Social Inclusion and Citizenship
Authors: STROKOSCH KIRSTY , OSBORNE STEPHEN P.
Published: April 2016

This paper presents an empirical study of asylum seekers in Glasgow and their capacity to co-produce the public services they use. It is divided into three parts. The first briefly examines the theory of co-production, revisiting a conceptual framework for co-production developed through the integration of the public administration and services management literatures (Osborne and Strokosch, 2013). Second, the paper examines the capacity of asylum seekers in Scotland to co-produce, considering their position as a marginalised group in society which significantly challenges many of the assertions about the nature of co-production. Finally, the paper discusses the implications of this new evidence for our understanding of the links between public services consumption and citizenship, asking two fundamental questions: can asylum seekers, as non-citizens, co-produce the public services they receive and, if so, what forms does co-production take; and what are the implications of this for social inclusion and citizenship?
Beyond Local Protectionism: China's State–Business Relations in the Last Two Decades
Authors: Wang Yuhua
Published: April 2016

This article presents a large-scale, systematic study of politically connected firms in China. It was conducted by compiling a database of all the publicly traded firms in China in 1993, 2002 and 2012 that codes the biographies of hundreds of thousands of board members. I find that there has been a significant increase in the percentage of firms that are connected with the national government in the last 20 years. This casts doubt on a popular argument that businesses in China have primarily relied on “local protectionism.” I interpret this as a result of firms' need to connect with powerful and stable institutions. I test this by examining the impact of the fall of Chen Liangyu on firms in Shanghai.
Is the onset of influenza in the community age-related?
Authors: FLEMING D. M. , DURNALL H. , WARBURTON F. , ELLIS J. S. , ZAMBON M. C.
Published: April 2016

We studied the spread of influenza in the community between 1993 and 2009 using primary-care surveillance data to investigate if the onset of influenza was age-related. Virus detections [A(H3N2), B, A(H1N1)] and clinical incidence of influenza-like illness (ILI) in 12·3 million person-years in the long-running Royal College of General Practitioners-linked clinical-virological surveillance programme in England & Wales were examined. The number of days between symptom onset and the all-age peak ILI incidence were compared by age group for each influenza type/subtype. We found that virus detection and ILI incidence increase, peak and decrease were in unison. The mean interval between symptom onset to peak ILI incidence in virus detections (all ages) was: A(H3N2) 20·5 [95% confidence interval (CI) 19·7–21·6] days; B, 18·8 (95% CI 15·8·0–21·7) days; and A(H1N1) 17·0 (95% CI 15·6–18·4) days. Differences by age group were examined using the Kruskal–Wallis test. For A(H3N2) and A(H1N1) viruses the interval was similar in each age group. For influenza B there were highly significant differences by age group (P= 0·0001). Clinical incidence rates of ILI reported in the 8 weeks preceding the period of influenza virus activity were used to estimate a baseline incidence and threshold value (upper 95% CI of estimate) which was used as a marker of epidemic progress. Differences between the age groups in the week in which the threshold was reached were small and not localized to any age group. In conclusion we found no evidence to suggest that influenza A(H3N2) and A(H1N1) occurs in the community in one age group before another. For influenza B, virus detection was earlier in children aged 5–14 years than in persons aged ⩾25 years.
L'approche comparative dans le contexte des français en Amérique du Nord
Authors: COMEAU PHILIP
Published: April 2016

Le français fait montre d'une diversité impressionnante au plan global, ce qui nous présente un véritable laboratoire sociolinguistique pour l’étude du changement linguistique et de la variation, des phénomènes de contact, de l'aménagement linguistique, de l'acquisition, etc. Par contre, d'après Françoise Gadet (2011:132), «[o]n peut alors se demander pourquoi les chercheurs sur le français n'ont pas davantage exploité une telle opportunité.» L'article de Mougeon, Hallion, Bigot et Papen répond bien aux appels de Gadet en faveur d'augmenter le nombre d’études sur les différentes variétés, ce qui nous permet d'explorer la «palette de diversité» du français (Gadet 2011:132). En ce qui a trait plus précisément aux français de l'Ouest canadien, les articles sur ces variétés sont de plus en plus nombreux, ce qui contraste avec la situation depuis quelques décennies. À titre d'exemple, le livreLe français canadien parlé hors Québec: aperçu sociolinguistique(dir. par Mougeon et Beniak 1988) est organisé en deux parties, la première sur le français ontarien et la seconde sur le français acadien, ce qui tient compte des variétés de français de l'est du Canada, mais pas de l'ouest. En dépit du fait que les variétés de français à l'ouest de l'Ontario sont exclues de ce livre, Mougeon et Beniak (1988:2) remarquent qu'il «est toutefois à souhaiter [. . .] [que] la linguistique du français canadien continuera sa poussée vers l'Ouest». Ce n'est pas par erreur qu'ils excluent ces variétés, mais plutôt parce qu'il y a un véritable «manque d’études sur le français de l'Ouest canadien» (1988:2).
Managing an ‘Army of Peoples’: Identity, Command and Performance in the Habsburg Officer Corps, 1914–1918
Authors: WATSON ALEXANDER
Published: April 2016

This article examines the officers who led the Habsburg Army during the First World War. It highlights the complexity of their identities, demonstrating that this went well beyond the a-national – nationalist dichotomy in much historiography. It also argues that these officers' identities had a profound impact on how their army functioned in the field. The article first studies the senior command in 1914–16, showing how its wartime learning processes were shaped by transnational attitudes. These officers had belonged in peace to an international military professional network. When disaster befell their army at the outset of the First World War, it was natural for them to seek lessons from foreign armies, at first from their major enemies, the Russians, and later their German allies. The second half of the article explores the changing loyalties of the reserve officers tasked with frontline command in the later war years. It contends that the officer corps' focus on maintaining social and educational standards resulted in an influx of middle-class junior leaders whose conditional commitment to the Empire and limited language skills greatly influenced the Habsburg Army's record of longevity but mediocre combat performance.
Conclusion: Beyond Liberal Internationalism
Authors: ANTIC ANA , CONTERIO JOHANNA , VARGHA DORA
Published: April 2016

The contributors to this special issue have taken up the challenge of reconsidering some of the fundamental assumptions that have traditionally underpinned the history of internationalism. In doing so their articles (some more explicitly than others) have addressed two central questions: who were the internationalists and where was internationalism taking place? The answers to these questions seem deceptively simple. However, as the articles in this issue have demonstrated, agents of internationalism are as diverse in age, gender and social status as the fields in which they operate.
Imprints: the history of water management and canals in Piacenza, Italy
Authors: BRADBEE CHERYL
Published: April 2016

The political ecology of historical urban water systems can yield information on the long-term, social organization of resource infrastructure and its management. In this article, the water system of Piacenza, Italy, is examined through its history and the documents of the Congregazione sopra l'ornato, the committee in charge of water management in the city, under the Farnese dukes, from 1545 to 1736. The documents include letters from residents, responses and orders from the committee, tax documents and engineering reports. These records tell a story of a water system and its relationship to the city residents.
Decision-Making Does not Moderate the Association between Cannabis Use and Body Mass Index among Adolescent Cannabis Users
Authors: Ross J. Megan , Graziano Paulo , Pacheco-Colón Ileana , Coxe Stefany , Gonzalez Raul
Published: April 2016

Objectives: Results from research conducted on the association between cannabis use and body mass index (BMI) reveal mixed findings. It is possible that individual differences in decision-making (DM) abilities may influence these associations. Methods: This study analyzed how amount of cannabis use, DM performance, and the interaction of these variables influenced BMI and clinical classifications of weight among adolescents (ages 14 to 18 years; 56% male; 77% Hispanic). The sample consisted primarily of cannabis users (n=238) without a history of significant developmental disorders, birth complications, neurological conditions, or history of mood, thought, or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder at screening. Furthermore, few participants engaged frequently in other drug use (except for alcohol and nicotine). Results: Analyses revealed that more lifetime cannabis use was associated with a higher BMI and greater likelihood of being overweight/obese. Interactions between DM and cannabis use on BMI were not significant, and DM was not directly associated with BMI. Discussion: Our findings suggest that among adolescents, cannabis use is associated with a greater BMI regardless of DM abilities and this association is not accounted for by other potential factors, including depression, alcohol use, nicotine use, race, ethnicity, or IQ. (JINS, 2016, 22, 944–949)
Expert judgement
Authors: Ashcroft M. , Austin R. , Barnes K. , MacDonald D. , Makin S. , Morgan S. , Taylor R. , Scolley P.
Published: April 2016

Expert judgement has been used since the actuarial profession was founded. In the past, there has often been a lack of transparency regarding the use of expert judgement, even though those judgements could have a very significant impact on the outputs of calculations and the decisions made by organisations. The lack of transparency has a number of dimensions, including the nature of the underlying judgements, as well as the process used to derive those judgements. This paper aims to provide a practical framework regarding expert judgement processes, and how those processes may be validated. It includes a worked example illustrating how the process could be used for setting a particular assumption. It concludes with some suggested tools for use within expert judgement. Although primarily focussed on the insurance sector, the proposed process framework could be applied more widely without the need for significant changes.
Structural Investigation of AlN/SiOx Nanocomposite Hard Coatings Fabricated by Differential Pumping Cosputtering
Authors: Kawasaki Masahiro , Nose Masateru , Onishi Ichiro , Shiojiri Makoto
Published: April 2016

AlN/SiOx nanocomposite coatings fabricated by differential pumping cosputtering (DPCS) were investigated by analytical electron microscopy. The DPCS system consists of two halves of a Chamber, A and B, for radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering deposition of different materials, and a substrate holder that rotates through the chambers. Al and SiO2 were sputtered in gas environments with a flow mixture of N2 and Ar gases at RF power of 200 W in the Al Chamber A and a flow of Ar gas at RF powers of 49 W in the SiO2 Chamber B. The substrates of (001) Si wafers heated at 250°C were rotated for 1,080 min at 3 rpm and alternately deposited by AlN and SiO2. AlN columnar crystals grew at a rate of ~0.3 nm/revolution preferentially along the hexagonal [0001] axis. Amorphous silicon oxide (a-SiOx), deposited at a rate of ~0.2 nm/revolution, was coagulated preferentially along the boundaries between the AlN columns and also the interfaces between the subgrains within the AlN columns. The a-SiOx played an important role in the increase in mechanical hardness of the AlN/SiOx composite coating by disturbing deformation of AlN crystal lattices.
A cohort of Indigenous Australian women and their children through pregnancy and beyond: the Gomeroi gaaynggal study
Authors: Ashman A. M. , Collins C. E. , Weatherall L. , Brown L. J. , Rollo M. E. , Clausen D. , Blackwell C. C. , Pringle K. G. , Attia J. , Smith R. , Lumbers E. R. , Rae K. M.
Published: April 2016

Indigenous Australians have high rates of chronic diseases, the causes of which are complex and include social and environmental determinants. Early experiences in utero may also predispose to later-life disease development. The Gomeroi gaaynggal study was established to explore intrauterine origins of renal disease, diabetes and growth in order to inform the development of health programmes for Indigenous Australian women and children. Pregnant women are recruited from antenatal clinics in Tamworth, Newcastle and Walgett, New South Wales, Australia, by Indigenous research assistants. Measures are collected at three time points in pregnancy and from women and their children at up to eight time points in the child’s first 5 years. Measures of fetal renal development and function include ultrasound and biochemical biomarkers. Dietary intake, infant feeding and anthropometric measurements are collected. Standardized procedures and validated tools are used where available. Since 2010 the study has recruited over 230 women, and retained 66 postpartum. Recruitment is ongoing, and Gomeroi gaaynggal is currently the largest Indigenous pregnancy-through-early-childhood cohort internationally. Baseline median gestational age was 39.1 weeks (31.5–43.2, n=110), median birth weight was 3180 g (910–5430 g, n=110). Over one third (39.3%) of infants were admitted to special care or neonatal nursery. Nearly half of mothers (47.5%) reported tobacco smoking during pregnancy. Results of the study will contribute to knowledge about origins of chronic disease in Indigenous Australians and nutrition and growth of women and their offspring during pregnancy and postpartum. Study strengths include employment and capacity-building of Indigenous staff and the complementary ArtsHealth programme.
Patterns and predictors of health service use among people with mental disorders in São Paulo metropolitan area, Brazil
Authors: Wang Y.-P. , Chiavegatto Filho A. D. P. , Campanha A. M. , Malik A. M. , Mogadouro M. A. , Cambraia M. , Viana M. C. , Andrade L. H.
Published: April 2016

Aims.

Important transformations in psychiatric healthcare (HC) delivery have been implemented in Latin America during the beginning of 21st century. However, information on current service uses patterns is scant, obstructing the estimates and proper planning of service needs for general population. The current investigation aims to describe patterns and estimates predictors of 12-month HC use by individuals with mental disorders in São Paulo metropolitan area, Brazil.

Method.

Data are from São Paulo Mental Health Survey, a cross-sectional multistage representative study. Participants were face-to-face interviewed in their household, using a structured diagnostic interview, the World Mental Health Survey Initiative version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. A total of 5037 respondents, non-institutionalised, aged 18 years and older were interviewed. The response rate was 81.3%. We determined the percentages of individuals with 12-month DSM-IV anxiety, mood and substance disorders that received treatment in the 12 months prior to assessment in main service sectors (specialty mental health, general medicine, human services (HS), and complementary and alternative medicine). The number of visits and percentage of individuals who received treatment at minimally adequacy also was estimated. Multilevel regression controlled contextual variables that influenced the use of service and treatment adequacy.

Results.

Only 10.1% of respondents used some HC service in the 12 months prior to assessment for their psychiatric problems, including 3.9% of them being treated either by a psychiatrist, 3.5% by a non-psychiatrist mental health specialist, 3.3% by a general medical (GM) provider, 1.5% by a HS provider and 1.4% by a complementary and alternative medical provider. In general, those participants who received service in the mental health specialty sector reported more visits than those in the GM sector (median 3.9 v. 1.5 visits). The cases seen in specialty sector outnumber those visiting GM treatment in terms of minimally adequate treatment (54.6 v. 23.2%). The likelihood of receiving treatment was significantly greater among individuals diagnosed with any anxiety and mood disorder, presenting more severe disorders, and with possession of HC insurance.

Conclusions.

The great majority of individuals with an active mental disorder in São Paulo were either untreated or insufficiently treated. Awareness and training programmes to GM professionals are advocated to improve recognition, care take and referral to specialty care when needed. Proper integration among HC sectors is recommended.
Negative regulation of DNMT3A de novo DNA methylation by frequently overexpressed UHRF family proteins as a mechanism for widespread DNA hypomethylation in cancer
Authors: Jia Yuanhui , Li Pishun , Fang Lan , Zhu Haijun , Xu Liangliang , Cheng Hao , Zhang Junying , Li Fei , Feng Yan , Li Yan , Li Jialun , Wang Ruiping , Du James X , Li Jiwen , Chen Taiping , Ji Hongbin , Han Jackie , Yu Wenqiang , Wu Qihan , Wong Jiemin
Published: April 2016

Global DNA hypomethylation is a most common epigenetic alteration in cancer, but the mechanism remains elusive. Previous studies demonstrate that UHRF1 but not UHRF2 is required for mediating DNA maintenance methylation by DNMT1. Here we report unexpectedly a conserved function for UHRF1 and UHRF2: inhibiting de novo DNA methylation by functioning as E3 ligases promoting DNMT3A degradation. UHRF1/2 are frequently overexpressed in cancers and we present evidence that UHRF1/2 overexpression downregulates DNMT3A proteins and consequently leads to DNA hypomethylation. Abrogating this negative regulation on DNMT3A or overexpression of DNMT3A leads to increased DNA methylation and impaired tumor growth. We propose a working model that UHRF1/2 safeguards the fidelity of DNA methylation and suggests that UHRF1/2 overexpression is likely a causal factor for widespread DNA hypomethylation in cancer via suppressing DNMT3A.