bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Size matters: nest colonization patterns for twig‐nesting ants
Authors: Jiménez‐Soto Estelí , Philpott Stacy M.
Published: July 2015

Understanding the drivers of ant diversity and co‐occurrence in agroecosystems is fundamental because ants participate in interactions that influence agroecosystem processes. Multiple local and regional factors influence ant community assembly.

We examined local factors that influence the structure of a twig‐nesting ant community in a coffee system in Mexico using an experimental approach. We investigated whether twig characteristics (nest entrance size and diversity of nest entrance sizes) and nest strata (canopy shade tree or coffee shrub) affected occupation, species richness, and community composition of twig‐nesting ants and whether frequency of occupation of ant species varied with particular nest entrance sizes or strata.

We conducted our study in a shaded coffee farm in Chiapas, Mexico, between March and June 2012. We studied ant nest colonization by placing artificial nests (bamboo twigs) on coffee shrubs and shade trees either in diverse or uniform treatments. We also examined whether differences in vegetation (no. of trees, canopy cover and coffee density) influenced nest colonization.

We found 33 ant species occupying 73% of nests placed. Nest colonization did not differ with nest strata or size. Mean species richness of colonizing ants was significantly higher in the diverse nest size entrance treatment, but did not differ with nest strata. Community composition differed between strata and also between the diverse and uniform size treatments on coffee shrubs, but not on shade trees. Some individual ant species were more frequently found in certain nest strata and in nests with certain entrance sizes.

Our results indicate that twig‐nesting ants are nest‐site limited, quickly occupy artificial nests of many sizes, and that trees or shrubs with twigs of a diversity of entrance sizes likely support higher ant species richness. Further, individual ant species more frequently occupy nests with different sized entrances promoting ant richness on individual coffee plants and trees.
Catalytic Oxidation of Alkanes and Alkenes by H2O2 with a μ‐Oxido Diiron(III) Complex as Catalyst/Catalyst Precursor
Authors: Das Biswanath , Al‐Hunaiti Afnan , Haukka Matti , Demeshko Serhiy , Meyer Steffen , Shteinman Albert A. , Meyer Franc , Repo Timo , Nordlander Ebbe
Published: July 2015

A new μ‐oxo diiron(III) complex of the lithium salt of the pyridine‐based unsymmetrical ligand 3‐[(3‐{[bis(pyridin‐2‐ylmethyl)amino]methyl}‐2‐hydroxy‐5‐methylbenzyl)(pyridin‐2‐ylmethyl)amino]propanoate (LiDPCPMPP), [Fe2(μ‐O)(LiDPCPMPP)2](ClO4)2, has been synthesized and characterized. The ability of the complex to catalyze oxidation of several alkanes and alkenes has been investigated by using CH3COOH/H2O2 (1:1) as an oxidative system. Moderate activity in cyclohexane oxidation (TOF = 33 h–1) and good activity in cyclohexene oxidation (TOF = 72 h–1) were detected. Partial retention of configuration (RC = 53 %) in cis‐ and trans‐1,2‐dimethylcyclohexane oxidation, moderate 3°/2° selectivity (4.1) in adamantane oxidation, and the observation of a relatively high kinetic isotope effect for cyclohexane oxidation (KIE = 3.27) suggest partial metal‐based oxidation, probably in tandem with free‐radical oxidation. Low‐temperature UV/Vis spectroscopy and mass spectrometric studies in the rapid positive detection mode indicate the formation of a transient peroxido species, [Fe2(O)(O2)(LiDPCPMPP)2]2+, which might be an intermediate in the metal‐based component of the oxidation process.
Synthesis of 3‐(Trifluoromethyl)pyrazoles and Polysubstituted Pyrazoles by a tBuOK‐Mediated Intramolecular Cycli­zation
Authors: Wen Jia‐Jie , Ding Cheng‐Ke , Ding Zong‐Cang , Li Ting , Zhan Zhuang‐Ping
Published: July 2015

A highly efficient tBuOK‐mediated synthesis of 3‐(trifluoromethyl)pyrazoles and other polysubstituted pyrazoles by intramolecular cyclization of N‐propargylhydrazones has been developed. This protocol provides an alternative route to 4‐substituted 3‐(trifluoromethyl)pyrazoles with good regioselectivity and shows good functional‐group compatibility as well as high efficiency. Of note is the fact that the reactions on the gram scale also gave excellent yields.
Contrasting geomorphological storm response from two adjacent shorefaces
Authors: Backstrom Joni , Jackson Derek , Cooper Andrew , Loureiro Carlos
Published: July 2015

Shorefaces play a critical role in cross‐shore sediment transport between the beach and inner shelf, particularly during storm conditions. A comparison and examination of storm‐driven sedimentary changes on two adjacent shorefaces in Northern Ireland, located only 5 km apart, revealed significantly different geomorphological responses. The steeper shoreface at West Strand responded with extensive sediment deposition across almost the entire shoreface, in contrast with the more dissipative and quasi‐linear shoreface at Portstewart, which mostly showed nearshore bar changes. Results from the two sites, which have similar wave/wind characteristics and seabed sediments, suggest that: (i) cross‐shore morphology, (ii) immediately previous (antecedent) shoreface morphodynamic behaviour and (iii) the presence, or lack of, offshore sand appear to be the primary controls on storm‐driven sedimentary changes attributed to the high‐energy event. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Whither Physical Organic Chemistry? Wither? Or Wider?
Authors: Perrin Charles L.
Published: July 2015

This article presents a personal view of the field of physical organic chemistry (broadly construed), its history, its current status, and what it may become in the future.
Borderline Personality Disorder and Mood Disorders: Mentalizing as a Framework for Integrated Treatment
Authors: Bateman Anthony , Fonagy Peter
Published: July 2015

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) frequently co‐occurs with mood disorders and each influences the course and response to treatment of the other, potentially reducing beneficial outcome. Mentalizing, the ability to infer one's own and others’ mental states, is a key factor in both disorders, being a major component of affect regulation and self‐identity as well as a central aspect of interpersonal relationships and social function. In this article, we suggest that using mentalization‐based treatment may lead to better outcome by addressing the mentalizing problems arising from the dual pathway that leads from depressed mood and BPD to disruption of mentalizing. Some clinical interventions are described to address the mentalizing problems associated with depression and BPD.
Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) Attenuates TNF‐Induced Pathologic Bone Resorption and Suppresses Osteoclastogenesis by Inducing A20 Expression
Authors: Lee Min Joon , Lim Elisha , Mun Se‐Hwan , Bae Seyeon , Murata Koichi , Ivashkiv Lionel B. , Park‐Min Kyung‐Hyun
Published: July 2015

Investigations on the therapeutic effects of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) have focused on the suppression of autoantibody and immune complex‐mediated inflammatory pathogenesis. Inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis are often accompanied by excessive bone erosion but the effect of IVIG on osteoclasts, bone‐resorbing cells, has not been studied. Here, we investigate whether IVIG directly regulates osteoclast differentiation and has therapeutic potential for suppressing osteoclast‐mediated pathologic bone resorption. IVIG or cross‐linking of Fcγ receptors with plate‐bound IgG suppressed receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κ B ligand (RANKL)‐induced osteoclastogenesis and expression of osteoclast‐related genes such as integrin β3 and cathepsin K in a dose‐dependent manner. Mechanistically, IVIG or plate‐bound IgG suppressed osteoclastogenesis by downregulating RANKL‐induced expression of NFATC1, the master regulator of osteoclastogenesis. IVIG suppressed NFATC1 expression by attenuating RANKL‐induced NF‐κB signaling, explained in part by induction of the inflammatory signaling inhibitor A20. IVIG administration attenuated in vivo osteoclastogenesis and suppressed bone resorption in the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐induced calvarial osteolysis model. Our findings show that, in addition to suppressing inflammation, IVIG directly inhibits osteoclastogenesis through a mechanism involving suppression of RANK signaling. Direct suppression of osteoclast differentiation may provide beneficial effects on preserving bone mass when IVIG is used to treat rheumatic disorders. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 449–458, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Noncontrast MR angiography (MRA) of infragenual arteries using flow‐sensitive dephasing (FSD)‐prepared steady‐state free precession (SSFP) at 3.0 Tesla: Comparison with contrast‐enhanced MRA
Authors: Zhang Nan , Fan Zhaoyang , Luo Nan , Bi Xiaoming , Zhao Yike , An Jing , Liu Jiayi , Chen Zhong , Fan Zhanming , Li Debiao
Published: July 2015

Background

To evaluate the feasibility and diagnostic performance of flow‐sensitive dephasing (FSD)‐prepared steady‐state free precession (SSFP) MR angiography (MRA) for imaging infragenual arteries at 3.0T, with contrast enhanced MR angiography (CE MRA) as reference.

Methods

Twenty consecutive patients with suspicion of lower extremity arterial disease undergoing routine CE MRA were recruited. FSD MRA was performed at calf before CE MRA. Image quality and stenosis degree of infragenual arteries from both techniques were independently evaluated and compared. Six patients in this study underwent DSA examination.

Results

Three undiagnostic segments were excluded with severe venous contamination in CE MRA. A total of 197 calf arterial segments images were analyzed. No significant difference existed in the relative signal intensity (rSI) of arterial segments between FSD MRA and CE MRA techniques (0.92 ± 0.09 versus 0.93 ± 0.05; P = 0.207). However, the subjective image quality score was slightly higher in FSD MRA (3.66 ± 0.81 versus 3.49 ± 0.87; P = 0.050). With CE MRA images as reference standard, slight overestimation existed in FSD MRA (2.19 ± 1.24 versus 2.09 ± 1.18; P = 0.019), with total agreement of 84.3% on the basis of all arterial segments. The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value of FSD MRA was 96.4%, 93.0%, 98.5%, and 84.1%. No significant difference in the stenosis degree score was detected between MRA (FSD MRA and CE MRA) and DSA (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

FSD MRA performed on at 3.0T without the use of contrast medium provides diagnostic images allowing for arterial stenosis assessment of calf arteries that was highly comparable with CE MRA. Moreover, venous contamination was less problematic with FSD MRA. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;43:364–372.
Expression analysis of genes involved in collagen cross‐linking and its regulation in traumatic anterior shoulder instability
Authors: Belangero Paulo Santoro , Leal Mariana Ferreira , Cohen Carina , Figueiredo Eduardo Antônio , Smith Marília Cardoso , Andreoli Carlos Vicente , de Castro Pochini Alberto , Ejnisman Benno , Cohen Moises
Published: July 2015

The molecular alterations involved in the capsule deformation presented in shoulder instability patients are poorly understood. Increased TGFβ1 acts as a signal for production of matrix macromolecules by fibrogenic cells at joint injury sites. TGFβ1, through its receptor TGFβR1, regulates genes involved in collagen cross‐linking, such as LOX, PLOD1, and PLOD2. We evaluated TGFβ1, TGFβR1, LOX, PLOD1, and PLOD2 gene expression in the antero‐inferior (macroscopically injured region), antero‐superior and posterior regions of the glenohumeral capsule of 29 shoulder instability patients and eight controls. We observed that PLOD2 expression was increased in the anterior‐inferior capsule region of the patients compared to controls. LOX expression tended to be increased in the posterior portion of patients. Patients with recurrent shoulder dislocation presented upregulation of TGFβR1 in the antero‐inferior capsule portion and of PLOD2 in the posterior region. Conversely, LOX was increased in the posterior portion of the capsule of patients with a single shoulder dislocation episode. In the antero‐inferior, LOX expression was inversely correlated and TGFβR1 was directly correlated with the duration of symptoms. In the posterior region, PLOD2, TGFβ1, and TGFβR1 were directly correlated with the duration of symptoms. In conclusion, PLOD2 expression was increased in the macroscopically injured region of the capsule of patients. Upregulation of TGFβ1, TGFβR1, and PLOD2 seems to be related with the maintenance of disease symptoms, especially in the posterior region. LOX upregulation seems to occur only in the initial phase of the affection. Therefore, TGFβ1, TGFβR1, LOX, and PLOD2 may play a role in shoulder instability. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:510–517, 2016.
The influence of post‐mortem conditioning on the tenderness of Egyptian goose (Alopochen aegyptiacus) breast meat (M. pectoralis major)
Authors: Geldenhuys Greta , Muller Nina , Hoffman Louwrens C
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND

Egyptian goose breast meat has been found to be very tough compared to the meat of other well‐known fowl species. In attempting to clarify the toughness of the meat, the physical and biochemical changes during post‐mortem conditioning (14 days) was investigated.

RESULTS

Although there was increased cathepsin (B, B & L and H) activity, together with a decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in myofibrillar fragmentation lengths (32–25 µm) with conditioning, no change (decline) in shear force values was observed. The higher (P ≤ 0.05) shear force of the male breast portions may be linked to the higher (P ≤ 0.05) concentrations of total and insoluble collagen.

CONCLUSIONS

No significant change (decline) in shear force values was observed. Conditioning of Egyptian goose meat as a means of improving the overall toughness cannot therefore not be proposed. The higher shear force and lower sensory tenderness of the male breast portions, as previously observed, may be linked to higher concentrations of total and insoluble collagen. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis of single‐walled carbon nanotubes cerium(IV) phosphate composite cation exchnager: Ion exchange studies and its application as ion‐selective membrane electrode for determination of Cd(II) ions
Authors: Inamuddin  , Rangreez Tauseef Ahmad , Khan Anish
Published: July 2015

Single‐walled carbon nanotubes cerium(IV) phosphate composite cation exchanger was synthesized using sol−gel method. The ion‐exchange properties such as elution concentration, elution behavior and effect of temperature on ion exchange capacity were studied. The composite cation exchange material showed an ion‐exchange capacity (IEC) of 1.64 meq dry g−1 of ion exchanger. The distribution studies revealed that the composite cation‐exchanger is highly selective for Cd(II) ions. The material was used as an electroactive component for the construction of a cadmium ion‐selective membrane electrode. The membrane electrode showed a Nernstian response for Cd(II) ions over a wide concentration range of 1 × 10−7−1 × 10−1 M with a sub‐Nernstian slope of 27.429 mV per decade change in concentration of cadmium ions. The limit of detection was found to be 1 × 10−7 M. It possessed a fast response time 10 s and can be utilized for 130 days without any considerable divergence in response potential. The practical utility of membrane electrode was demonstrated by employing as an indicator electrode for the potentiometric titration of Cd(II) with ethylenediamine tetra acetic acid, disodium salt (EDTA). POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1005–1013, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
The equations of moist advection: a unilateral problem
Authors: Temam Roger , Tribbia Joseph
Published: July 2015

In an earlier article, the authors discussed the uniqueness of solutions for moist advection problems. This article dealt with a simplified case in which the saturation specific humidity qs—which is a slightly varying function of temperature—was assumed to be constant. In trying to extend the results of Temam and Tribbia to the case where qs is not constant, it appeared that the equations of moist advection in this case were not coherent in the extreme cases where the atmosphere is totally dry or totally humid.

The aim of this article is to describe this difficulty and propose a mathematically satisfying solution in the context of so‐called variational inequalities.
Variable‐ratio matching with fine balance in a study of the Peer Health Exchange
Authors: Pimentel Samuel D. , Yoon Frank , Keele Luke
Published: July 2015

In some observational studies of treatment effects, matched samples are created so treated and control groups are similar in terms of observable covariates. Traditionally, such matched samples consist of matched pairs. However, alternative forms of matching may have desirable features. One strategy that may improve efficiency is to match a variable number of control units to each treated unit. Another strategy to improve balance is to adopt a fine balance constraint. Under a fine balance constraint, a nominal covariate is exactly balanced, but it does not require individually matched treated and control subjects for this variable. Here, we propose a method to allow for fine balance constraints when each treated unit is matched to a variable number of control units, which is not currently possible using existing matching network flow algorithms. Our approach uses the entire number to first determine the optimal number of controls for each treated unit. For each stratum of matched treated units, we can then apply a fine balance constraint. We then demonstrate that a matched sample for the evaluation of the Peer Health Exchange, an intervention in schools designed to decrease risky health behaviors among youths, using a variable number of controls and fine balance constraint is superior to simply using a variable‐ratio match. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cytostatic Effect of Repeated Exposure to Simvastatin: A Mechanism for Chronic Myotoxicity Revealed by the Use of Mesodermal Progenitors Derived from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Peric Delphine , Barragan Isabel , Giraud-Triboult Karine , Egesipe Anne-Laure , Meyniel-Schicklin Laurène , Cousin Christelle , Lotteau Vincent , Petit Vincent , Touhami Jawida , Battini Jean-Luc , Sitbon Marc , Pinset Christian , Ingelman-Sundberg Magnus , Laustriat Delphine , Peschanski Marc
Published: July 2015

Statin treatment of hypercholesterolemia can lead to chronic myotoxicity which is, in most cases, alleviated by drug withdrawal. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of this adverse effect have been elusive, in particular because of the lack of in vitro models suitable for long-term exposures. We have taken advantage of the properties of human pluripotent stem cell-derived mesodermal precursors, that can be maintained unaltered in vitro for a long period of time, to develop a model of repeated exposures to simvastatin during more than 2 weeks. This approach unveiled major differences, both in functional and molecular terms, in response to single versus repeated-dose exposures to simvastatin. The main functional effect of the in vitro simvastatin-induced long-term toxicity was a loss of proliferative capacity in the absence of concomitant cell death, revealing that cytostatic effect could be a major contributor to statin-induced myotoxicity. Comparative analysis of molecular modifications induced by simvastatin short-term versus prolonged exposures demonstrated powerful adaptive cell responses, as illustrated by the dramatic decrease in the number of differentially expressed genes, distinct biological pathway enrichments, and distinct patterns of nutrient transporters expressed at the cell surface. This study underlines the potential of derivatives of human pluripotent stem cells for developing new approaches in toxicology, in particular for chronic toxicity testing. Stem Cells  2015;33:2936–2948
Butterfly diversity along the elevation gradient of Eastern Himalaya, India
Authors: Acharya Bhoj Kumar , Vijayan Lalitha
Published: July 2015

The species richness pattern along spatial scales (latitudinal or elevational) forms useful tools in understanding diversity gradients and their underlying mechanisms. Understanding elevational diversity patterns of biodiversity have strong conservation implications. Himalayas are unique systems in exploring such gradients as they harbor tallest mountains in the world. Here, we explored the elevational pattern, its underlying causes, turn over rate and range size distribution of butterflies in Sikkim, Eastern Himalaya, India. We followed fixed width point count method for sampling butterflies covering 1014 points spread over 23 transects along the elevation gradient (300–4700 m) in Sikkim. Data on environmental factors and habitat parameters were obtained from our published literatures of the same study system. During this study we observed a total of 2749 butterflies representing 161 species and six families. Species richness pattern of butterflies followed declining trend along the elevation gradient with a hump at around 1000 m. Various environmental factors and habitat variables correlated strongly with the species richness and abundance of butterflies. Among the set of factors, mean annual temperature and actual evapotranspiration remained the most important determinants reflecting the importance of energy and productivity for butterfly distribution in the Eastern Himalayan elevation gradient. Butterflies showed high turnover along the gradient. Elevational range profile of butterflies showed that around 38.5 % species restricted below 2000 m elevation. We observed that low elevation areas are important for conservation of butterflies in the Eastern Himalaya although entire elevation gradient is crucial for small range‐sized species.
Macular auto-fluorescence is a follow-up parameter for cystoids macular edema
Authors: Zhang XinYuan , Gong XiaoHong , Wang YanHong , Wang NingLi
Published: July 2015

This study aimed to evaluate if macular autofluorescence (MAF) is a valuable, non-invasive follow-up parameter for cystoid macular edema. A total of 71 eyes (71 cases) with cystoid macular edema (CME) were included in the study. Macular pigment (MP) was evaluated using HRA2 (infrared) IF and FA models. The density of MP was graded into three categories: without, partial, and normal amount of MP. A comparison was made between the baseline (before the first administration) level and at the fourth month, following three consecutive intravitreal lucentis injections every month. The morphology and distribution of MAF, and the density and distribution of MP were regarded as the main outcome measures. At the baseline visit, all eyes with CME had petaloid/irregular-shaped MAF in the macular area (100%). No MAF was detected in the control eyes (0). There was significant difference in MAF between the CME and normal groups (P=0.000). At the fourth monthly visit, normal levels of MP density without MAF was detected in 68 eyes (95.8%) with the best corrected spectacular visual acuity increasing to at least 1 line accordingly. We conclude that macular MAF can be used as a follow-up parameter for patients with CME. MP and MAF can indirectly reflect the fovea cone function.
Introduction to special issue: Overview of Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Authors: Weiner Michael W. , Veitch Dallas P.
Published: July 2015

The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), designed as a naturalistic longitudinal study to develop and validate magnetic resonance, positron emission tomography, cerebrospinal fluid, and genetic biomarkers for use in AD clinical trials, has made many impacts in the decade since its inception. The initial 5‐year study, ADNI‐1, enrolled cognitively normal, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD subjects, and the subsequent studies (ADNI‐GO and ADNI‐2) added early‐ and late‐MCI cohorts. The development of standardized methods allowed comparison of data gathered across multiple sites, and these data are available to qualified researchers without embargo. ADNI data have been used in >600 publications including those describing relationships between biomarkers, improved methods for disease diagnosis and the prediction of future decline, and identifying novel genetic AD risk loci. ADNI has provided a framework for similar initiatives worldwide.
Brain collection, standardized neuropathologic assessment, and comorbidity in Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative 2 participants
Authors: Franklin Erin E. , Perrin Richard J. , Vincent Benjamin , Baxter Michael , Morris John C. , Cairns Nigel J. ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: July 2015

Introduction

The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative Neuropathology Core (ADNI‐NPC) facilitates brain donation, ensures standardized neuropathologic assessments, and maintains a tissue resource for research.

Methods

The ADNI‐NPC coordinates with performance sites to promote autopsy consent, facilitate tissue collection and autopsy administration, and arrange sample delivery to the NPC, for assessment using National Institute on Aging‐Alzheimer's Association neuropathologic diagnostic criteria.

Results

The ADNI‐NPC has obtained 45 participant specimens, and neuropathologic assessments have been completed in 36 to date. Challenges in obtaining consent at some sites have limited the voluntary autopsy rate to 58%. Among assessed cases, clinical diagnostic accuracy for Alzheimer disease (AD) is 97%; however, 58% of cases show neuropathologic comorbidities.

Discussion

Challenges facing autopsy consent and coordination are largely resource related. The neuropathologic assessments indicate that ADNI's clinical diagnostic accuracy for AD is high; however, many AD cases have comorbidities that may impact the clinical presentation, course, and imaging and biomarker results. These neuropathologic data permit multimodal and genetic studies of these comorbidities to improve diagnosis and provide etiologic insights.
The Public Sphere in Emerging Infectious Disease Communication: Recipient or Active and Vocal Partner?
Authors: Gesser-Edelsburg Anat , Shir-Raz Yaffa , Walter Nathan , Mordini Emilio , Dimitriou Dimitris , James James J. , Green Manfred S.
Published: July 2015

Objective

Recent years have seen advances in theories and models of risk and crisis communication, with a focus on emerging epidemic infection. Nevertheless, information flow remains unilateral in many countries and does not take into account the public’s polyvocality and the fact that its opinions and knowledge often “compete” with those of health authorities. This article addresses the challenges organizations face in communicating with the public sphere.

Methods

Our theoretical approach is conceptualized through a framework that focuses on the public sphere and that builds upon existing guidelines and studies in the context of health and pandemics. We examine how health organizations cope with the public’s transformation from recipients to an active and vocal entity, ie, how and to what extent health organizations address the public’s anxiety and concerns arising in the social media during outbreaks.

Results

Although international organizations have aspired to relate to the public as a partner, this article identifies notable gaps.

Conclusions

Organizations must involve the public throughout the crisis and conduct dialogues free of prejudices, paternalism, and preconceptions. Thereby, they can impart precise and updated information reflecting uncertainty and considering cultural differences to build trust and facilitate cooperation with the public sphere. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2015;9:447–458)
Rumor-Related and Exclusive Behavior Coverage in Internet News Reports Following the 2009 H1N1 Influenza Outbreak in Japan
Authors: Shigemura Jun , Harada Nahoko , Tanichi Masaaki , Nagamine Masanori , Shimizu Kunio , Katsuda Yoshiaki , Tokuno Shinichi , Tsumatori Gentaro , Yoshino Aihide
Published: July 2015

Objective

We sought to elucidate news article reporting of adverse public psychosocial behaviors, in particular, rumor-related coverage (eg, panic, demagoguery) and exclusive behavior coverage (negative behaviors, eg, discrimination, bullying) during the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) influenza pandemic in Japan.

Methods

We examined 154 Internet news-site articles reporting adverse public psychosocial responses in the first 60 days of the outbreak. Rumor-related coverage and exclusive behavior coverage were dichotomously coded as included or not. Moreover, we assessed whether or not health information (eg, coping methods, virus toxicity information) or emphasis on information quality (eg, importance of information, cautions about overreactions) were simultaneously reported.

Results

Rumor-related coverage (n=120, 77.9%) was less likely to simultaneously report public health information (eg, toxicity information, health support information, and cautions about overreactions; P<.05). Conversely, exclusive behavior coverage (n=41, 26.6%) was more likely to report public health information (P<.05).

Conclusions

Rumor-related coverage was less likely to have accompanying public health information, whereas exclusive behavior coverage was more likely to include it. During public health crises, it is essential to understand that rumors and exclusive behaviors have adverse effects on the public and that accompanying public health information may help people take proactive coping actions. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2015;9:459–463)
Magnetohydrodynamic, Thermal Radiation and Convective Boundary Effects of Free Convection Flow Past a Vertical Plate Embedded in a Porous Medium Saturated with a Nanofluid
Authors: Agha H. Ali , Bouaziz M. N. , Hanini S.
Published: July 2015

A numerical analysis was performed to study the effects of combined magnetohydrodynamic and thermal radiation under convective boundary condition over a semi infinite vertical plate embedded in a non-Darcy porous medium. Coupled heat and mass transfer of free convective boundary layer with viscous nanofluid are considered. The model used for the nanofluid includes the effects of Brownian motion and thermophoresis mechanisms, while the Darcy-Forchheimer model is used for the porous medium. The governing partial differential equations are transformed into the ordinary differential equations using the similarity transformations. The accuracy of the method is observed by a comparison with other works reduced to a common case. Many results are tabulated and representative set is displayed graphically to illustrate the influence of the various parameters of interest on different profiles. Extensive numerical investigations show that the flow field, temperature, concentration and nanoparticle volume fraction shapes are significantly influenced by magnetic parameter, regular Lewis number, Brownian motion parameter, thermophoresis parameter, regular buoyancy ratio parameter and Biot number. Heat and mass transfer rates are significantly affected by the level of the applied magnetic field and the convective heat coefficient.
Effects of school meals with weekly fish servings on vitamin D status in Danish children: secondary outcomes from the OPUS (Optimal well-being, development and health for Danish children through a healthy New Nordic Diet) School Meal Study
Authors: Petersen Rikke A. , Damsgaard Camilla T. , Dalskov Stine-Mathilde , Sørensen Louise B. , Hjorth Mads Fiil , Andersen Rikke , Tetens Inge , Krarup Henrik , Ritz Christian , Astrup Arne , Michaelsen Kim F. , Mølgaard Christian
Published: July 2015

Children's vitamin D intake and status can be optimised to meet recommendations. We investigated if nutritionally balanced school meals with weekly fish servings affected serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and markers related to bone in 8- to 11-year-old Danish children. We conducted an explorative secondary outcome analysis on data from 784 children from the OPUS School Meal Study, a cluster-randomised cross-over trial where children received school meals for 3 months and habitual lunch for 3 months. At baseline, and at the end of each dietary period, 25(OH)D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), osteocalcin (OC), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), bone mineral content (BMC), bone area (BA), bone mineral density (BMD), dietary intake and physical activity were assessed. School meals increased vitamin D intake by 0·9 (95 % CI 0·7, 1·1) μg/d. No consistent effects were found on 25(OH)D, BMC, BA, BMD, IGF-1 or OC. However, season-modified effects were observed with 25(OH)D, i.e. children completing the school meal period in January/February had higher 25(OH)D status (5·5 (95 % CI 1·8, 9·2) nmol/l; P = 0·004) than children completing the control period in these months. A similar tendency was indicated in November/December (4·1 (95 % CI –0·12, 8·3) nmol/l; P = 0·057). However, the effect was opposite in March/April (–4·0 (95 % CI –7·0, –0·9) nmol/l; P = 0·010), and no difference was found in May/June (P = 0·214). Unexpectedly, the school meals slightly increased PTH (0·18 (95 % CI 0·07, 0·29) pmol/l) compared with habitual lunch. Small increases in dietary vitamin D might hold potential to mitigate the winter nadir in Danish children's 25(OH)D status while higher increases appear necessary to affect status throughout the year. More trials on effects of vitamin D intake from natural foods are needed.
The Spatial Dimensions of State Fiscal Capacity The Mechanisms of International Influence on Domestic Extractive Efforts
Authors: Thies Cameron G. , Chyzh Olga , Nieman Mark David
Published: July 2015

This paper expands traditional predatory theory approaches to state fiscal capacity by adopting spatial analytical reasoning and methods. Although previous work in the predatory theory tradition has often incorporated interdependent external influences, such as war and trade, it has often done so in a way that maintains a theoretical and empirical autonomy of the state. Theoretically, we suggest four mechanisms (coercion, competition, learning, and emulation) that operate to channel information through interstate rivalry and territorial contiguity, trade networks, and the political space associated with regime type and intergovernmental organization membership. We test our predictions using a multi-parametric spatio-temporal autoregressive model with four spatial lags capturing the four mechanisms. Our empirical results provide support for the coercion and learning mechanisms.
Dietary fibre and health in children and adolescents
Authors: Edwards Christine A. , Xie Chengru , Garcia Ada L.
Published: July 2015

The role of dietary fibre in promoting sustained health has been studied for several decades and in adults there is good evidence that diets rich in high-fibre foods reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including CVD and cancer. Research in this area, however, has been hampered by uncertainties about the definition of dietary fibre which has resulted in many studies measuring fibre in different ways. There is also a wide range of properties and actions of different fibres in the human body, depending on their solubility, viscosity and fermentability by the colonic microbiota. This review considers the epidemiological evidence for dietary fibre and health in children and the current dietary recommendations and measured intakes in several countries using national surveys. In children and adolescents, there is a particular lack of relevant research on which to formulate appropriate dietary fibre recommendations and these are often based on extrapolation from adult data. However, children are not little adults and have differing physiology and nutritional needs as they grow. The dietary recommendations in different countries are based on varying premises and daily amounts. Intakes vary from country to country and on the whole do not meet recommendations. Much more research is needed in children to fully understand the impact of dietary fibre on growth and health in the young to allow more appropriate recommendations to be made.
Downregulation of N-terminal acetylation triggers ABA-mediated drought responses in Arabidopsis
Authors: Linster Eric , Stephan Iwona , Bienvenut Willy V. , Maple-Grødem Jodi , Myklebust Line M. , Huber Monika , Reichelt Michael , Sticht Carsten , Geir Møller Simon , Meinnel Thierry , Arnesen Thomas , Giglione Carmela , Hell Rüdiger , Wirtz Markus
Published: July 2015

N-terminal acetylation (NTA) catalysed by N-terminal acetyltransferases (Nats) is among the most common protein modifications in eukaryotes, but its significance is still enigmatic. Here we characterize the plant NatA complex and reveal evolutionary conservation of NatA biochemical properties in higher eukaryotes and uncover specific and essential functions of NatA for development, biosynthetic pathways and stress responses in plants. We show that NTA decreases significantly after drought stress, and NatA abundance is rapidly downregulated by the phytohormone abscisic acid. Accordingly, transgenic downregulation of NatA induces the drought stress response and results in strikingly drought resistant plants. Thus, we propose that NTA by the NatA complex acts as a cellular surveillance mechanism during stress and that imprinting of the proteome by NatA is an important switch for the control of metabolism, development and cellular stress responses downstream of abscisic acid.
Conditional rotation of two strongly coupled semiconductor charge qubits
Authors: Li Hai-Ou , Cao Gang , Yu Guo-Dong , Xiao Ming , Guo Guang-Can , Jiang Hong-Wen , Guo Guo-Ping
Published: July 2015

Universal multiple-qubit gates can be implemented by a set of universal single-qubit gates and any one kind of entangling two-qubit gate, such as a controlled-NOT gate. For semiconductor quantum dot qubits, two-qubit gate operations have so far only been demonstrated in individual electron spin-based quantum dot systems. Here we demonstrate the conditional rotation of two capacitively coupled charge qubits, each consisting of an electron confined in a GaAs/AlGaAs double quantum dot. Owing to the strong inter-qubit coupling strength, gate operations with a clock speed up to 6 GHz have been realized. A truth table measurement for controlled-NOT operation shows comparable fidelities to that of spin-based two-qubit gates, although phase coherence is not explicitly measured. Our results suggest that semiconductor charge qubits have a considerable potential for scalable quantum computing and may stimulate the use of long-range Coulomb interaction for coherent quantum control in other devices.
Quenching of dynamic nuclear polarization by spin–orbit coupling in GaAs quantum dots
Authors: Nichol John M. , Harvey Shannon P. , Shulman Michael D. , Pal Arijeet , Umansky Vladimir , Rashba Emmanuel I. , Halperin Bertrand I. , Yacoby Amir
Published: July 2015

The central-spin problem is a widely studied model of quantum decoherence. Dynamic nuclear polarization occurs in central-spin systems when electronic angular momentum is transferred to nuclear spins and is exploited in quantum information processing for coherent spin manipulation. However, the mechanisms limiting this process remain only partially understood. Here we show that spin–orbit coupling can quench dynamic nuclear polarization in a GaAs quantum dot, because spin conservation is violated in the electron–nuclear system, despite weak spin–orbit coupling in GaAs. Using Landau–Zener sweeps to measure static and dynamic properties of the electron spin–flip probability, we observe that the size of the spin–orbit and hyperfine interactions depends on the magnitude and direction of applied magnetic field. We find that dynamic nuclear polarization is quenched when the spin–orbit contribution exceeds the hyperfine, in agreement with a theoretical model. Our results shed light on the surprisingly strong effect of spin–orbit coupling in central-spin systems.
Giant narrowband twin-beam generation along the pump-energy propagation direction
Authors: Pérez Angela M. , Spasibko Kirill Yu , Sharapova Polina R. , Tikhonova Olga V. , Leuchs Gerd , Chekhova Maria V.
Published: July 2015

Walk-off effects, originating from the difference between the group and phase velocities, limit the efficiency of nonlinear optical interactions. While transverse walk-off can be eliminated by proper medium engineering, longitudinal walk-off is harder to avoid. In particular, ultrafast twin-beam generation via pulsed parametric down-conversion and four-wave mixing is only possible in short crystals or fibres. Here we show that in high-gain parametric down-conversion, one can overcome the destructive role of both effects and even turn them into useful tools for shaping the emission. In our experiment, one of the twin beams is emitted along the pump Poynting vector or its group velocity matches that of the pump. The result is markedly enhanced generation of both twin beams, with the simultaneous narrowing of angular and frequency spectrum. The effect will enable efficient generation of ultrafast twin photons and beams in cavities, waveguides and whispering-gallery mode resonators.
Long-life Li/polysulphide batteries with high sulphur loading enabled by lightweight three-dimensional nitrogen/sulphur-codoped graphene sponge
Authors: Zhou Guangmin , Paek Eunsu , Hwang Gyeong S. , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: July 2015

Lithium–sulphur batteries with a high theoretical energy density are regarded as promising energy storage devices for electric vehicles and large-scale electricity storage. However, the low active material utilization, low sulphur loading and poor cycling stability restrict their practical applications. Herein, we present an effective strategy to obtain Li/polysulphide batteries with high-energy density and long-cyclic life using three-dimensional nitrogen/sulphur codoped graphene sponge electrodes. The nitrogen/sulphur codoped graphene sponge electrode provides enough space for a high sulphur loading, facilitates fast charge transfer and better immobilization of polysulphide ions. The hetero-doped nitrogen/sulphur sites are demonstrated to show strong binding energy and be capable of anchoring polysulphides based on first-principles calculations. As a result, a high specific capacity of 1,200 mAh g−1 at 0.2C rate, a high-rate capacity of 430 mAh g−1 at 2C rate and excellent cycling stability for 500 cycles with ∼0.078% capacity decay per cycle are achieved.
An autoinhibitory mechanism modulates MAVS activity in antiviral innate immune response
Authors: Shi Yuheng , Yuan Bofeng , Qi Nan , Zhu Wenting , Su Jingru , Li Xiaoyan , Qi Peipei , Zhang Dan , Hou Fajian
Published: July 2015

In response to virus infection, RIG-I senses viral RNA and activates the adaptor protein MAVS, which then forms prion-like filaments and stimulates a specific signalling pathway leading to type I interferon production to restrict virus proliferation. However, the mechanisms by which MAVS activity is regulated remain elusive. Here we identify distinct regions of MAVS responsible for activation of transcription factors interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB). These IRF3- and NF-κB-stimulating regions recruit preferential TNF receptor-associated factors (TRAFs) for downstream signalling. Strikingly, these regions’ activities are inhibited by their respective adjacent regions in quiescent MAVS. Our data thus show that an autoinhibitory mechanism modulates MAVS activity in unstimulated cells and, on viral infection, individual regions of MAVS are released following MAVS filament formation to activate antiviral signalling cascades.
Accelerated Sorption Diffusion for Cu(II) Retention by Anchorage of Nano-zirconium Dioxide onto Highly charged Polystyrene Material
Authors: Zhang Qingrui , Du Qing , Jiao Tifeng , Teng Jie , Sun Qina , Peng Qiuming , Chen Xinqing , Gao Faming
Published: July 2015

The development of nanocomposite with strong adsorption ability exhibits great potential applications for environmental remediation. However, the pore blocking in preparation frequently constrains sorption diffusion, resulting in low utilization efficiency. Here we synthesized a new nano-ZrO2/Polystyrene (NZO-PS) material tailored with a specific fixed SO3-Na group to enhance Cu(II) removal. The NZO-PS exhibits efficient Cu(II) sequestration in a wide pH range (3.0–6.5) and preferential sorption performances. The efficient kinetic behavior and column applicability suggest the blocked pore channel is not a matter when presence of negatively charged moiety, which accelerates Cu(II) sorption diffusion and enrichment toward target active site. Moreover, the exhausted NZO-PS can be readily regenerated through HCl-NaCl binary solution. The preparation route can be extended to synthesize other functional composited materials. Simultaneously, the characteristics of simplicity, high-yield and regeneration provide some promising industrial merits.
Characterization of species-specific genes regulated by E2-2 in human plasmacytoid dendritic cells
Authors: Cheng Menglan , Zhang Xuyuan , Yu Haisheng , Du Peishuang , Plumas Joël , Chaperot Laurance , Su Lishan , Zhang Liguo
Published: July 2015

Dendritic cells (DCs) are sentinels of the immune system and comprise two distinct subsets: conventional DCs (cDCs) and plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs). Human pDCs are distinguished from mouse pDCs phenotypically and functionally. Basic helix-loop-helix protein E2-2 is defined as an essential transcription factor for mouse pDC development, cell fate maintenance and gene programe. It is unknown whether E2-2 regulation contributes to this species-specific difference. Here we investigated the function of E2-2 in human pDCs and screened human-specific genes regulated by E2-2. Reduced E2-2 expression in human pDC cell line GEN2.2 resulted in diminished IFN-α production in response to CpG but elevated antigen presentation capacity. Gene expression profiling showed that E2-2 silence down-regulated pDC signature genes but up-regulated cDC signature genes. Thirty human-specific genes regulated by E2-2 knockdown were identified. Among these genes, we confirmed that expression of Siglec-6 was inhibited by E2-2. Further more, Siglec-6 was expressed at a higher level on a human pDC subset with drastically lower expression of E2-2. Collectively, these results highlight that E2-2 modulates pDC function in a species-specific manner, which may provide insights for pDC development and functions.
Identification of ULK1 as a novel biomarker involved in miR-4487 and miR-595 regulation in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell autophagy
Authors: Chen Yi , Wang Shuya , Zhang Lan , Xie Tao , Song Sicheng , Huang Jian , Zhang Yonghui , Ouyang Liang , Liu Bo
Published: July 2015

Autophagy, referring to an evolutionarily conserved, multi-step lysosomal degradation process, has been well-known to be initiated by Unc-51 like kinase 1 (ULK1) with some links to Parkinson’s disease (PD). MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small and non-coding endogenous RNAs 22 ~ 24 nucleotides (nt) in length, have been demonstrated to play an essential role for modulating autophagy. Recently, the relationships between miRNAs and autophagy have been widely reported in PD; however, how microRNAs regulate autophagy still remains in its infancy. Thus, in this study, we computationally constructed the ULK1-regulated autophagic kinase subnetwork in PD and further identified ULK1 able to negatively regulate p70S6K in starvation-induced autophagy of neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Combination of in silico prediction and microarray analyses, we identified that miR-4487 and miR-595 could target ULK1 and experimentally verified they could negatively or positively regulate ULK1-mediated autophagy. In conclusion, these results may uncover the novel ULK1-p70S6K autophagic pathway, as well as miR-4487 and miR-595 as new ULK1 target miRNAs. Thus, these findings would provide a clue to explore ULK1 and its target miRNAs as potential biomarkers in the future PD therapy.