bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
APPLICATION TIME OF NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZATION MITIGATES THE ADVERSE EFFECT OF SUBMERGENCE IN RICE (ORYZA SATIVA L.)
Authors: GAUTAM PRIYANKA , LAL B. , NAYAK A. K. , BHATTACHARYYA P. , BAIG M. J. , RAJA R. , SHAHID MD. , TRIPATHI R. , MOHANTY SANGITA , PANDA B. B. , KUMAR ANJANI
Published: January 2015

Large areas of rainfed lowlands of Asia annually experienced flash flooding during the rice-growing season, which is an important abiotic stress that adversely affect grain yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.) crop. Submergence stress is a common environmental challenge for agriculture sustainability in these areas because lack of high-yielding, flood-tolerant cultivars. In this study, IR64-Sub1 and IR64 were compared for their tolerance to submergence at active tillering (AT), panicle initiation (PI) and heading (H) stages with nitrogen and phosphorus application time. We evaluated the role of cultivars, stage of submergence and N and P application on phenology, leaf senescence (LS), photosynthetic (Pn) rate, yield attributes and yield. Under non-submerged conditions, no difference was observed in phenology, Pn rate and yield of both cultivars. Submergence substantially reduced biomass, Pn rate, yields attributes and yield across cultivars with more drastic reduction in IR64. Submergence at H stage proves to be most detrimental. Nitrogen application after desubmergence with basal P improved the Pn rate resulting in significantly higher yield and yield components. Nitrogen application before submergence resulted in increased LS and ethylene accumulation in shoots leading to drastic reduction in growth, Pn rate and yield. Crop establishment and productivity could therefore be enhanced in areas where untimely flooding is anticipated by avoiding N application before submergence and applying N after desubmergence with basal P (phosphorus).
Collaboration and British Military Recruitment: Fresh perspectives from colonial Punjab, 1914–1918
Authors: MAHMOOD TAHIR
Published: January 2015

This article examines the ways in which rural elite collaborators mobilized recruits for the British Army during the First World War. It thus not only increases knowledge of Punjab's military history, but adds to the understanding of collaboration as a process involving competitive groups in which elites manipulated the process for their own ends. The case study material drawn from the Shahpur district of the colonial Punjab argues that while there may have been a degree of indoctrination into the colonial state's values, it was mainly the desire to use its patronage to bolster family influence or to transform local hierarchies that was the key factor in securing willing collaborators. The competition for local power and influence provided a local dynamic to the collaborative process. The state could of course take advantage of this competition to serve its interests, just as the Punjabi tribal chiefs could utilize state patronage to beat off rivals to their power. Collaboration was thus a dynamic two-way process, rather than, as it is often portrayed, a top-down, one-way relationship.
Royal Tigers and Ruling Princes: Wilderness and wildlife management in the Indian princely states
Authors: HUGHES JULIE E.
Published: January 2015

In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Indian princes correlated the preservation and use of well-maintained hunting grounds rich in desirable flora and fauna with the enjoyment of higher status, stronger defences against foreign interference, and more compliant subjects. As a result, they carefully managed wilderness and wildlife in their territories. Major past impacts on environments and biodiversity, with ongoing relevance to the ways in which wildlife and wilderness are perceived in the subcontinent today, emerged from the widespread conviction of these rulers that their attempts to govern ecosystems and wildlife demographics were natural and necessary functions of the state. Evidence drawn from hunting memoirs, shooting diaries, photographs, paintings, archival records, and administration reports from a selection of North Indian states calls into question exactly how, and even if, wildlife or wilderness existed in separation from people and the realm of civilization. The intimate relationship between Indian sovereigns, wilderness, and wildlife, therefore, informs new understandings of princely identity, South Asian environmental history, and elite Indian receptions of European and colonial science and managerial practice relating to forests and wild animals in the era of British paramountcy.
A NEW HELLENISTIC AMPHORA PRODUCTION CENTRE IN WEST CRETE (LOUTRA, RETHYMNON): STUDY AND PETROGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF THE POTTERY ASSEMBLAGE
Authors: Tsatsaki Niki , Nodarou Eleni
Published: January 2015

The presence of Hellenistic amphora production centres in central and east Crete was demonstrated in the 1990s through the survey carried out by J.-Y. Empereur, Ch. Kritzas and A. Marangou. In addition, more recent studies have placed emphasis on wine as a major component of the rural economy of Crete during that period. However, archaeological evidence from excavated sites and well-stratified contexts remains scarce. The rescue excavation carried out in a private plot at Loutra (Rethymnon, west Crete) by the 25th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities brought to light a Hellenistic farmstead with an olive beam press and a pottery kiln mainly producing amphorae. In this study we focus on the ceramic assemblage from the site. The study of the pottery, coupled with thin-section petrography, adds new evidence for the production of amphorae in west Crete during the Late Hellenistic period, and allows the investigation of issues such as the use of raw materials, the clay pastes and the technology of pottery manufacture. Moreover, the proximity of the kiln to the olive beam press sheds light on the use of amphorae for the trade in olive oil on a local and regional scale.
THE MAIN ‘MIDDLE BYZANTINE PRODUCTION’ AND POTTERY MANUFACTURE IN THEBES AND CHALCIS
Authors: Waksman S.Y. , Kontogiannis N.D. , Skartsis S.S. , Vaxevanis G.
Published: January 2015

The article relates the results of archaeometric and archaeological investigations of the relationships between some well-known types of Byzantine table wares and pottery manufacture in Thebes and Chalcis, focusing on the period from the twelfth to the fourteenth centuries ad.

We currently accept that several twelfth–thirteenth century types, such as ‘Green and Brown Painted Ware’, ‘Fine Sgraffito Ware’ and ‘Aegean Ware’, form part of a single, main, long-lasting production of Byzantine ceramics, called here main ‘Middle Byzantine Production’ (MBP), which was distributed and diffused in the whole Mediterranean area, and especially in its eastern part. The discovery of kiln furniture and pottery wasters in rescue excavations in Thebes and Chalcis gave the opportunity to define chemical reference groups for the two cities, and to test the hypothesis of a potential origin of the MBP in Central Greece. The results point to Chalcis, then the harbour of wealthy Thebes with a strategic location on maritime trade routes, as the place of manufacture of the MBP. Chalcis, which is now seen as a main pottery production site, is envisaged within its historic context. The persistence of the MBP after the Frankish conquest, without noticeable morphological changes, questions the impact of this conquest on both trade networks and dining habits.

The political fragmentation of the thirteenth century gradually changed the conditions that facilitated the predominance of the MBP, and led to the establishment of a number of regional workshops whose ceramics were mainly destined to cover local markets. While continuing earlier techniques, they introduced new types, prominent among which was the ‘Sgraffito with Concentric Circles’ (previously related to ‘Zeuxippus Ware’). Thebes was one of these new workshops probably appearing from the mid-thirteenth century and continuing at least to the early fourteenth century. Chalcis eventually followed the same course, and its production may have carried on well into the Ottoman period.
AGORAS AND FORA: DEVELOPMENTS IN THE CENTRAL PUBLIC SPACE OF THE CITIES OF GREECE DURING THE ROMAN PERIOD
Authors: Evangelidis Vasilis
Published: January 2015

Despite the old image of degradation and fall, modern research has shown that Roman Greece underwent a series of changes which are best reflected in the central public space of the ancient city, the agora. A variety of different factors, such as the dynamic presence of the local elite, the exploitation of the past, the imperial presence and most importantly the will to maximise functionality and monumentality, contributed to the formation of the spatial and architectural framework of the agora. In many cities the development of the agora is best described as the juxtaposition of old and new, which was achieved by the preservation and enhancement of the traditional landscape as well as by its enrichment with new buildings, many of which, like the Roman-style baths, improved the provision of services. In this context the term Romanisation describes the effort of each city to adapt to the requirements of the urban framework of the Imperial period, a framework characterised by monumentality and functionality. Roman colonies were the newest additions in the city pattern of Greece. In contrast to the Roman colonies in the west, many of the Roman foundations in Greece were founded over pre-existing cities with long histories. Therefore, they raise a series of questions concerning not only their architectural development but also the process of restructuring the existing landscape in order to create an urban framework that reflects their romanitas.
DISCOVERING MACEDONIAN RED-FIGURE POTTERY: A NEW PELIKE ATTRIBUTED TO THE PELLA WORKSHOP
Authors: Akamatis Nikos
Published: January 2015

The question of the appearance, operating conditions and diffusion of the products of local red-figure pottery workshops in the fourth centurybc, in conjunction with the spread of Attic red-figure ware and its influence on local potteries, has been a focus of research in recent years. The result has been the recognition of a number of local workshops all across Greece, including those of Chalcidice, Boeotia, Euboea, Corinth, Elis, Sparta, Crete and the Agrinion Group. This article examines a red-figure pelike made by a previously unknown local workshop that was very likely located in Pella, the capital of the Kingdom of Macedonia. This vessel was in storage in the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki and is one of the best-preserved examples from that Macedonian workshop. In shape and decoration it recalls Attic vases of the second half of the fourth centurybc, and particularly the work of Group G and the Amazon Painter. The pelike dates fromc.320bcand is attributed to the Pella B Painter.
THE PRACTICE OF BIRD HUNTING IN THE AEGEAN OF THE SECOND MILLENNIUM BC: AN INVESTIGATION
Authors: Papageorgiou Irini
Published: January 2015

Among the hunting scenes that the Aegean iconography of the second millenniumbcoffers us, representations related to bird hunting seem to be absent. Newer information has emerged, however, from the restoration of the frescoes from Xeste 3 in the Late Cycladic I / Late Minoan IA settlement of Akrotiri on Thera. On the first floor of Xeste 3, a community sanctuary whose function has been connected with initiation rites, the Great Goddess of Nature (the Potnia) was depicted appearing among young crocus gatherers, possibly during a religious festival related to the regeneration of nature. Two pairs of mature women with sumptuous dress and elaborate jewellery, carrying lilies, wild roses and crocuses as offerings to the Goddess, were rendered on the walls of a corridor that led into the room where the seated Potnia is located. Among the women in the corridor is one holding a sheaf of white lilies and bearing a net pattern with small blue birds on her upper arms. The net has been viewed as a bodice with embroidered miniature swallows. However, specific details of the net pattern indicate the depiction of a real net with captured small, possibly migratory, birds, to be offered to the Potnia. The subject of trapping birds with a net perhaps refers to a ritual act that would have taken place during an autumn or spring festival, given that the trapping of migratory birds takes place during these two transitional seasons. The particular importance and symbolic value of the subject, which enriches the Aegean sacred iconography, is also suggested by the representation of a net with a captured bird on a Late Minoan IB sealing from Agia Triada, which comes from the bezel of a signet ring, apparently made of gold, as well as the rendering of what is possibly a net on the back of a Late Minoan IIIA2 clay male figurine holding a bird, found on the bench in the Shrine of the Double Axes in Knossos.
ROMAN KOMMOS: A REAPPRAISAL
Authors: Callaghan P.J.
Published: January 2015

Final publication of a site more often than not throws up problems of interpretation which are more amenable to investigation than hitherto. Were this not so, the archaeologist would assume an unlikely reputation for omniscience, and future scholars would find it difficult to pursue original studies in the field.

As new publications appear and the ‘big picture’ becomes clearer, modifications and reinterpretations seem inevitable. So it is for Kommos, where new evidence and increased control of data have led to this article. It specifically investigates all reconstructable developments in the site's history during the Roman period.

Two obstacles have to be overcome: firstly, the fact that the temple was kept scrupulously clean for most of the Roman period is a problem; secondly, sand build-up in the courtyard renders most Roman finds there virtually unstratified. A typological study has been the antidote in the final publication, but enough insubstantial control does exist and points to a way forward. It is testament to the site's importance that many citations have already been published and, it is to be hoped, many more will appear in the future. Certain it is, though, that Kommos will remain the ceramic type site in the Messara for the foreseeable future.
VASE ‘NAM 14177’ IN THE NATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM, ATHENS AND THE GROUP OF ‘UPSIDE-DOWN’ PAINTED VASES
Authors: Zosi Eleni
Published: January 2015

A thorough examination of a vase (inventory no. NAM 14177) kept in the storerooms of the National Archaeological Museum in Athens leads to different conclusions from those reached in its original publication. The shape is that of an early type of aryballos dated to the Middle Protocorinthian period (690–670bc). It bears a puzzling decoration of ships and standing figures with upraised arms on the body, and the same decoration on the shoulder where, however, it is upside-down. This article attempts to collect together and discuss vases that have been decorated in this manner. The majority of them are kotylai, and their chronology fits into the period between Early Protocorinthian and Middle Corinthian, although the majority of them are dated to the Protocorinthian period.
Cue conflicts in context: interplay between morphosyntax and discourse context in Danish preschoolers' semantic role assignment
Authors: BOEG THOMSEN DITTE , POULSEN MADS
Published: January 2015

When learning their first language, children develop strategies for assigning semantic roles to sentence structures, depending on morphosyntactic cues such as case and word order. Traditionally, comprehension experiments have presented transitive clauses in isolation, and cross-linguistically children have been found to misinterpret object-first constructions by following a word-order strategy (Chan, Lieven & Tomasello, 2009; Dittmar, Abbot-Smith, Lieven & Tomasello, 2008; Hakuta, 1982; McDonald, 1989; Slobin & Bever, 1982). In an act-out study, we replicated this finding with Danish preschoolers. However, object-first clauses may be context-sensitive structures, which are infelicitous in isolation. In a second act-out study we presented OVS clauses in supportive and unsupportive discourse contexts and in isolation and found that five- to six-year-olds' OVS comprehension was enhanced in discourse-pragmatically felicitous contexts. Our results extend previous findings of preschoolers' sensitivity to discourse-contextual cues in sentence comprehension (Hurewitz, 2001; Song & Fisher, 2005) to the basic task of assigning agent and patient roles.
Determinants of percent expenditure of household income due to childhood diarrhoea in rural Bangladesh
Authors: DAS J. , DAS S. K. , AHMED S. , FERDOUS F. , FARZANA F. D. , SARKER M. H. R. , AHMED A. M. S. , CHISTI M. J. , MALEK M. A. , RAHMAN A. , FARUQUE A. S. G. , MAMUN A. A.
Published: January 2015

There is limited information on percent expenditure of household income due to childhood diarrhoea especially in rural Bangladesh. A total of 4205 children aged <5 years with acute diarrhoea were studied. Percent expenditure was calculated as total expenditure for the diarrhoeal episode divided by monthly family income, multiplied by 100. Overall median percent expenditure was 3·04 (range 0·01–94·35). For Vibrio cholerae it was 6·42 (range 0·52–82·85), for enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli 3·10 (range 0·22–91·87), for Shigella 3·17 (range 0·06–77·80), and for rotavirus 3·08 (range 0·06–48·00). In a multinomial logistic regression model, for the upper tertile of percent expenditure, significant higher odds were found for male sex, travelling a longer distance to reach hospital (⩾median of 4 miles), seeking care elsewhere before attending hospital, vomiting, higher frequency of purging (⩾10 times/day), some or severe dehydration and stunting. V. cholerae was the highest and rotavirus was the least responsible pathogen for percent expenditure of household income due to childhood diarrhoea.
Environmental risk factors associated with Helicobacter pylori seroprevalence in the United States: a cross-sectional analysis of NHANES data
Authors: KRUEGER W. S. , HILBORN E. D. , CONVERSE R. R. , WADE T. J.
Published: January 2015

Helicobacter pylori imparts a considerable burden to public health. Infections are mainly acquired in childhood and can lead to chronic diseases, including gastric ulcers and cancer. The bacterium subsists in water, but the environment's role in transmission remains poorly understood. The nationally representative National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was examined for environmental risk factors associated with H. pylori seroprevalence. Data from 1999–2000 were examined and weighted to represent the US population. Multivariable logistic regression estimated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations with seropositivity. Self-reported general health condition was inversely associated with seropositivity. Of participants aged <20 years, seropositivity was significantly associated with having a well as the source of home tap water (aOR 1·7, 95% CI 1·1–2·6) and living in a more crowded home (aOR 2·3, 95% CI 1·5–3·7). Of adults aged ⩾20 years, seropositivity was not associated with well water or crowded living conditions, but adults in soil-related occupations had significantly higher odds of seropositivity compared to those in non-soil-related occupations (aOR 1·9, 95% CI 1·2–2·9). Exposures to both well water and occupationally related soil increased the effect size of adults' odds of seropositivity compared to non-exposed adults (aOR 2·7, 95% CI 1·3-5·6). Environmental exposures (well-water usage and occupational contact with soil) play a role in H. pylori transmission. A disproportionate burden of infection is associated with poor health and crowded living conditions, but risks vary by age and race/ethnicity. These findings could help inform interventions to reduce the burden of infections in the United States.
The Effect of Furosemide Dose Administered in the Out-of-hospital Setting on Renal Function Among Patients with Suspected Acute Decompensated Heart Failure
Authors: Nieves L. Celeste , Mehrtens Gia M. , Pores Noah , Pickrell Christie , Tanis James , Satty Timothy , Chuang Michelle , Young Tina C. , Merlin Mark A.
Published: January 2015

Background

The most effective dose of prehospital furosemide in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) has not yet been identified and concerns of worsening renal function have limited its use.

Objective

To assess if administering high-dose furosemide is associated with worsening renal function.

Methods

The authors conducted a 2-center chart review for patients who presented via a single Emergency Medical Service (EMS) from June 5, 2009 through May 17, 2013. Inclusion criteria were shortness of breath, primarily coded as ADHF, and the administration of furosemide prior to emergency department (ED) arrival. A total of 331 charts were identified. The primary endpoint was an increase in creatinine (Cr) of more than 0.3 mg/dL from admission to any time during hospital stay. Exploratory endpoints included survival, length-of-stay (LOS), disposition, urine output in the ED, change in BUN/Cr from admission to discharge, and change in Cr from admission to 72 hours and discharge.

Results

When treated as a binary variable, there was no association observed between an increase in Cr of more than 0.3 mg/dL and prehospital furosemide dose. Baseline characteristics found to be associated with dose were included in the logistic regression model. Lowering the dose of prehospital furosemide was associated with higher odds of attaining a 0.3 mg/dL increase in Cr (adjusted OR = 1.49 for a 20 mg decrease; P = .019). There was no association found with any of the exploratory endpoints.

Conclusions

Patients who received higher doses of furosemide prehospitally were less likely to have an increase of greater than 0.3 mg/dL in Cr during the hospital course.

NievesLC, MehrtensGM, PoresN, PickrellC, TanisJ, SattyT, ChuangM, YoungTC, MerlinMA. The effect of furosemide dose administered in the out-of-hospital setting on renal function among patients with suspected acute decompensated heart failure. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2015;30(1):1-8.
Do schools in Quebec foster healthy eating? An overview of associations between school food environment and socio-economic characteristics
Authors: Morin Pascale , Demers Karine , Robitaille Éric , Lebel Alexandre , Bisset Sherri
Published: January 2015

Objective

A school environment that encourages students to opt for food with sound nutritional value is both essential and formative in ensuring that young people adopt healthy eating habits. The present study explored the associations between the socio-economic characteristics of the school environment and the school food environment.

Design

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2008–2009. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed on data from public primary and secondary schools.

Setting

Quebec, Canada. The school food offering was observed directly and systematically by trained research assistants. Interviews were conducted to fully describe food offerings in the schools and schools’ child-care services.

Subjects

A two-stage stratified sampling was used to build a representative sample of 143 French-speaking public schools. The response rate was 66·2 %.

Results

The primary and secondary schools in low-density areas were more likely to be located near diners (primary:P=0·018; secondary:P=0·007). The secondary schools in deprived areas were less likely to have a regular food committee (P=0·004), to seek student input on menu choices (P=0·001) or to have a long lunch period (P=0·010). The primary schools in deprived areas were less likely to have a food service (P=0·025) and their meal periods were shorter (P=0·033).

Conclusions

The schools in areas with lower socio-economic status provided an environment less favourable for a healthy diet. From a public health perspective, the results of this analysis could assist policy makers and managers to identify actions to support the creation of favourable school environments.
Vitamin A-fortified cooking oil reduces vitamin A deficiency in infants, young children and women: results from a programme evaluation in Indonesia
Authors: Sandjaja  , Jus’at Idrus , Jahari Abas B , Ifrad  , Htet Min Kyaw , Tilden Robert L , Soekarjo Damayanti , Utomo Budi , Moench-Pfanner Regina , Soekirman  , Korenromp Eline L
Published: January 2015

Objective

To assess oil consumption, vitamin A intake and retinol status before and a year after the fortification of unbranded palm oil with retinyl palmitate.

Design

Pre–post evaluation between two surveys.

Setting

Twenty-four villages in West Java.

Subjects

Poor households were randomly sampled. Serum retinol (adjusted for subclinical infection) was analysed in cross-sectional samples of lactating mothers (baselinen324/endlinen349), their infants aged 6–11 months (n318/n335) and children aged 12–59 months (n469/477), and cohorts of children aged 5–9 years (n186) and women aged 15–29 years (n171), alongside food and oil consumption from dietary recall.

Results

Fortified oil improved vitamin A intakes, contributing on average 26 %, 40 %, 38 %, 29 % and 35 % of the daily Recommended Nutrient Intake for children aged 12–23 months, 24–59 months, 5–9 years, lactating and non-lactating women, respectively. Serum retinol was 2–19 % higher at endline than baseline (P<0·001 in infants aged 6–11 months, children aged 5–9 years, lactating and non-lactating women; non-significant in children aged 12–23 months;P=0·057 in children aged 24–59 months). Retinol in breast milk averaged 20·5 μg/dl at baseline and 32·5 μg/dl at endline (P<0·01). Deficiency prevalence (serum retinol <20 μg/dl) was 6·5–18 % across groups at baseline, and 0·6–6 % at endline (P≤0·011). In multivariate regressions adjusting for socio-economic differences, vitamin A intake from fortified oil predicted improved retinol status for children aged 6–59 months (P=0·003) and 5–9 years (P=0·03).

Conclusions

Although this evaluation without a comparison group cannot prove causality, retinyl contents in oil, Recommended Nutrient Intake contributions and relationships between vitamin intake and serum retinol provide strong plausibility of oil fortification impacting vitamin A status in Indonesian women and children.
Microscopy and X-Ray Spectroscopy Analyses for Assessment of Gilding and Silvering Techniques of Portuguese Illuminated Manuscripts
Authors: Le Gac Agnès , Nogueira Isabel D. , Guerra Mauro , Frade José Carlos , Longelin Stéphane , Manso Marta , Pessanha Sofia , Seruya Ana Isabel M. , Carvalho Maria Luisa
Published: January 2015

The objects of this study are various local charters (cartas de foral, in Portuguese) granted by Dom Manuel I, King of Portugal (1495–1521), which substituted for medieval ones and were intended to achieve an administrative unification. These are luxuriously illuminated manuscripts, and our study aims at obtaining a better understanding of the gilding and silvering techniques applied to the parchments, in which theforaiswere written, between 1500 and 1520. The combined use of microscopy and X-ray spectroscopy analyses allowed us to identify the vestigial materials used for making the parchments, including products such as salt (NaCl), lime (CaO), pumice stone (SiO2+Al2O3), and chalk (CaCO3). Chalk was employed as a whitening agent to give the parchment its final color and opacity. Shell-gold and shell-silver mixed in with animal glue or gum binding media were directly applied on type 1 and 3forais, while very thin gold leaves (<1µm) were applied over lead-based tempera grounds (50–180µm thick) in type 2forais.Silver was always employed in its finest form without a further protective layer (thus its recursive state of corrosion), while gold was used in various alloy grades.
Study of the effects of the outer space environment on dormant forms of microorganisms, fungi and plants in the ‘Expose-R’ experiment
Authors: Novikova N. , Deshevaya E. , Levinskikh M. , Polikarpov N. , Poddubko S. , Gusev O. , Sychev V.
Published: January 2015

Investigations of the effects of solar radiation combined with the spaceflight factors on biological objects were performed in the «EXPOSE-R» experiment on the outer surface of ISS. After more than 1 year of outer space exposure, the spores of microorganisms and fungi, as well as two species of plant seeds were analysed for viability and the set of biological properties. The experiment provided evidence that not only bacterial and fungal spores but also dormant forms of plants had the capability to survive a long-term exposure to outer space.
Boomerangs over Lac Léman: Transnational Lobbying and Foreign Venue Shopping in WTO Dispute Settlement
Authors: ECKHARDT JAPPE , DE BIÈVRE DIRK
Published: January 2015

In this article, we explore the conditions under which firms engage in transnational lobbying and foreign venue shopping in the framework of WTO dispute settlement. Classical World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement cases mostly originate in domestic firms instigating their public authorities to bring a complaint against foreign trade barriers incompatible with WTO law. In recent years, however, we have witnessed the rise of WTO cases in which firms get a foreign government to file a case against its own authorities. By analysing transnational lobbying by EU firms in the WTO footwear case filed by China against the EU, and by US firms in the WTO gambling case Antigua brought against the US, we highlight the increasing resemblance between trade disputes and investment disputes.
Evidence-Based Psychological Interventions to Support an Adolescent Undergoing Bariatric Surgery: A Case Report
Authors: Romirowsky Abigail M. , Kushner Marissa R. , Matherne Camden E. , Nadler Evan P. , Mackey Eleanor R.
Published: January 2015

The treatment of pediatric obesity is a recognized challenge, with mounting evidence that significant long-term weight loss maintenance is especially difficult. Additionally, obese youth display elevated rates of depression, anxiety, and binge eating, further complicating efforts to maximize and maintain weight loss. Thus, as bariatric surgery has become a more commonly used procedure for adolescents, psychological assessment has been incorporated into routine presurgical evaluations. However, no studies to date have examined the impact of psychological assessment and intervention on weight loss and psychosocial outcomes in adolescents presenting for bariatric surgery. In this case report, we sought to demonstrate the clinical effectiveness of an integrative and comprehensive empirically supported intervention addressing depression, anxiety, and binge eating with an obese adolescent female undergoing bariatric surgery. Psychosocial data were collected prior to and at discharge from therapy as well as 14 months postsurgery, while anthropometric data were collected at multidisciplinary outpatient appointments throughout the study period. After 11 months of weekly outpatient sessions, results indicated improvements across several areas of psychosocial functioning, including mood, anxiety, eating disorder symptoms, body esteem, and weight-related quality of life. Significant changes were also observed in health-related behaviors and overall weight loss. The current case highlights the importance of the presurgical identification of comorbid anxiety and depression, and the utility of treating these conditions prior to surgery in order to maximize initial and sustained weight loss.
Ex vivo expansion of human T cells for adoptive immunotherapy using the novel Xeno‐free CTS Immune Cell Serum Replacement
Authors: Smith Corey , Økern Grethe , Rehan Sweera , Beagley Leone , Lee Sau K , Aarvak Tanja , Schjetne Karoline W , Khanna Rajiv
Published: January 2015

The manufacture of clinical grade cellular products for adoptive immunotherapy requires ex vivo culture and expansion of human T cells. One of the key components in manufacturing of T cell therapies is human serum (HS) or fetal bovine serum (FBS), which can potentially expose immunotherapy recipient to adventitious infectious pathogens and are thus considered as non‐cGMP compliant for adoptive therapy. Here we describe a novel xeno‐free serum replacement (SR) with defined components that can be reproducibly used for the production of clinical grade T‐cell therapies in combination with several different cell culture media. Dynabeads CD3/CD28 Cell Therapy System (CTS)‐activated or antigen‐specific T cells expanded using the xeno‐free SR, CTS Immune Cell SR, showed comparable growth kinetics observed with cell culture media supplemented with HS or FBS. Importantly the xeno‐free SR supplemented medium supported the optimal expansion of T cells specific for subdominant tumour‐associated antigens and promoted expansion of T cells with central memory T‐cell phenotype, which is favourable for in vivo survival and persistence following adoptive transfer. Furthermore, T cells expanded using xeno‐free SR medium were highly amenable to lentivirus‐mediated gene transduction for potential application for gene‐modified T cells. Taken together, the CTS Immune Cell SR provides a novel platform strategy for the manufacture of clinical grade adoptive cellular therapies.
Ethnic-specific associations of rare and low-frequency DNA sequence variants with asthma
Authors: Igartua Catherine , Myers Rachel A. , Mathias Rasika A. , Pino-Yanes Maria , Eng Celeste , Graves Penelope E. , Levin Albert M. , Del-Rio-Navarro Blanca E. , Jackson Daniel J. , Livne Oren E. , Rafaels Nicholas , Edlund Christopher K. , Yang James J. , Huntsman Scott , Salam Muhammad T. , Romieu Isabelle , Mourad Raphael , Gern James E. , Lemanske Robert F. , Wyss Annah , Hoppin Jane A. , Barnes Kathleen C. , Burchard Esteban G. , Gauderman W. James , Martinez Fernando D. , Raby Benjamin A. , Weiss Scott T. , Williams L. Keoki , London Stephanie J. , Gilliland Frank D. , Nicolae Dan L. , Ober Carole
Published: January 2015

Common variants at many loci have been robustly associated with asthma but explain little of the overall genetic risk. Here we investigate the role of rare (<1%) and low-frequency (1–5%) variants using the Illumina HumanExome BeadChip array in 4,794 asthma cases, 4,707 non-asthmatic controls and 590 case–parent trios representing European Americans, African Americans/African Caribbeans and Latinos. Our study reveals one low-frequency missense mutation in the GRASP gene that is associated with asthma in the Latino sample (P=4.31 × 10−6; OR=1.25; MAF=1.21%) and two genes harbouring functional variants that are associated with asthma in a gene-based analysis: GSDMB at the 17q12–21 asthma locus in the Latino and combined samples (P=7.81 × 10−8 and 4.09 × 10−8, respectively) and MTHFR in the African ancestry sample (P=1.72 × 10−6). Our results suggest that associations with rare and low-frequency variants are ethnic specific and not likely to explain a significant proportion of the ‘missing heritability’ of asthma.
A fluorescent hormone biosensor reveals the dynamics of jasmonate signalling in plants
Authors: Larrieu Antoine , Champion Antony , Legrand Jonathan , Lavenus Julien , Mast David , Brunoud Géraldine , Oh Jaesung , Guyomarc’h Soazig , Pizot Maxime , Farmer Edward E. , Turnbull Colin , Vernoux Teva , Bennett Malcolm J. , Laplaze Laurent
Published: January 2015

Activated forms of jasmonic acid (JA) are central signals coordinating plant responses to stresses, yet tools to analyse their spatial and temporal distribution are lacking. Here we describe a JA perception biosensor termed Jas9-VENUS that allows the quantification of dynamic changes in JA distribution in response to stress with high spatiotemporal sensitivity. We show that Jas9-VENUS abundance is dependent on bioactive JA isoforms, the COI1 co-receptor, a functional Jas motif and proteasome activity. We demonstrate the utility of Jas9-VENUS to analyse responses to JA in planta at a cellular scale, both quantitatively and dynamically. This included using Jas9-VENUS to determine the cotyledon-to-root JA signal velocities on wounding, revealing two distinct phases of JA activity in the root. Our results demonstrate the value of developing quantitative sensors such as Jas9-VENUS to provide high-resolution spatiotemporal data about hormone distribution in response to plant abiotic and biotic stresses.
Structural basis for the facilitative diffusion mechanism by SemiSWEET transporter
Authors: Lee Yongchan , Nishizawa Tomohiro , Yamashita Keitaro , Ishitani Ryuichiro , Nureki Osamu
Published: January 2015

SWEET family proteins mediate sugar transport across biological membranes and play crucial roles in plants and animals. The SWEETs and their bacterial homologues, the SemiSWEETs, are related to the PQ-loop family, which is characterized by highly conserved proline and glutamine residues (PQ-loop motif). Although the structures of the bacterial SemiSWEETs were recently reported, the conformational transition and the significance of the conserved motif in the transport cycle have remained elusive. Here we report crystal structures of SemiSWEET from Escherichia coli, in the both inward-open and outward-open states. A structural comparison revealed that SemiSWEET undergoes an intramolecular conformational change in each protomer. The conserved PQ-loop motif serves as a molecular hinge that enables the ‘binder clip-like’ motion of SemiSWEET. The present work provides the framework for understanding the overall transport cycles of SWEET and PQ-loop family proteins.
A mild alkali treated jute fibre controlling the hydration behaviour of greener cement paste
Authors: Jo Byung-Wan , Chakraborty Sumit
Published: January 2015

To reduce the antagonistic effect of jute fibre on the setting and hydration of jute reinforced cement, modified jute fibre reinforcement would be a unique approach. The present investigation deals with the effectiveness of mild alkali treated (0.5%) jute fibre on the setting and hydration behaviour of cement. Setting time measurement, hydration test and analytical characterizations of the hardened samples (viz., FTIR, XRD, DSC, TGA and free lime estimation) were used to evaluate the effect of alkali treated jute fibre. From the hydration test, the time (t) required to reach maximum temperature for the hydration of control cement sample is estimated to be 860 min, whilst the time (t) is measured to be 1040 min for the hydration of a raw jute reinforced cement sample. However, the time (t) is estimated to be 1020 min for the hydration of an alkali treated jute reinforced cement sample. Additionally, from the analytical characterizations, it is determined that fibre-cement compatibility is increased and hydration delaying effect is minimized by using alkali treated jute fibre as fibre reinforcement. Based on the analyses, a model has been proposed to explain the setting and hydration behaviour of alkali treated jute fibre reinforced cement composite.
Disassembly of gold nanoparticle dimers for colorimetric detection of ochratoxin A
Authors: Xiao Rongping , Wang Daifang , Lin Zhenyu , Qiu Bin , Liu Meihua , Guo Longhua , Chen Guonan
Published: January 2015

We demonstrate the first colorimetric aptasensor for sensitive detection of ochratoxin A based on disassembly of aggregates of oriented AuNP dimers.
Free energy calculations of A2Aadenosine receptor mutation effects on agonist binding
Authors: Keränen Henrik , Åqvist Johan , Gutiérrez-de-Terán Hugo
Published: January 2015

A general computational scheme to evaluate the effects of single point mutations on ligand binding is reported.
Metal-free radical oxidative decarboxylation/cyclization of acyl peroxides and 2-isocyanobiphenyls
Authors: Pan Changduo , Zhang Honglin , Han Jie , Cheng Yixiang , Zhu Chengjian
Published: January 2015

A radical oxidative decarboxylation/cyclization of acyl peroxides and 2-isocyanobiphenyls was achieved, leading to 6-substituted phenanthridines under metal-free and base-free conditions.
Unveiling the uncatalyzed reaction of alkynes with 1,2-dipoles for the room temperature synthesis of cyclobutenes
Authors: Alcaide Benito , Almendros Pedro , Fernández Israel , Lázaro-Milla Carlos
Published: January 2015

2-(Pyridinium-1-yl)-1,1-bis(triflyl)ethanides have been used as 1,2-dipole precursors in a metal-free direct [2+2] cycloaddition reaction of alkynes. Remarkably, this mild and facile uncatalyzed protocol requires neither irradiation nor heating.
Preparation of Gd2O2S:Er3+,Yb3+ phosphor and its multi-wavelength sensitive upconversion luminescence mechanism
Authors: Fan Wei , Zhang Xiyan , Chen Lixin , Lu Liping
Published: January 2015

Er3+–Yb3+ codoped Gd2O2S infrared upconversion phosphor has been prepared via a coprecipitation–solid state reaction process.
Droplet based microfluidics: spectroscopic characterization of levofloxacin and its SERS detection
Authors: Hidi I. J. , Jahn M. , Weber K. , Cialla-May D. , Popp J.
Published: January 2015

The determination of the absorption behavior of levofloxacin (levaquin) on the surface of silver nanoparticles and its determination in aqueous solution by droplet based microfluidics combined with surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy.
Unexpected efficiency boosting in CO2-microemulsions: a cyclohexane depletion zone near the fluorinated surfactants evidenced by a systematic SANS contrast variation study
Authors: Pütz Y. , Grassberger L. , Lindner P. , Schweins R. , Strey R. , Sottmann T.
Published: January 2015

Concentration gradient of cyclohexane in a CO2/cyclohexane swollen micelle stabilized by fluorinated surfactants revealed by the GIFT analysis of a SANS contrast variation.
In vivo EPR on spin labeled colicin A reveals an oligomeric assembly of the pore-forming domain in E. coli membranes
Authors: Dunkel S. , Pulagam L. P. , Steinhoff H.-J. , Klare J. P.
Published: January 2015

DEER distance measurements on intactEscherichia colicells interacting with nitroxide spin-labeled ColA suggest that this bacteriocin forms dimers upon membrane insertion.
DRIFTS study of a Ce–W mixed oxide catalyst for the selective catalytic reduction of NOx with NH3
Authors: Liu Kuo , Liu Fudong , Xie Lijuan , Shan Wenpo , He Hong
Published: January 2015

The mechanism of standard and fast SCR on CeWOx was studied comprehensively, and the possible reaction pathways were proposed.
Tuning the surface properties of novel ternary iron(iii) fluoride-based catalysts using the template effect of the matrix
Authors: Guo Ying , Lippitz Andreas , Saftien Paul , Unger Wolfgang E. S. , Kemnitz Erhard
Published: January 2015

We tuned the surface properties of ternary iron fluoride catalystsviaa template effect of the matrix.
Homodinuclear lanthanide {Ln2} (Ln = Gd, Tb, Dy, Eu) complexes prepared from an o-vanillin based ligand: luminescence and single-molecule magnetism behavior
Authors: Bag Prasenjit , Rastogi Chandresh Kumar , Biswas Sourav , Sivakumar Sri , Mereacre Valeriu , Chandrasekhar Vadapalli
Published: January 2015

Synthesis, structure, magnetism and photophysical properties of a series of homodinuclear lanthanide complexes are reported.
Structural and magnetic properties of the ruthenium double perovskites Ba2−xSrxYRuO6
Authors: Ranjbar Ben , Pavan Adriano , Kennedy Brendan J. , Zhang Zhaoming
Published: January 2015

Doping Ba2YRuO6 with Sr induces octahedral tilting and significantly impacts on the magnetic properties.
Hollow mesoporous NiCo2O4 nanocages as efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Lv Xiaoming , Zhu Yihua , Jiang Hongliang , Yang Xiaoling , Liu Yanyan , Su Yunhe , Huang Jianfei , Yao Yifan , Li Chunzhong
Published: January 2015

The NiCo2O4 nanocage with a hollow cavity, large roughness and high porosity exhibits an excellent and stable activity for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysis.
Reactivity of bis(organoamino)phosphanes with magnesium(ii) compounds
Authors: Vrána Jan , Jambor Roman , Růžička Aleš , Alonso Mercedes , De Proft Frank , Lyčka Antonín , Dostál Libor
Published: January 2015

The reactivity of bis(organoamino)phosphanes with magnesium(ii) reagents is reported. The outcome of the reactions is influenced by a tautomeric H-shift in ligand backbones.
Dalton Discussion 14 – Advancing the chemistry of the f-elements, 28–30 July 2014, Edinburgh
Authors: Love Jason B.
Published: January 2015

Welcome to this Dalton Transactions themed issue including papers from Dalton Discussion 14 – Advancing the chemistry of the f-elements.
Calibration of Chemcatcher® passive sampler for selected highly hydrophobic organic substances under fresh and sea water conditions
Authors: Petersen Jördis , Paschke Albrecht , Gunold Roman , Schüürmann Gerrit
Published: January 2015

Sampling rates of the Chemcatcher® are measured for selected highly hydrophobic compounds in calibration experiments with fresh and salt water.
Determination of the local corrosion rate of magnesium alloys using a shear force mounted scanning microcapillary method
Authors: Dauphin-Ducharme Philippe , Binns W. Jeffrey , Snowden Michael E. , Shoesmith David W. , Mauzeroll Janine
Published: January 2015

The successful development of scanning probe techniques to characterize corrosionin situusing multifunctional probes is intrinsically tied to surface topography signal decoupling from the measured electrochemical fluxes. One viable strategy is the shear force controlled scanning microcapillary method. Using this method, pulled quartz micropipettes with an aperture of 500 nm diameter were used to resolve small and large variations in topography in order to quantify the local corrosion rate of microgalvanically and galvanically corroded Mg alloys. To achieve topography monitoring of corroded surfaces, shear force feedback was employed to position the micropipette at a reproducible working height above the substrate. We present proof of concept measurements over a galvanic couple of a magnesium alloy (AE44) and mild steel along with a microgalvanically corroded ZEK100 Mg alloy, which illustrates the ability of shear force to track small (1.4 μm) and large (700 μm) topographic variations from high aspect ratio features. Furthermore, we demonstrate the robustness of the technique by acquiring topographic data for 4 mm along the magnesium–steel galvanic couple sample and a 250 × 30 μm topography map over the ZEK100 Mg alloy. All topography results were benchmarked using standard optical microscopies (profilometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy).
Isoflavones in food supplements: chemical profile, label accordance and permeability study in Caco-2 cells
Authors: Almeida I. M. C. , Rodrigues F. , Sarmento B. , Alves R. C. , Oliveira M. B. P. P.
Published: January 2015

Consumers nowadays are playing an active role in their health-care.
Guest-induced reversible structural transitions and concomitant on/off luminescence switching of an Eu(iii) metal–organic framework and its application in detecting picric acid
Authors: Li Ao , Li Liang , Lin Zhi , Song Lin , Wang Zi-Hao , Chen Qiang , Yang Tao , Zhou Xin-Hui , Xiao Hong-Ping , Yin Xiu-Ju
Published: January 2015

A flexible Eu-based MOF with strong red-light-emission exhibits selective detection of PA among the nitro compounds.
Versatile O- and S-functionalized 1,2,3-triazoliums: ionic liquids for the Baylis–Hillman reaction and ligand precursors for stable MIC-transition metal complexes
Authors: Mendoza-Espinosa Daniel , González-Olvera Rodrigo , Osornio Cecilia , Negrón-Silva Guillermo E. , Santillan Rosa
Published: January 2015

A series of O- and S-functionalized triazolium salts display high performance in the Baylis–Hillman addition and allow the one-pot formation of MIC-transition metal complexes.
A novel coumarin derivative as a sensitive probe for tracing intracellular pH changes
Authors: Liu Mengqiang , Hu Minshan , Jiang Qian , Lu Zhiyun , Huang Yan , Tan Yanfei , Jiang Qing
Published: January 2015

A novel coumarin derivative was synthesized and its application in live cell imaging was demonstrated.
Natural source derived carbon paper supported conducting polymer nanowire arrays for high performance supercapacitors
Authors: Hu Chunxiang , He Shuijian , Jiang Shaohua , Chen Shuiliang , Hou Haoqing
Published: January 2015

High performance supercapacitors are based on self-supported polyaniline/carbon paper composites derived from cellulose paper andin situpolymerization of aniline.