bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of MoS2 Quantum Dots Uniformly Dispersed on Low Dimensional MoS2 Nanosheets and Unravelling its Multiple Emissive States
Authors: Pallikkarathodi Mani Neema , Ganiga Manjunatha , Cyriac Jobin
Published: July 2017

We demonstrate a simple and green route for the synthesis of MoS2 quantum dots (QDs) of size 1‐4 nm dispersed uniformly over the mono and bilayered, low dimensional MoS2 sheets, referred as MoS2 quantum dots dispersed over nanosheets (MoS2 QDNS). The synthesis was accomplished by the high temperature hydrothermal reaction of bulk MoS2 in aqueous NaOH. The MoS2 QDNS displays luminescence emission spanning a large portion of the UV and visible region of electromagnetic spectrum, envisaged to stem from both QDs and the nanosheets. A detailed photophysical characterization including time resolved fluorescence were carried out to unfold the origin of photoluminescence (PL) emission from this hybrid nanostructure. Our studies reveal that, blue and red portion of the emission are solely from QDs and the nanosheets, respectively. Whereas intermediate segment of the emission hail from the synergistic contribution of QDs and nanosheets. The MoS2 QDNS, manifests excellent stability, retained its characteristic morphology and PL even after several months. Finally, the excellent pH responsive PL emission of MoS2 QDNS makes them a promising candidate for biological and environmental applications.
Polyethyleneimine‐Polyoxometalate‐Based Supramolecular Self‐assembled pH‐Responsive Hydrogels: Formulation and in vitro Evaluation
Authors: Azizullah  , Haider Ali , Kortz Ulrich , Joshi Sachin A. , Iqbal Jamshed
Published: July 2017

In the present study electrostatically‐driven pH responsive supramolecular, self‐assembled hydrogels of the trilacunary Wells‐Dawson‐type 15‐tungsto‐2‐phosphate polyanion [P2W15O56]12− (P2W15) and polyethyleneimine were prepared. Crosslinking was achieved through electrostatic interactions between cationic polyethyleneimine and P2W15. The pH responsiveness was induced by acrylic acid. Benzoyl peroxide was used as an initiator, for initiating the polymerization reaction, anchoring polyacrylic acid on the polyethyleneimine skeleton. The prepared sea‐green color hydrogels were characterized by FT‐IR, SEM, XRD and thermal analysis (TGA‐DSC). The swelling index, P2W15 release studies and pH responsive properties of the developed supramolecular hydrogels were evaluated at pH 1.2 and 7.4, showing maximum swellability and release characteristics at pH 7.4. For determining the P2W15 release mechanism different mathematical models such as zero order, first order, Higuchi model and Krosmeyer‐Peppas models were applied and the results showed that embedded P2W15 release follows zero‐order kinetics. The cytotoxicity results showed that naked and embedded P2W15 exhibited dose‐dependent cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines (MCF‐7; Hela) with minimal effects on normal cells (Vero). The hydrogels developed through electrostatic interactions exhibited desirable qualities of a drug delivery system that can be used for the delivery of the embedded polyanion.
Centrosymmetric Versus Noncentrosymmetric: Structural and Optical Studies on Inorganic‐Organic Hybrid Compounds of Bismuth Thiourea Iodide Resulting from Acid Effect
Authors: Li Ming , Xia Mingjun , Xiao Huining
Published: July 2017

A series of crystals of bismuth thiourea iodide (Bi[CS(NH2)2][CS(NH2)2H]2I5, Bi[CS(NH2)2H]3I6, and Bi[CS(NH2)2H]6I9) have been successfully grown from hydroiodic acid solution of thiourea and bismuth oxide by slow evaporation technique. Interestingly, they exhibit distinct crystal structures resulting from the proton effect on the cation coordination. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction reveals that they belong to three different crystal systems, P21/c for Bi[CS(NH2)2H]3I6, R
c for Bi[CS(NH2)2H]6I9, and only Bi[CS(NH2)2][CS(NH2)2H]2I5 into a noncentrosymmetric space group Pca21, with unit cell dimensions of a=15.755(3) Å, b=9.3257(19) Å, c=14.855(3) Å, and Z=4. It is observed that thiourea molecules in Bi[CS(NH2)2][CS(NH2)2H]2I5 adopt a novel coordination mode with central ions in which they can be classified into two parts: the ones which coordinate with the central metal ions and the protonated ones which are isolated in the crystal lattice. Meanwhile, all the thiourea molecules are protonated in Bi[CS(NH2)2H]3I6, and the central Bi3+ coordinates only with I− as the acidity increases. Furthermore, central Bi3+ in Bi[CS(NH2)2H]6I9 employs the similar coordination mode with Bi[CS(NH2)2H]3I6. However, more thiourea molecules are protonated (up to 6 protonated thiourea molecules vs. 3 ones in Bi[CS(NH2)2H]3I6) as the acidity keeps increasing. It is noteworthy that acidity is confirmed to be the key factor of crystallization and crystallographic structures. Thermal analysis shows that all compounds have high thermal stability up to 180 oC. In addition, optical characterizations such as FTIR, diffuse reflectance spectra and NLO test are also conducted.
Microencapsulation and Morphological Characterization of Renewable Microencapsulated Phase‐Change Materials with Cellulose Diacetate Shell
Authors: Li Wei , Huang Rui , Zong Jiwen , Zhang Xingxiang
Published: July 2017

In this study, a series of microcapsules containing phase change material (MicroPCMs) with cellulose diacetate shell derived from natural renewable cellulose were fabricated via solution spray method. The effects of preparation parameters on the surface morphology and microstructure of cellulose diacetate microcapsules were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscope (FE‐SEM). Then the obtained MicroPCMs were treated with crosslinking reagent glutaraldehyde to enhance the sealness and compactness of shell. The craters existed on the surface of cellulose diacetate MicroPCMs increased the specific surface area, thus the heat‐exchange surface of PCMs core enhanced accordingly. The phase change behavior and thermal stability of MicroPCMs were investigated by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively. While fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were employed to studied the chemical composition and surface elements of MicroPCMs. Potential applications of this renewable MicroPCMs include thermal energy storage and thermal regulation/control fields.
Heteroleptic Complexes of the Tridentate Pyridine‐2,6‐di‐tetrazolate Ligand
Authors: Krest Alexander , Sandleben Aaron , Valldor Martin , Werker Melanie , Ruschewitz Uwe , Klein Axel
Published: July 2017

The synthesis and spectroscopic characterisation of a series of heteroleptic complexes of the tridentate pyridine‐2,6‐di‐(5‐tetrazolate) (pydtz2−) with Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) and pyridine (Py) and H2O as coligands is reported. Single crystal XRD data reveals the formation of octahedrally configured complexes [Co(pydtz)(H2O)(Py)2], [Co(pydtz)(H2O)2(Py)]⋅2H2O, [Ni(pydtz)(Py)3]⋅2Py, and [Zn(pydtz)(H2O)(Py)2]⋅Py, and a markedly Jahn‐Teller distorted octahedral structure for [Cu(pydtz)(H2O)2(Py)]. Magnetic measurements reveal a S = 3/2 high‐spin configuration for the Co(II) complex [Co(pydtz)(H2O)(Py)2], an S = 1 ground state for the Ni(II) derivative and S = 1/2 Cu(II) ions for [Cu(pydtz)(H2O)2(Py)], the latter is supported by electron‐paramagnetic‐resonance spectroscopy. The crystalline materials are subject to severe corrosion as revealed by powder XRD and DSC‐TG experiments. H2O and pyridine co‐crystallisates and coligands are easily cleaved. At the same time DSC‐TG reveal very high stability of the [M(pydtz)] fragments with exothermic decomposition at T > 300 °C. As a consequence, in pyridine solution in all cases the species [M(pydtz)(Py)3] are observed. Ultraviolet‐visible light absorption spectroscopy reveals a strong ligand field procured by the pydtz2− ligand and electrochemical measurements suggest very strong σ‐donation but only weak π‐accepting abilities of pydtz2− compared to the isostructural terpy (2,2’;6’,2’’‐terpyridine) ligand.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling of Aryl Iodides with Heterobicyclic Olefins: Access to Hydroarylated and Heteroannulated Motifs
Authors: Vijayan Ajesh , Jumaila Choorappulan Ummu , Baiju Thekke Veettil , Radhakrishnan Kokkuvayil Vasu
Published: July 2017

Transition metal catalyzed synthetic transformations of bicyclic olefins have acquired considerable attention towards the construction of biologically relevant carbocycles and heterocycles. In this regard, urea derived bicyclic olefins grabbed our attention due to its tremendous biological significance and synthetic potential. Herein, we report a palladium catalyzed reductive Heck reaction of urea‐derived bicyclic olefins toward the synthesis of hydroarylated and heteroannulated motifs using aryl iodides. The reaction of aryl iodides in the presence of a hydrogen donor such as formic acid furnished the hydroarylated products in moderate to excellent yields. Heteroannulated products such as dihydrobenzofuran derivatives were obtained in moderate to good yields with 2‐iodophenols in the absence of a hydrogen donor. We were also successful in extending this strategy to 2‐iodobenzylbromide and 2‐iodobenzonitrile towards the synthesis of ring fused indane and indanone derivatives. To our dismay, the reactions with 2‐iodoaniline to provide the expected indoline derivatives remained futile. The presence of biologically significant urea moieties coupled with naturally as well as pharmaceutically prevalent carbo/heterocyclic derivatives in the products authenticate the relevance of the current synthetic strategy.
Cobalt(III)‐Catalyzed C‐H Amidation of Azobenzene Derivatives Using Dioxazolone as an Amidating Reagent
Authors: Hande Akshay Ekanath , Muniraj Nachimuthu , Prabhu Kandikere Ramaiah
Published: July 2017

An efficient method for ortho‐amidation of azobenzene in the presence of Co(III)‐catalyst has been developed. Dioxazolone has been used as an environmently benign and a mild amidating reagent. The wide range of symmetrical and unsymmetrical azobenzene derivatives have been synthesized using this protocol. This operationally simple, practical, mild and eco‐friendly method provides an opportunity to synthesize a variety of azobenzene derivatives in good to moderate yields.
Combined analyses of costs, market value and eco-costs in circular business models: eco-efficient value creation in remanufacturing
Authors: Vogtlander Joost G. , Scheepens Arno E. , Bocken Nancy M. P. , Peck David
Published: July 2017

Eco-efficient Value Creation is a method to analyse innovative product and service design together with circular business strategies. The method is based on combined analyses of the costs, market value (perceived customer value) and eco-costs. This provides a prevention-based single indicator for ‘external environmental costs’ in LCA. The remanufacturing of products is an environmental and sustainable approach, in the circular economy, and can deliver lower eco-costs of materials depletion and pollution. From a business point of view, however, remanufacturing seems to be viable in B2B niche markets only. In consumer markets, remanufacturing is less common. The question is how can remanufacturing become a viable business solution for mainstream consumer markets. Traditional ‘green’ marketing approaches are not enough: green has a positive, but also negative connotations, so marketing approaches are complex. By using the Eco-efficient Value Creation method, marketing strategies for the roll-out of remanufacturing in mainstream consumer markets, can be revealed. This approach has led to the development of five aspects, which are key to innovative circular business models, for remanufacturing: (1) buyers differ from the buyers of the ‘new product’ (2) quality must be emphasised in all communications (3) risk must be taken away from the buyer (4) top level service is required to convince the buyer (5) a ‘green’ brand may support the remanufactured product image.
Evaluating two-dimensional warranty policies for remanufactured products
Authors: Alqahtani Ammar Y. , Gupta Surendra M.
Published: July 2017

The modern world is experiencing an unprecedented pace of technological change. The introduction of new technological products encourages consumers to trade in old products for new so that they can keep up with the latest in technology. One of the consequences of this rapid change in technology is that product life cycles are very short and there is an abundance of old technology products that need to be disposed of, but this is happening at a time when the earth of running out of natural resources and suitable landfill areas. Remanufactured products are very popular with consumers due to their appeal to offer latest technology with lower prices compared to brand new products. The quality of a remanufactured product induces hesitation for many consumers, in regards to its efficacy and reliability. Therefore, the users are unsure if remanufactured products will have the capacity to render the same expected performance as that of a new device. This uncertainty regarding a remanufactured product could lead the consumer to make a determination against its purchase. With such expansive consumer apprehension, remanufacturers often employ marketing strategies in attempts to provide affirmation about product durability. One stratagem that remanufacturers could employ to encourage customer security are product warranties. The aim of this paper is to study and scrutinize the impact that would be had by offering renewing/non-renewing warranties on remanufactured products. The Advanced Remanufacturing-To-Order (ARTO) system deliberated on in this study is a sort of product recovery system. A discrete-event simulation model was developed from the view of remanufacturer for remanufactured items sold with two-dimensional warranty, in which, an End-Of-Use product (EOUP) is subjected to preventive maintenance action when the remaining life of the product reaches a pre-specified value so that the remanufacturer’s expected profit can be maximized. Experiments were design using Taguchi’s Orthogonal Arrays to represent the full recovery system and observe its behavior under different experimental conditions. In order to assess the impact of warranty and preventive maintenance on remanufacturer total cost, pairwise t tests were carried out along with one-way analyses of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey pairwise comparisons test for each performance measure of the ARTO system.
Pricing, refund, and coordination optimization in a two stages supply chain of green and non-green products under hybrid production mode
Authors: Taleizadeh Ata Allah , Heydarian Hossein
Published: July 2017

In this research, a joint pricing and refund optimization problem under cooperative and non-cooperative strategies in a two-stage supply chain consists of a supplier and a manufacturer who produces two types of product; green and non-green is developed. The features of both products in usage and functional are same but in price and environmentally aspect are different. Moreover refund policy is considered for both products that can affect on customers’ decision. We explore and analyze the system performance under both non-cooperative and cooperative strategies. The Stackelberg game in cooperative and Rubinstein bargaining in non-cooperative environments are applied respectively. Results show the cooperation of members increase their profits and products demand for both types of products. By increasing the value of potential demand, refund amount of green product and profits in cooperative and non-cooperative cases are increased and refund amount of non-green product is decreased. Changes of utility level sensitivity to the refund amount of green and non-green products have direct relations with refund amount and system profits, unless the utility level sensitivity to the refund amount of non-green product has contrariwise relationship with the refund amount of non-green products.
Evaluating the effect of instruction and practice schedule on the acquisition of ECG interpretation skills
Authors: Monteiro Sandra , Melvin Lindsay , Manolakos Joshua , Patel Ameen , Norman Geoffrey
Published: July 2017

Introduction Evidence of the benefit of distributed instruction and interleaved practice comes from studies using simple materials (e. g. word pairs). Furthermore, there is currently no evidence of the combined impact of these strategies in undergraduate medical education. The present study evaluated the impact of varying both instruction and practice schedules for the acquisition of ECG interpretation skills.

Methods We conducted a 2 × 2 factorial study with two levels of instruction (massed and distributed) and two levels of practice (interleaved and blocked). A three-module introductory course in ECG interpretation was delivered to 80 first year medical undergraduate students. Students were assigned to one of four Instruction-Practice conditions: Massed-Interleaved, Massed-Blocked, Distributed-Interleaved and Distributed-Blocked. Learning was evaluated by a multiple choice quiz at the end of each module and a final multiple choice quiz at the end of the course.

Results End of module mean scores showed that distributed instruction was consistently superior to massed instruction (52% vs 42%, p < 0.01). However, there was no effect of practice and no interaction between teaching and practice methods. The delayed final test scores revealed an advantage for blocked over mixed practice (34% vs 24%, p < 0.05) and distributed over massed instruction (34% vs 24%, p < 0.05).

Discussion These results suggest that these popular strategies may have varying effects with complex learning materials.
The role of appearance schematicity in the internalization of media appearance ideals: A panel study of preadolescents
Authors: Rousseau Ann , Gamble Hilary , Eggermont Steven
Published: July 2017

Individuals who are more strongly invested in their appearance, appearance schematics, have a tendency to engage in appearance‐related comparison. Appearance schematicity consists of two components. The self‐evaluative component concerns the degree to which appearance is central to self‐worth, referred to as dysfunctional appearance beliefs. Motivational salience refers to the engagement in behaviors designed to enhance appearance, such as body surveillance. Based on a three‐wave panel survey of 973 Flemish preadolescents (Mage = 11.15, SD = 1.13) we found that the motivational and self‐evaluative components had a different impact on media internalization. For preadolescents who engaged in more body surveillance, watching television resulted in more media internalization. For preadolescents who had fewer dysfunctional appearance beliefs, watching television resulted in more media internalization. These findings suggest that appearance schematicity is an important susceptibility variable in the relationship between TV‐exposure and media internalization, and emphasize the importance of investigating individual dispositions beyond gender differences.
Well-posedness and exponential equilibration of a volume-surface reaction–diffusion system with nonlinear boundary coupling
Authors: Fellner Klemens , Latos Evangelos , Tang Bao Quoc
Published: July 2017

We consider a model system consisting of two reaction–diffusion equations, where one species diffuses in a volume while the other species diffuses on the surface which surrounds the volume. The two equations are coupled via a nonlinear reversible Robin-type boundary condition for the volume species and a matching reversible source term for the boundary species. As a consequence of the coupling, the total mass of the two species is conserved. The considered system is motivated for instance by models for asymmetric stem cell division.

Firstly we prove the existence of a unique weak solution via an iterative method of converging upper and lower solutions to overcome the difficulties of the nonlinear boundary terms. Secondly, our main result shows explicit exponential convergence to equilibrium via an entropy method after deriving a suitable entropy entropy-dissipation estimate for the considered nonlinear volume-surface reaction–diffusion system.
Twenty Years Preserving Data
Authors: Richards Julian D.
Published: July 2017

In 2016 the Archaeology Data Service (ADS) was 20 years old. Since its birth the ADS has had to respond to rapid changes in technology, as well as major cultural and organizational changes in the external operating environment, from which a sustainable business model for digital preservation has emerged. This article will take a retrospective look at challenges that have been faced and will review current and future priorities for those seeking to establish digital repositories. Digital preservation and open access to research data are now much higher up the agenda of funding bodies, but there is still lack of agreement on what constitutes a core digital archive from a fieldwork project. The paper will review what the significant properties of an archaeological archive are, and how reuse can be supported, linking data and publications. It will consider the challenge of dealing with the gray literature and of avoiding creating further data silos, featuring new initiatives to provide interoperability between digital repositories. It will review the role of data and metadata standards, and consider how the profession needs to address its responsibilities over the next 20 years.
Revisiting Approaches to Marine Spatial Planning: Perspectives on and Implications for the United States
Authors: Bates Alison W.
Published: July 2017

Marine spatial planning (MSP) offers an operational framework to address sustainable and well-planned use of ocean space. Spatial allocation has traditionally been single-sector, which fails to account for multiple pressures on the marine environment and user conflicts. There is a need for integrated assessments of ocean space to advance quantitative tools and decision-making. Using the example of offshore wind energy, this article offers thoughts about how MSP has evolved in the United States and how the varying scales of MSP achieve different outcomes. Finally, a review of quantitative and qualitative studies that are needed to support MSP are presented.
Gender and Time-Related Differences in a Large Cohort of Heavy Smokers Applying for Treatment to a Tobacco Centre in Italy
Authors: Defferrari Carlotta , Barbara Cristina , Puntoni Matteo , Petrera Marilena , Domenicucci Stefano , DeCensi Andrea , Clavario Piero
Published: July 2017

Introduction: Attempts to quit smoking have increased in recent years, but the patterns of variations over time are unknown. We aimed at describing time- and sex-related changes in a population of 2,231 subjects who adhered to a smoking-cessation programme lasting 13 years in Italy.

Methods: We measured baseline expired carbon monoxide (expired-CO), Fagerstrom nicotine dependence, Q-MAT test, Zung depression and anxiety scale, Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS).

Results: Study population included 1,278 men and 953 women who smoked a median of 25 (interquartile range, IQR: 20–32) and 20 (IQR: 20–30) cigarettes/day, respectively (p < 0.001). The proportion of female smokers increased from 37.5% in 2001–2003 to 46.9% in 2010–2013 (p = 0.003). There was a significant time-related reduction of median daily cigarette consumption, with a more noticeable decrease in men. Median expired-CO (parts per million (ppm)) increased only in women, from 18 (IQR: 14–23) in 2001–03 to 20 (IQR: 14–28) in 2010–13 (p = 0.001), whereas Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence did not vary. Differences in psychological characteristics in the last 3 years showed that women were more clinically depressed than men (16.6% versus 7.6%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Despite a decrease in the number of daily cigarettes with time, expired-CO tends to increase in women, who are also more clinically depressed and anxious than men. A personalised approach to specific subgroups of smokers, with special emphasis on a psychological support for women, seems appropriate.
Cultural Diversity and International Order
Authors: Reus-Smit Christian
Published: July 2017

The modern international order faces profound challenges. Power is shifting to non-Western states and diffusing to non-state actors, including transnational insurgents. This is more than a power transition: it also about culture. Western states now share the stage with powers such as China who bring their own cultural values, practices, and histories, and new forms of transnational violence are justified in the name of religious identity and belief. Some see this as a fundamental threat to modern international order, an order created by and for the West. Others see the “liberal” order as uniquely able to accommodate states and peoples of diverse cultures. How well equipped is IR to contribute to these debates? I review four recent works on the future of the modern international order, asking what conceptual, theoretical, and empirical resources they offer for understanding the relationship between cultural diversity and international order. This literature suffers from four limitations: culture is essentialized or bracketed; institutions are seen as either simple expressions of cultural values or structures that neutralize culture, with their recognition function ignored; the structural power of international orders—how they produce political and cultural subjectivities—is underappreciated; and international orders are conceived too narrowly as orders of sovereign states. To overcome these limitations, I advance a new perspective on cultural diversity and international order. International orders evolve in heterogeneous cultural contexts, and the governance of diversity is a key imperative of order building. In response, international orders developdiversity regimes: institutional norms and practices that define legitimate units of political authority, authorize certain forms of cultural difference, and relate the two. These regimes are essential to the legitimacy of international orders, but face two interrelated pressures for change: shifts in underlying material capabilities, and new claims for cultural recognition, often rooted in grievances against past or prevailing forms of recognition.
Analysis of Anti-Domestic Violence Policy Implementation in Georgia Using Contextual Interaction Theory (CIT)
Authors: JAVAKHISHVILI NINO , JIBLADZE GVANTSA
Published: July 2017

This study examines the development of anti-domestic-violence policy implementation in an emerging democracy, the country of Georgia. We applied a public policy framework – Contextual Interaction Theory (CIT) – which enabled us to thoroughly examine factors contributing to drawbacks in anti-domestic-violence policy implementation. The CIT framework was enriched by expanding it to the scale of the national anti-domestic-violence policy and placing greater emphasis on the victim. The qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews and media reveals that public policy implementers lack motivation, information and power to be able to really implement the anti-domestic-violence policy. The CIT analysis of domestic violence (DV) policies demonstrates that DV problems are further exacerbated by the contextual factors of societal attitudes in terms of gender inequality and social acceptance of DV, which creates unfavorable context for the realisation of the anti-DV policy. In such circumstances, according to the CIT, only symbolic realisation of a policy takes place. The use of CIT as a tool for the implementation of a policy will provide substantial input into its realisation. Based on this theory, it is crucial to increase information, motivation and power of implementers, as well as change the context for the anti-DV policy to be actually implemented.
On-line processing of English which-questions by children and adults: a visual world paradigm study
Authors: CONTEMORI CARLA , CARLSON MATTHEW , MARINIS THEODOROS
Published: July 2017

Previous research has shown that children demonstrate similar sentence processing reflexes to those observed in adults, but they have difficulties revising an erroneous initial interpretation when they process garden-path sentences, passives, and wh-questions. We used the visual-world paradigm to examine children's use of syntactic and non-syntactic information to resolve syntactic ambiguity by extending our understanding of number features as a cue for interpretation to which-subject and which-object questions. We compared children's and adults’ eye-movements to understand how this information shapes children's commitment to and revision of possible interpretations of these questions. The results showed that English-speaking adults and children both exhibit an initial preference to interpret an object-which question as a subject question. While adults quickly override this preference, children take significantly longer, showing an overall processing difficulty for object questions. Crucially, their recovery from an initially erroneous interpretation is speeded when disambiguating number agreement features are present.
Effectiveness of the system of protected areas of Lombardy (Northern Italy) in preserving breeding birds
Authors: SICURELLA BEATRICE , ORIOLI VALERIO , PINOLI GUIDO , AMBROSINI ROBERTO , BANI LUCIANO
Published: July 2017

Networks of protected areas (PAs) where human activities are allowed at different degrees are fundamental to ensure the long-term conservation of biological diversity and ecological processes. However, studies aimed at assessing their effectiveness, focusing on several species simultaneously are scarce. We assessed the effectiveness of the system of protected areas (PAs) of Lombardy, Northern Italy, in conserving bird populations by comparing the changes from 1992 to 2013 in the occurrence of 54 breeding bird species censused in areas classified in different protection categories, namely Nature Reserves (NRs), areas designed predominantly for the protection of nature; Regional Parks (RPs), naturally valuable areas where human activities, including intensive agriculture, are allowed; and non-protected areas (NPAs). Overall, occurrence of common birds increased in Lombardy in the last 20 years and farmland and long-distance migrants (LDMs), which suffered sharp declines at a continental scale, showed stable and increasing trends, respectively. These trends were, however, the balance between those of species whose occurrence markedly increased, and those of species that dramatically declined. Species occurred more often in PAs than in NPAs, while temporal trends in occurrence were significantly more positive in RPs than in both NRs and NPAs. Hence, PAs seemed effective in preserving common bird communities. Occurrence of woodland and short-distance migrant species was higher in PAs than in NPAs, while occurrence of farmland species and LDMs was similar in all protection categories. PAs of Lombardy appear therefore effective only in protecting some categories of birds. Farmland and LDM birds would benefit more from ecologically sustainable land-use policies aiming at improving agro-ecosystem biodiversity than from protected areas.
Changes in dietary intake following a culturally adapted lifestyle intervention among Iraqi immigrants to Sweden at high risk of type 2 diabetes: a randomised trial
Authors: Siddiqui Faiza , Winther Vicky , Kurbasic Azra , Sonestedt Emily , Lundgren Katarina Balcker , Lindeberg Staffan , Nilsson Peter M , Bennet Louise
Published: July 2017

Objective

To investigate the effectiveness of a culturally adapted lifestyle intervention for changing dietary intake, particularly energy, fat and fibre intakes, in the intervention group (IG) compared with the control group (CG).

Design

Randomised controlled trial.

Setting

IG (n 50) and CG (n 46). The IG was offered seven group sessions, including one cooking class, over a period of 4 months. The participants filled out 4 d food diaries at the start, mid and end of the study.

Subjects

Iraqi-born residents of Malmö, Sweden, at increased risk for developing diabetes.

Results

At baseline, participants’ fat intake was high (40 % of total energy intake (E%)). The predefined study goals of obtaining <30 E% from fat and ≥15 g fibre/4184 kJ (1000 kcal) were met by very few individuals. In the IG v. the CG, the proportion of individuals obtaining <40 E% from fat (48·4 v. 34·6 %, P=0·65), <10 E% from saturated fat (32·3 v. 11·5 %, P=0·14) and ≥10 g fibre/4184 kJ (45·2 v. 26·9 %, P=0·46) appeared to be higher at the last visit, although the differences were statistically non-significant. A trend towards decreased mean daily intakes of total energy (P=0·03), carbohydrate (P=0·06), sucrose (P=0·02) and fat (P=0·02) was observed within the IG. Differences in changes over time between the groups did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions

Although no significant differences were observed in the two groups, our data indicate that this culturally adapted programme has the potential to modify dietary intake in Middle Eastern immigrants. The high fat intake in this group should be addressed.
Quantifying associations of the dietary share of ultra-processed foods with overall diet quality in First Nations peoples in the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario
Authors: Batal Malek , Johnson-Down Louise , Moubarac Jean-Claude , Ing Amy , Fediuk Karen , Sadik Tonio , Tikhonov Constantine , Chan Laurie , Willows Noreen
Published: July 2017

Objective

To quantify associations of the dietary share of ultra-processed foods (UPF) with the overall diet quality of First Nations peoples.

Design

A cross-sectional analysis of data from the First Nations Food, Nutrition and Environment Study, designed to contribute to knowledge gaps regarding the diet of First Nations peoples living on-reserve, south of the 60th parallel. A multistage sampling of communities was conducted. All foods from 24 h dietary recalls were categorized into NOVA categories and analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of UPF on diet quality.

Setting

Western and Central Canada.

Subjects

First Nations participants aged 19 years or older.

Results

The sample consisted of 3700 participants. UPF contributed 53·9 % of energy. Compared with the non-UPF fraction of the diet, the UPF fraction had 3·5 times less vitamin A, 2·4 times less K, 2·2 times less protein, 2·3 times more free sugars and 1·8 times more Na. As the contribution of UPF to energy increased so did the overall intakes of energy, carbohydrate, free sugar, saturated fat, Na, Ca and vitamin C, and Na:K; while protein, fibre, K, Fe and vitamin A decreased. Diets of individuals who ate traditional First Nations food (e.g. wild plants and game animals) on the day of the recall were lower in UPF.

Conclusions

UPF were prevalent in First Nations diets. Efforts to curb UPF consumption and increase intake of traditional First Nations foods and other fresh or minimally processed foods would improve diet quality and health in First Nations peoples.
Is colonialism history? The declining impact of colonial legacies on African institutional and economic development
Authors: MASELAND ROBBERT
Published: July 2017

This paper investigates the claim that colonial history has left an enduring imprint on Africa's institutional and economic development. The literature following Acemoglu, Johnson and Robinson (2001) and Sokoloff and Engerman (2000) maintains that different types of colonialism affected the institutional environment differently, and that path-dependence subsequently ensures that these institutional differences and their impact on economic performance are persistent over time. By tracing the impact of colonial institutions on contemporary institutions over time, I show that – in contrast to claims in this literature – the relevance of colonial legacies to institutional quality and to per capita income is rapidly disappearing in Africa. Differences in institutional quality or income are explained less and less by colonial legacy, while there is some evidence that precolonial social and geographical circumstances are becoming more important. I conclude that while colonialism has affected African institutional and economic development significantly, this impact is not persistent. Rather, the evidence suggests that colonialism has created a large but very temporary institutional shock, after which a long-run equilibrium is being restored.
The Rise of Behavioral Economics: A Quantitative Assessment
Authors: Geiger Niels
Published: July 2017

This article is devoted to the issue of operationalizing and empirically measuring the development of behavioral economics, focusing on trends in the academic literature. The main research goal is to provide a quantitative, bibliometric assessment to answer the question of whether the relative importance of behavioral economics has increased over the past decades. After an introduction and a short summary of the history of behavioral economics, several studies are laid out and evaluated. The results generally provide a quantitative confirmation of the story of a rise of behavioral economics that can be found in the literature, and add some notable additional insights.
Nematode grazing promotes bacterial community dynamics in soil at the aggregate level
Authors: Jiang Yuji , Liu Manqiang , Zhang Jiabao , Chen Yan , Chen Xiaoyun , Chen Lijun , Li Huixin , Zhang Xue-Xian , Sun Bo
Published: July 2017

Nematode predation has important roles in determining bacterial community composition and dynamics, but the extent of the effects remains largely rudimentary, particularly in natural environment settings. Here, we investigated the complex microbial–microfaunal interactions in the rhizosphere of maize grown in red soils, which were derived from four long-term fertilization regimes. Root-free rhizosphere soil samples were separated into three aggregate fractions whereby the abundance and community composition were examined for nematode and total bacterial communities. A functional group of alkaline phosphomonoesterase (ALP) producing bacteria was included to test the hypothesis that nematode grazing may significantly affect specific bacteria-mediated ecological functions, that is, organic phosphate cycling in soil. Results of correlation analysis, structural equation modeling and interaction networks combined with laboratory microcosm experiments consistently indicated that bacterivorous nematodes enhanced bacterial diversity, and the abundance of bacterivores was positively correlated with bacterial biomass, including ALP-producing bacterial abundance. Significantly, such effects were more pronounced in large macroaggregates than in microaggregates. There was a positive correlation between the most dominant bacterivores Protorhabditis and the ALP-producing keystone ‘species’ Mesorhizobium. Taken together, these findings implicate important roles of nematodes in stimulating bacterial dynamics in a spatially dependent manner.
dRep: a tool for fast and accurate genomic comparisons that enables improved genome recovery from metagenomes through de-replication
Authors: Olm Matthew R , Brown Christopher T , Brooks Brandon , Banfield Jillian F
Published: July 2017

The number of microbial genomes sequenced each year is expanding rapidly, in part due to genome-resolved metagenomic studies that routinely recover hundreds of draft-quality genomes. Rapid algorithms have been developed to comprehensively compare large genome sets, but they are not accurate with draft-quality genomes. Here we present dRep, a program that reduces the computational time for pairwise genome comparisons by sequentially applying a fast, inaccurate estimation of genome distance, and a slow, accurate measure of average nucleotide identity. dRep achieves a 28 × increase in speed with perfect recall and precision when benchmarked against previously developed algorithms. We demonstrate the use of dRep for genome recovery from time-series datasets. Each metagenome was assembled separately, and dRep was used to identify groups of essentially identical genomes and select the best genome from each replicate set. This resulted in recovery of significantly more and higher-quality genomes compared to the set recovered using co-assembly.
Phaeoviruses discovered in kelp (Laminariales)
Authors: McKeown Dean A , Stevens Kim , Peters Akira F , Bond Peter , Harper Glenn M , Brownlee Colin , Brown Murray T , Schroeder Declan C
Published: July 2017

Phaeoviruses are latent double-stranded DNA viruses that insert their genomes into those of their brown algal (Phaeophyceae) hosts. So far these viruses are known only from members of the Ectocarpales, which are small and short-lived macroalgae. Here we report molecular and morphological evidence for a new Phaeovirus cluster, referred to as sub-group C, infecting kelps (Laminariales) of the genera Laminaria and Saccharina, which are ecologically and commercially important seaweeds. Epifluorescence and TEM observations indicate that the Laminaria digitata Virus (LdigV), the type species of sub-group C, targets the host nucleus for its genome replication, followed by gradual degradation of the chloroplast and assembly of virions in the cytoplasm of both vegetative and reproductive cells. This study is the first to describe phaeoviruses in kelp. In the field, these viruses infected two thirds of their host populations; however, their biological impact remains unknown.
Biological nitrogen fixation in the oxygen-minimum region of the eastern tropical North Pacific ocean
Authors: Jayakumar Amal , Chang Bonnie X , Widner Brittany , Bernhardt Peter , Mulholland Margaret R , Ward Bess B
Published: July 2017

Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) was investigated above and within the oxygen-depleted waters of the oxygen-minimum zone of the Eastern Tropical North Pacific Ocean. BNF rates were estimated using an isotope tracer method that overcame the uncertainty of the conventional bubble method by directly measuring the tracer enrichment during the incubations. Highest rates of BNF (~4 nm day−1) occurred in coastal surface waters and lowest detectable rates (~0.2 nm day−1) were found in the anoxic region of offshore stations. BNF was not detectable in most samples from oxygen-depleted waters. The composition of the N2-fixing assemblage was investigated by sequencing of nifH genes. The diazotrophic assemblage in surface waters contained mainly Proteobacterial sequences (Cluster I nifH), while both Proteobacterial sequences and sequences with high identities to those of anaerobic microbes characterized as Clusters III and IV type nifH sequences were found in the anoxic waters. Our results indicate modest input of N through BNF in oxygen-depleted zones mainly due to the activity of proteobacterial diazotrophs.
Long-term microdystrophin gene therapy is effective in a canine model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Le Guiner Caroline , Servais Laurent , Montus Marie , Larcher Thibaut , Fraysse Bodvaël , Moullec Sophie , Allais Marine , François Virginie , Dutilleul Maeva , Malerba Alberto , Koo Taeyoung , Thibaut Jean-Laurent , Matot Béatrice , Devaux Marie , Le Duff Johanne , Deschamps Jack-Yves , Barthelemy Inès , Blot Stéphane , Testault Isabelle , Wahbi Karim , Ederhy Stéphane , Martin Samia , Veron Philippe , Georger Christophe , Athanasopoulos Takis , Masurier Carole , Mingozzi Federico , Carlier Pierre , Gjata Bernard , Hogrel Jean-Yves , Adjali Oumeya , Mavilio Fulvio , Voit Thomas , Moullier Philippe , Dickson George
Published: July 2017

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an incurable X-linked muscle-wasting disease caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene. Gene therapy using highly functional microdystrophin genes and recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors is an attractive strategy to treat DMD. Here we show that locoregional and systemic delivery of a rAAV2/8 vector expressing a canine microdystrophin (cMD1) is effective in restoring dystrophin expression and stabilizing clinical symptoms in studies performed on a total of 12 treated golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) dogs. Locoregional delivery induces high levels of microdystrophin expression in limb musculature and significant amelioration of histological and functional parameters. Systemic intravenous administration without immunosuppression results in significant and sustained levels of microdystrophin in skeletal muscles and reduces dystrophic symptoms for over 2 years. No toxicity or adverse immune consequences of vector administration are observed. These studies indicate safety and efficacy of systemic rAAV-cMD1 delivery in a large animal model of DMD, and pave the way towards clinical trials of rAAV–microdystrophin gene therapy in DMD patients.
Seismological evidence for a localized mushy zone at the Earth’s inner core boundary
Authors: Tian Dongdong , Wen Lianxing
Published: July 2017

Although existence of a mushy zone in the Earth’s inner core has been hypothesized several decades ago, no seismic evidence has ever been reported. Based on waveform modeling of seismic compressional waves that are reflected off the Earth’s inner core boundary, here we present seismic evidence for a localized 4–8 km thick zone across the inner core boundary beneath southwest Okhotsk Sea with seismic properties intermediate between those of the inner and outer core and of a mushy zone. Such a localized mushy zone is found to be surrounded by a sharp inner core boundary nearby. These seismic results suggest that, in the current thermo-compositional state of the Earth’s core, the outer core composition is close to eutectic in most regions resulting in a sharp inner core boundary, but deviation from the eutectic composition exists in some localized regions resulting in a mushy zone with a thickness of 4–8 km.
A dsRNA virus with filamentous viral particles
Authors: Jia Hengxia , Dong Kaili , Zhou Lingling , Wang Guoping , Hong Ni , Jiang Daohong , Xu Wenxing
Published: July 2017

Viruses with double-stranded RNA genomes form isometric particles or are capsidless. Here we report a double-stranded RNA virus, Colletotrichum camelliae filamentous virus 1 (CcFV-1) isolated from a fungal pathogen, that forms filamentous particles. CcFV-1 has eight genomic double-stranded RNAs, ranging from 990 to 2444 bp, encoding 10 putative open reading frames, of which open reading frame 1 encodes an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and open reading frame 4 a capsid protein. When inoculated, the naked CcFV-1 double-stranded RNAs are infectious and induce the accumulation of the filamentous particles in vivo. CcFV-1 is phylogenetically related to Aspergillus fumigatus tetramycovirus-1 and Beauveria bassiana polymycovirus-1, but differs in morphology and in the number of genomic components. CcFV-1 might be an intermediate virus related to truly capsidated viruses, or might represent a distinct encapsidating strategy. In terms of genome and particle architecture, our findings are a significant addition to the knowledge of the virosphere diversity.
Oropharyngeal mucosal transmission of Zika virus in rhesus macaques
Authors: Newman Christina M. , Dudley Dawn M. , Aliota Matthew T. , Weiler Andrea M. , Barry Gabrielle L. , Mohns Mariel S. , Breitbach Meghan E. , Stewart Laurel M. , Buechler Connor R. , Graham Michael E. , Post Jennifer , Schultz-Darken Nancy , Peterson Eric , Newton Wendy , Mohr Emma L. , Capuano Saverio , O’Connor David H. , Friedrich Thomas C.
Published: July 2017

Zika virus is present in urine, saliva, tears, and breast milk, but the transmission risk associated with these body fluids is currently unknown. Here we evaluate the risk of Zika virus transmission through mucosal contact in rhesus macaques. Application of high-dose Zika virus directly to the tonsils of three rhesus macaques results in detectable plasma viremia in all animals by 2 days post-exposure; virus replication kinetics are similar to those observed in animals infected subcutaneously. Three additional macaques inoculated subcutaneously with Zika virus served as saliva donors to assess the transmission risk from contact with oral secretions from an infected individual. Seven naive animals repeatedly exposed to donor saliva via the conjunctivae, tonsils, or nostrils did not become infected. Our results suggest that there is a risk of Zika virus transmission via the mucosal route, but that the risk posed by oral secretions from individuals with a typical course of Zika virus infection is low.