bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Doing good in public schools: Examining organisational citizenship behaviour in primary school teachers
Authors: Cheng Kuo-Tai
Published: December 2015

Organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) plays a pivotal role in organisational success. This research explored factors hypothesised to facilitate OCB within a primary school context. Two studies using questionnaire survey’s explored: (i) OCB relative to personal differences and psychological contracts; (ii) the relationship between OCB and principals’ leadership frames. Primary school teachers were recruited and responses analysed from 547 and 488 respondents, respectively. Results from both studies combined suggest that the leadership style of the principal and the employee’s expectations of their role within the school strongly influence their OCB. This study identifies factors that influence the prevalence of OCB in primary school teachers and confirms that the new theoretical framework provides a useful heuristic for managers, human resource management policy makers and academic researchers alike.
Effects of the inclusion of flaxseed and quercetin in the diet of fattening lambs on ruminal microbiota,in vitrofermentation and biohydrogenation of fatty acids
Authors: ANDRÉS S. , BODAS R. , TEJIDO M. L. , GIRÁLDEZ F. J. , VALDÉS C. , LÓPEZ S.
Published: December 2015

Thirty-two lambs (n = 8 per treatment) were fed a total mixed ration (TMR) formulated either with palm oil (CTRL; 34 g palm oil/kg TMR) or flaxseed (FS) (85 g FS/kg TMR) alone or enriched with quercetin (QCT, 34 g palm oil plus 2 g QCT/kg TMR; FS-QCT, 85 g FS plus 2 g QCT/kg TMR). The animals were slaughtered after being fed for at least 5 weeks with the experimental diets and samples of ruminal contents and ruminal liquid were collected for quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses of ruminal microbial species and fatty acid profile orin vitrofermentation, respectively. Results demonstrated thatButyrivibriovaccenic acid (VA) andButyrivibriostearic acid (SA) producing bacteria copy numbers were decreased when FS was added to the diet of fattening lambs, which seemed to be in agreement with numerically (but not significantly) lower values for gas production, methane production and butyric acid duringin vitroincubation. Ciliate protozoa were significantly enhanced by QCT, which was in accordance with numerically (but not significantly) higher values forin vitromethane production. Moreover, the modifications observed in ruminal microbial populations (Butyrivibrioand ciliate protozoa) when FS and QCT were included together (but not separately) in the diet of fattening lambs were probably related to a trend towards significantly higher values of rumenic acid (RA) in ruminal content. In conclusion, when FS and QCT were administered together in the diet of fattening lambs quantitative changes in the ruminal microbiota were observed, which might have promoted an increment of RA concentration in ruminal contents.
We Are Here: Jesmyn Ward's Survival Narratives Response to Anna Hartnell, “When Cars Become Churches”
Authors: TRAVIS MOLLY
Published: December 2015

Anna Hartnell's “When Cars Become Churches” begins by establishing a helpful context for understanding and fully appreciating the most recent gift to readers from Jesmyn Ward, her 2013 memoir titled Men We Reaped. In the wake of the tragedies of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, John Crawford III, and Eric Gordon, Ward's memoir is a critically important addition to our understanding of the fragility of the lives of young black men. These are lives that matter deeply to Ward and to the community of DeLisle, Mississippi – and because of Ward's fearless, honest, and emotionally searing story, they are lives that matter to her readers. She realizes one of the great achievements of literature: the transformation of the reader who looks at the other from a distance into a reader who sees with the other. As such, her work – especially Salvage the Bones and Men We Reaped – helps to enhance affective and cognitive understanding of others and cultivate moral imagination.
Phenotypic divergence despite high gene flow in chokka squidLoligo reynaudii(Cephalopoda: Loliginidae): implications for fishery management
Authors: Van Der Vyver J.S.F. , Sauer W.H.H. , McKeown N.J. , Yemane D. , Shaw P.W. , Lipinski M.R.
Published: December 2015

The commercially important chokka squidLoligo reynaudiioccurring in South African waters is currently managed on a single-unit stock hypothesis. We tested this assumption through a spatial comparison of the morphology throughout the distributional range of the species. Forty-three morphometric characters were measured from 1079 chokka collected off the south coast of South Africa, the west coast of South Africa, and southern Angola. While no significant differences were found in the hard body parts, results from classification analysis showed that though all four types of morphometric attributes (soft body parts, beaks, statoliths, sucker rings) resulted in some separation, the most consistent separation of samples from the three regions was based on soft body part morphometric characters. On average, though dependent on the model, the overall correct classification rate ranged from 0.68–0.99 for males and 0.7–0.99 for females in all three regions. Previous DNA analysis had revealed some genetic differences between west coast and south coast samples, suggesting the confluence of the cold Benguela and warm Agulhas current may act as the approximate point of a phenotypic and possible genetic breakpoint. Finer scale genetic analysis of samples collected across the Benguela–Agulhas confluence reported no significant genetic structuring in this area suggesting environmental heterogeneity and not restriction of genetic flow/isolation as the primary driver of the observed phenotypic divergence.
Distribution pattern and community structure of zoanthids (Zoantharia) along the coast of Saurashtra, Gujarat, India
Authors: Kumari Sonia , Zacharia P.U. , Kripa V. , Sreenath K.R. , George Grinson
Published: December 2015

Coral reef environments support a great diversity of benthic organisms, of which zoanthids form an integral part. Studies have been carried out regarding the degradation of coral reefs and changes in community structure under the present dynamics of climatic change. Zoanthids are dominant among the observed fauna in these degrading reef ecosystems. Zoanthids are observed at mid and lower intertidal zones beyond 20 m from highest high tide level. In the present study, distribution patterns of zoanthid species along three coastal villages of Saurashtra coast, Gujarat were studied. Line intercept transect method was performed to assess the zoanthid coverage. A total of seven species of zoanthids were recorded during the survey.Palythoa mutukiformed the abundant species in the area with 45.99% coverage, followed byZoanthus sansibaricuswith 33.67% andZoanthuscf.sansibaricuswith 12.26% coverage. Abiotic parameters (sea surface temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH) and nutrient data (ammonia, phosphate, total suspended solids and nitrate) were also recorded during sampling to determine their influence on zoanthid colonies. Higher levels of DO were found to favour the growth ofPalythoa mutukiandIsaurus tuberculatus, whereas increased SST was tolerated byPalythoa tuberculosaonly. Ammonia and phosphate were negatively impacting the growth ofPalythoa mutukiandZoanthusspp. The study provides new information on quantitative zoanthid distribution and the dynamic changes exhibited by zoanthids in relation to various environmental parameters. Zoanthids could be looked upon as an adaptive species which may support reef resurgence in degraded reefs under stress from climate change effects.
A Dialectical Definition of Conservatism
Authors: Alexander James
Published: December 2015

Conservatism is now often said to be a disposition. Against definitions of conservatism as a disposition, critics say that it is also an ideology, and against any such abstract definitions, that it is a historical entity. But no one has yet indicated how these criticisms can be used to improve the definition of conservatism. Here I argue that the dispositional understanding of conservatism, while not wrong in itself, is only the first and simplest element in what has to be an extended or dialectical definition of conservatism. This article is a statement of such a definition.
TRAINING ENGLISH LISTENERS TO IDENTIFY PITCH-ACCENT PATTERNS IN TOKYO JAPANESE
Authors: Shport Irina A.
Published: December 2015

The high-variability training paradigm (multiple words, phonetic contexts, and talkers) has been successful for perceptual learning of tone contrasts. Here, it is extended to training native English listeners on Tokyo Japanese pitch-accent contrasts. Participants had no previous experience with lexically contrastive pitch patterns. They learned to identify three pitch patterns in disyllabic Japanese words: 1st-syllable accented, 2nd-syllable accented, and unaccented. Immediate feedback was provided to the training group but not to the control group. The results showed an effect of training on pitch-pattern identification accuracy that was also generalized to new words spoken in new contexts. In contrast, the control group improved only on the 1st-syllable accented pattern. Error analysis suggested that the unaccented pattern is the most difficult to identify. The results are discussed in terms of native language bias and individual bias affecting second language learning in the prosodic domain.
Cultural Patrimony, Political Identity, and Nationalism in Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Ajala Aderemi Suleiman
Published: December 2015

The convergence of Yoruba nationals and the intensification of nationalism in southwestern Nigeria for self-assertion, political brokerage, and power relations in colonial and post-colonial eras were reinforced by the projection of Yoruba cultural heritage and patrimony expressed both in person and literary productions. Using textual analysis and observation, this paper examines some aspects of cultural heritage and Yoruba nationalism and how cultural heritage created patrimony, the sense of a nation, established civic virtue, and formed local (re)publics in southwestern Nigeria. The present discourse further examines how cultural patrimony is used to echo Yoruba sense of marginalization and political superiority in Nigeria. The paper further argues that most of this cultural heritage addresses a fairly well-defined audience, most especially those sympathetic to Yoruba nationalism and politics. Thus, cultural heritage and patrimony are active agents of nationalism and political identity in southwestern Nigeria.
Group A streptococcal strains isolated in Lao People's Democratic Republic from 2004 to 2013
Authors: RATTANAVONG S. , DANCE D. A. B. , DAVONG V. , BAKER C. , FROST H. , PHETSOUVANH R. , VONGSOUVATH M. , NEWTON P. N. , STEER A. C. , SMEESTERS P. R.
Published: December 2015

Epidemiological data regarding group A streptococcal (GAS) infections in South East Asia are scarce with no information from Laos. We characterized emm types, emm clusters and the antibiotic resistance profile of 124 GAS isolates recovered in Laos during 2004–2013. Most strains were recovered from skin and invasive infections (76% and 19%, respectively). Thirty-four emm types were identified as belonging to 12 emm clusters and no novel emm types were identified. No significant differences were observed in the distribution of emm types or emm clusters according to age or site of recovery (skin or invasive infections). There was moderate strain diversity in this country but considerable differences in emm-type distribution between Laos, Thailand and Cambodia. Vaccine coverage was high for the J8 vaccine candidate. The theoretical coverage for the 30-valent vaccine candidate needs further investigation. Antibiotic resistance was moderate to erythromycin and chloramphenicol (8% and 7%, respectively) and low to ofloxacin (<1%).
A multidomain cascade model of early childhood risk factors associated with oppositional defiant disorder symptoms in a community sample of 6-year-olds
Authors: Lavigne John V. , Gouze Karen R. , Hopkins Joyce , Bryant Fred B.
Published: December 2015

The present study examined a cascade model of age 4 and 5 contextual, parent, parenting, and child factors on symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) at age 6 in a diverse community sample of 796 children. Contextual factors include socioeconomic status, family stress, and conflict; parent factors included parental depression; parenting factors included parental hostility, support, and scaffolding skills; child factors included child effortful control (EC), negative affect (NA), and sensory regulation. Direct effects of age 5 conflict, hostility, scaffolding, EC, and NA were found. Significant indirect, cascading effects on age 6 ODD symptom levels were noted for age 4 socioeconomic status via age 5 conflict and scaffolding skills; age 4 parental depression via age 5 child NA; age 4 parental hostility and support via age 5 EC; age 4 support via age 5 EC; and age 4 attachment via age 5 EC. Parenting contributed to EC, and the age 5 EC effects on subsequent ODD symptom levels were distinct from age 5 parental contributions. Scaffolding and ODD symptoms may have a reciprocal relationship. These results highlight the importance of using a multidomain model to examine factors associated with ODD symptoms early in the child's grammar school years.
Enhanced coalgebraic bisimulation
Authors: ROT JURRIAAN , BONCHI FILIPPO , BONSANGUE MARCELLO , POUS DAMIEN , RUTTEN JAN , SILVA ALEXANDRA
Published: December 2015

We present a systematic study of bisimulation-up-to techniques for coalgebras. This enhances the bisimulation proof method for a large class of state based systems, including labelled transition systems but also stream systems and weighted automata. Our approach allows for compositional reasoning about the soundness of enhancements. Applications include the soundness of bisimulation up to bisimilarity, up to equivalence and up to congruence. All in all, this gives a powerful and modular framework for simplified coinductive proofs of equivalence.
Improvised Neonatal Care–Realizing the Gaps in a Disaster Zone
Authors: Mendlovic Joseph , Albukrek Dov , Dagan David , Merin Ofer , Weiser Giora
Published: December 2015

The treatment of newborns in a disaster zone can be extremely challenging. The effects of the disaster combine with local health care disparity to give these neonates little chance of survival in the event of even minor complications. Rescue teams arriving at such locations must be prepared to handle and to aid these difficult situations using improvisation and ingenuity to overcome many of the unexpected hurdles. A discussion of the difficulties faced in the Philippines following a typhoon and recommendations for future teams are presented.

MendlovicJ,AlbukrekD,DaganD,MerinO,WeiserG.Improvised neonatal care‒realizing the gaps in a disaster zone.Prehosp Disaster Med.2016;31(1):111–113.
Pre-deployment Heat Acclimatization Guidelines for Disaster Responders
Authors: Brearley Matt B.
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Minimal preparation time is a feature of responding to sudden onset disasters. While equipment and supplies are prepared for deployment at short notice, less is known of the physical preparation of medical responders. With many disaster-prone areas classified as tropical regions, there is potential for responders to endure a combination of high ambient temperatures and relative humidity during deployment. Heat acclimatization, defined as the physiological and perceptual adaptations to frequent elevations of core body temperature (Tc), is a key strategy to improve tolerance of hot conditions by medical responders.

Methods

Pre-deployment heat acclimatization guidelines were developed based upon the duration of physical training and the subjective rate of perceived exertion (session RPE). An objective of individual training sessions was the perception of body temperature as warm to hot. The guidelines were implemented for Team Bravo (2nd rotation) of the Australian Medical Assistance Team (AusMAT) deployed to Tacloban, Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan in November 2013. The guidelines were distributed electronically five to seven days prior to deployment and were followed by a consultation. A group training session in hot conditions was undertaken prior to departure.

Results

The AusMAT responders to utilize the guidelines were based in cool or temperate climates that required extra layers of clothing, training during warmer parts of the days, or warm indoor conditions to achieve session objectives. Responders reported the guidelines were simple to use, applicable to their varied training regimens, and had improved their confidence to work in the heat despite not completing the entire 14 day period.

Conclusion

The pre-deployment heat acclimatization guidelines provided AusMAT responders the ability to quantify their physical training and promoted physiological adaptations to maximize health, safety, and performance during deployment. While maintaining year-round heat acclimatization is considered essential for medical responders, these guidelines may facilitate beneficial adaptations once notified of deployment.

BrearleyMB. Pre-deployment heat acclimatization guidelines for disaster responders. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(1):85–89.
Neuropsychological Outcomes in Extremely Preterm Preschoolers Exposed to Tiered Low Oxygen Targets: An Observational Study
Authors: Baron Ida Sue , Weiss Brandi A. , Baker Robin , Ahronovich Margot D. , Litman Fern R. , Baveja Rajiv
Published: December 2015

An observational study of neuropsychological outcomes at preschool age of tiered lowered oxygen (O2) saturation targets in extremely preterm neonates. We studied 111 three-year-olds born <28 weeks’ gestational age. Fifty-nine participants born in 2009–2010 during a time-limited quality improvement initiative each received three-tiered stratification of oxygen rates (83–93% until age 32 weeks, 85–95% until age 35 weeks, and 95% after age 35 weeks), the TieredO2group. Comparisons were made with 52 participants born in 2007–2008 when pre-initiative saturation targets were non-tiered at 89–100%, the Non-tieredO2group. Neuropsychological domains included general intellectual, executive, attention, language, visuoperceptual, visual-motor, and fine and gross motor functioning. Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted. Group comparisons were not statistically significant. Descriptively, the TieredO2group had better general intellectual, executive function, visual-motor, and motor performance and the Non-tieredO2group had better language performance. Cohen’sdand confidence intervals arounddwere in similar direction and magnitude across measures. A large effect size was found for recall of digits-forward in participants born at 23 and 24 weeks’ gestation,d=0.99 and 1.46, respectively. Better TieredO2outcomes in all domains except language suggests that the tiered oxygen saturation target method is not harmful and merits further investigation through further studies. Benefit in auditory attention appeared greatest in those born at 23 and 24 weeks. Participants in the tiered oxygen saturation group also had fewer ventilation days and a lower incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, perhaps explanatory for these neuropsychological outcomes at age 3. (JINS, 2015,21, 322–331)
The potential impact of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) restrictions on expenditures: a systematic review
Authors: Cuffey Joel , Beatty Timothy KM , Harnack Lisa
Published: December 2015

Objective

To systematically review the potential impact of reducing the set of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)-eligible foods (e.g. not allowing purchase of sugar-sweetened beverages with SNAP benefits) on expenditures for restricted foods.

Design

The impact on food expenditures of a $US 1 reduction in available SNAP benefits can be used to estimate the impact of restrictions on SNAP-eligible foods. An electronic search of EconPapers, AgEcon Search, EconLit, WorldCat, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, PubMed and NALDC, and a snowball search were conducted to obtain a sample of studies up to March 2015 that estimate the impacts of SNAP and other income on household food expenditures. The studies were classified according to study population, study design and whether they attempted to correct for major study design biases.

Setting

Estimates were extracted from fifty-nine published and unpublished studies.

Subjects

US households.

Results

Fifty-nine studies were found, yielding 123 estimates of the impact of SNAP benefits on food expenditures and 117 estimates of the difference in impacts between SNAP benefits and other income. Studies correcting for or mitigating study design biases had less estimate variation. Estimates indicate that expenditures on the restricted item would decrease by $US 1·6 to $US 4·8 if $US 10 of SNAP benefits would have otherwise been spent, with a median overall impact of $US 3.

Conclusions

The present literature suggests that restrictions on SNAP-eligible items may result in a small but potentially meaningful decrease in SNAP expenditures for restricted items. Further research is needed to evaluate whether this would translate into improvements in diet quality.
Diagnostische Fehler in der Medizin
Authors: Buser Claudia , Bankova Andriyana
Published: December 2015

Zusammenfassung. Das Erkennen von diagnostischen Fehlern verbessert die Patientensicherheit. Die am häufigsten auftretenden diagnostischen Fehler sind die kognitiven Fehler, gefolgt von den System- und den schuldlosen Fehlern. Kognitive Fehler in der klinischen Praxis sind häufig auf angewendete Heuristiken zurückzuführen. Durch ein besseres Verständnis der Heuristiken sowie durch die Einführung von Checklisten kann die Rate der kognitiven Fehler gesenkt werden. Als validierte retrospektive Erfassung von diagnostischen Fehlern gelten die Autopsien. In der ambulanten Medizin im Vergleich zur stationären Medizin treten diagnostische Fehler häufiger auf, anderseits sind die Fehler bei den stationären Patienten schwerwiegender als diese in der Primärversorgung.
Assessing Variability and Implementation Fidelity of Suicide Prevention Safety Planning in a Regional VA Healthcare System
Authors: Gamarra Jennifer M. , Luciano Matthew T. , Gradus Jaimie L. , Wiltsey Stirman Shannon
Published: December 2015

Abstract. Background: In 2008, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) implemented the use of safety planning for suicide prevention. A safety plan is a list of strategies, developed collaboratively with a provider, for a patient to use when suicide risk is elevated. Despite the use of safety plans in VHA, little is known about implementation fidelity, the extent to which safety plans are delivered as intended, or patient-level outcomes of safety planning. Aims: This study aimed to explore the implementation fidelity of safety planning in a regional VHA hospital and examine the associations between safety plan quality and completeness with patient outcomes. Method: A comprehensive chart review was conducted for patients who were flagged as high risk for suicide (N = 200). Completeness and quality were coded, as well as information about patient and provider interactions regarding safety plan use. Results: Safety plans were mostly complete and of moderate quality, although variability existed, particularly in quality. Limited evidence of follow-up regarding safety planning was found in the medical charts. Higher quality was associated with fewer subsequent psychiatric hospitalizations. Conclusion: Variability in implementation fidelity and infrequent follow-up suggest a need for additional training and support regarding the use of safety plans for suicide prevention.
Identifying Pedophilic Interest in Sex Offenders Against Children	With the Indirect Choice Reaction Time Task
Authors: Dombert Beate , Antfolk Jan , Kallvik Lisa , Zappalà Angelo , Osterheider Michael , Mokros Andreas , Santtila Pekka
Published: December 2015

Abstract. Pedophilia – a disorder of sexual preference with primary sexual interest in prepubescent children – is forensically relevant yet difficult to detect using self-report methods. The present study evaluated the criterion validity of the Choice Reaction Time (CRT) task to differentiate between a sample of child sex offenders with a presumably high rate of pedophilic individuals and three control groups (other sex offenders, non-sex offenders, and community controls, all male; N = 233). The CRT task required locating a dot superimposed on images depicting men, women, girls, or boys and scrambled pictures as quickly as possible. We used two picture sets, the Not Real People (NRP) set and the Virtual People Set (VPS). We predicted sexually relevant pictures to elicit longer reaction times in interaction with the participant group. Both CRTs showed main effects of stimulus explicitness and preferred stimulus gender. The CRT-NRP also yielded an interaction effect of participant group and stimulus maturity while the CRT-VPS showed a tendency in this direction. The overall effect size was moderate. Results offer support for the usefulness of the CRT task in forensic assessment of child sex offenders.
Measuring Dispositional Optimism in Large-Scale	Studies
Authors: Kemper Christoph J. , Wassermann Maria , Hoppe Annekatrin , Beierlein Constanze , Rammstedt Beatrice
Published: December 2015

Abstract. In different fields of the behavioral sciences, a growing demand for brief measures of psychological constructs can be observed. The current research presents new evidence on the reliability and validity of a recently developed ultra-short measure of the optimism construct sensu Scheier and Carver (1985) , the German version of the Scale Optimism-Pessimism-2 (SOP2) as well as first evidence on Spanish and Italian adaptations. Reliability estimates indicate good reliability. Correlations with criteria from the nomological net of the construct are as expected. Equivalence of SOP2 factors across language versions is supported. Due to its highly efficient, yet accurate and valid measurement of the construct, the SOP2 is strongly recommended for assessment settings with severe monetary/time constraints, for example, large-scale surveys. Due to the factor equivalence, the SOP2 is also a valuable measure for cross-cultural studies.
Relationship of Challenge and Hindrance Stressors With Burnout and Its Three Dimensions
Authors: Yao Angus Yongheng , Jamal Muhammad , Demerouti Evangelia
Published: December 2015

Abstract. The two-dimensional-work-stressor framework suggests that both challenge stressors and hindrance stressors have an undesirable (positive) relationship with burnout for all employees. However, the existing studies testing this framework either treated burnout as a global construct or used one burnout dimension and have not used age as a possible moderator. This paper reports two cross-sectional studies that examined the stressor-burnout relationship while burnout is conceptualized as three-dimensional (i.e., emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and inefficacy). Results indicate that although challenge and hindrance stressors show a similar (positive) relationship with exhaustion, they have differing relationships with cynicism and inefficacy. This study also explored how life stage influences the relationships between the two stressors and emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and inefficacy.
Understanding Psychological Reactance
Authors: Steindl Christina , Jonas Eva , Sittenthaler Sandra , Traut-Mattausch Eva , Greenberg Jeff
Published: December 2015

Abstract. Since Brehm first proposed reactance theory in 1966, many studies have explored the remarkable psychological phenomenon of reactance, which Miron and Brehm reviewed in 2006. We present an overview of research that has been done since then. A variety of studies have provided interesting new insights into the theory, adding to what is known about the phenomenon of reactance and the processes activated when people are confronted with threats to their freedom. Nevertheless, many issues that have not been clarified remain to be examined. We therefore close with proposing some suggestions for future research.
Intervention-Elicited Reactance and Its Implications
Authors: Ungar Nadine , Sieverding Monika , Schweizer Fabian , Stadnitski Tatjana
Published: December 2015

Abstract. The present research investigated whether an intervention designed to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables (FVs) would elicit reactance and explored the consequences of reactance. Eighty-four students were randomized to one of two intervention groups or a control group. During the 1-week intervention, which was accompanied by a food diary, the 5aday-group had to eat 5 portions of FVs per day, the just1more group had to eat 1 more portion of FVs than usual, and the control group had to eat as usual. Both intervention groups reported higher reactance than the control group immediately after the intervention (T2) and still 1 week later (T3) with high effect sizes. Trait-reactance had no effect on any of the study variables. Intervention-elicited reactance was associated with a lower FV intake at follow-up (T4), and this association was mediated by a more negative attitude toward eating 5aday assessed 1 week after the intervention (T3).
TAK1 modulates satellite stem cell homeostasis and skeletal muscle repair
Authors: Ogura Yuji , Hindi Sajedah M. , Sato Shuichi , Xiong Guangyan , Akira Shizuo , Kumar Ashok
Published: December 2015

Satellite cells are resident adult stem cells that are required for regeneration of skeletal muscle. However, signalling mechanisms that regulate satellite cell function are less understood. Here we demonstrate that transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) is important in satellite stem cell homeostasis and function. Inactivation of TAK1 in satellite cells inhibits muscle regeneration in adult mice. TAK1 is essential for satellite cell proliferation and its inactivation causes precocious differentiation. Moreover, TAK1-deficient satellite cells exhibit increased oxidative stress and undergo spontaneous cell death, primarily through necroptosis. TAK1 is required for the activation of NF-κB and JNK in satellite cells. Forced activation of NF-κB improves survival and proliferation of TAK1-deficient satellite cells. Furthermore, TAK1-mediated activation of JNK is essential to prevent oxidative stress and precocious differentiation of satellite cells. Collectively, our study suggests that TAK1 is required for maintaining the pool of satellite stem cells and for regenerative myogenesis.
Conformational gating of DNA conductance
Authors: Artés Juan Manuel , Li Yuanhui , Qi Jianqing , Anantram M. P. , Hihath Joshua
Published: December 2015

DNA is a promising molecule for applications in molecular electronics because of its unique electronic and self-assembly properties. Here we report that the conductance of DNA duplexes increases by approximately one order of magnitude when its conformation is changed from the B-form to the A-form. This large conductance increase is fully reversible, and by controlling the chemical environment, the conductance can be repeatedly switched between the two values. The conductance of the two conformations displays weak length dependencies, as is expected for guanine-rich sequences, and can be fit with a coherence-corrected hopping model. These results are supported by ab initio electronic structure calculations that indicate that the highest occupied molecular orbital is more disperse in the A-form DNA case. These results demonstrate that DNA can behave as a promising molecular switch for molecular electronics applications and also provide additional insights into the huge dispersion of DNA conductance values found in the literature.
Unfavorable Individuals in Social Gaming Networks
Authors: Zhang Yichao , Chen Guanrong , Guan Jihong , Zhang Zhongzhi , Zhou Shuigeng
Published: December 2015

In social gaming networks, the current research focus has been on the origin of widespread reciprocal behaviors when individuals play non-cooperative games. In this paper, we investigate the topological properties of unfavorable individuals in evolutionary games. The unfavorable individuals are defined as the individuals gaining the lowest average payoff in a round of game. Since the average payoff is normally considered as a measure of fitness, the unfavorable individuals are very likely to be eliminated or change their strategy updating rules from a Darwinian perspective. Considering that humans can hardly adopt a unified strategy to play with their neighbors, we propose a divide-and-conquer game model, where individuals can interact with their neighbors in the network with appropriate strategies. We test and compare a series of highly rational strategy updating rules. In the tested scenarios, our analytical and simulation results surprisingly reveal that the less-connected individuals in degree-heterogeneous networks are more likely to become the unfavorable individuals. Our finding suggests that the connectivity of individuals as a social capital fundamentally changes the gaming environment. Our model, therefore, provides a theoretical framework for further understanding the social gaming networks.
Suppression of established hepatocarcinoma in adjuvant only immunotherapy: alum triggers anti-tumor CD8+ T cell response
Authors: Wang Bo , Wang Xuanyi , Wen Yumei , Fu Jing , Wang Hongyang , Ma Zhangmei , Shi Yan , Wang Bin
Published: December 2015

Dendritic cell-based immunotherapy is a new weapon in our battle against malignancies in human. Recent trials in human and research work in model animals have shown various degrees of success, suggesting its great potential for clinical use. While protocols vary, a common scheme in this category of treatment involves activation of dendritic cells, with the purpose of increasing antigen presentation and cellular immunity. Therefore, proper use of immune adjuvant is a central subject of study. We report here an unexpected finding that injection of alum, the most widely used human adjuvant, into mice carrying H22 hepatocarcinoma resulted in a significant reduction of tumor growth with extended animal survival. This effect was associated with an increased specific CD8+ T cell activation and an inflammatory environment, yet with minimal overt side effects. Our finding suggests that use of adjuvant alone in certain established tumors can invoke protective host immune activation against the same target, which may be of value in our development of new cancer immunotherapies.
REST mediates resolution of HIF-dependent gene expression in prolonged hypoxia
Authors: Cavadas Miguel A. S. , Mesnieres Marion , Crifo Bianca , Manresa Mario C. , Selfridge Andrew C. , Scholz Carsten C. , Cummins Eoin P. , Cheong Alex , Taylor Cormac T.
Published: December 2015

The hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) is a key regulator of the cellular response to hypoxia which promotes oxygen delivery and metabolic adaptation to oxygen deprivation. However, the degree and duration of HIF-1α expression in hypoxia must be carefully balanced within cells in order to avoid unwanted side effects associated with excessive activity. The expression of HIF-1α mRNA is suppressed in prolonged hypoxia, suggesting that the control of HIF1A gene transcription is tightly regulated by negative feedback mechanisms. Little is known about the resolution of the HIF-1α protein response and the suppression of HIF-1α mRNA in prolonged hypoxia. Here, we demonstrate that the Repressor Element 1-Silencing Transcription factor (REST) binds to the HIF-1α promoter in a hypoxia-dependent manner. Knockdown of REST using RNAi increases the expression of HIF-1α mRNA, protein and transcriptional activity. Furthermore REST knockdown increases glucose consumption and lactate production in a HIF-1α- (but not HIF-2α-) dependent manner. Finally, REST promotes the resolution of HIF-1α protein expression in prolonged hypoxia. In conclusion, we hypothesize that REST represses transcription of HIF-1α in prolonged hypoxia, thus contributing to the resolution of the HIF-1α response.
Low-Temperature, Dry Transfer-Printing of a Patterned Graphene Monolayer
Authors: Cha Sugkyun , Cha Minjeong , Lee Seojun , Kang Jin Hyoun , Kim Changsoon
Published: December 2015

Graphene has recently attracted much interest as a material for flexible, transparent electrodes or active layers in electronic and photonic devices. However, realization of such graphene-based devices is limited due to difficulties in obtaining patterned graphene monolayers on top of materials that are degraded when exposed to a high-temperature or wet process. We demonstrate a low-temperature, dry process capable of transfer-printing a patterned graphene monolayer grown on Cu foil onto a target substrate using an elastomeric stamp. A challenge in realizing this is to obtain a high-quality graphene layer on a hydrophobic stamp made of poly(dimethylsiloxane), which is overcome by introducing two crucial modifications to the conventional wet-transfer method – the use of a support layer composed of Au and the decrease in surface tension of the liquid bath. Using this technique, patterns of a graphene monolayer were transfer-printed on poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate and MoO3, both of which are easily degraded when exposed to an aqueous or aggressive patterning process. We discuss the range of application of this technique, which is currently limited by oligomer contaminants and possible means to expand it by eliminating the contamination problem.
SMARCAL1 Negatively Regulates C-Myc Transcription By Altering The Conformation Of The Promoter Region
Authors: Sharma Tapan , Bansal Ritu , Haokip Dominic Thangminlen , Goel Isha , Muthuswami Rohini
Published: December 2015

SMARCAL1, a member of the SWI2/SNF2 protein family, stabilizes replication forks during DNA damage. In this manuscript, we provide the first evidence that SMARCAL1 is also a transcriptional co-regulator modulating the expression of c-Myc, a transcription factor that regulates 10–15% genes in the human genome. BRG1, SMARCAL1 and RNAPII were found localized onto the c-myc promoter. When HeLa cells were serum starved, the occupancy of SMARCAL1 on the c-myc promoter increased while that of BRG1 and RNAPII decreased correlating with repression of c-myc transcription. Using Active DNA-dependent ATPase A Domain (ADAAD), the bovine homolog of SMARCAL1, we show that the protein can hydrolyze ATP using a specific region upstream of the CT element of the c-myc promoter as a DNA effector. The energy, thereby, released is harnessed to alter the conformation of the promoter DNA. We propose that SMARCAL1 negatively regulates c-myc transcription by altering the conformation of its promoter region during differentiation.
Formation of crystal-like structures and branched networks from nonionic spherical micelles
Authors: Cardiel Joshua J. , Furusho Hirotoshi , Skoglund Ulf , Shen Amy Q.
Published: December 2015

Crystal-like structures at nano and micron scales have promise for purification and confined reactions and as starting points for fabricating highly ordered crystals for protein engineering and drug discovery applications. However, developing controlled crystallization techniques from batch processes remain challenging. We show that neutrally charged nanoscale spherical micelles from biocompatible nonionic surfactant solutions can evolve into nano- and micro-sized branched networks and crystal-like structures. This occurs under simple combinations of temperature and flow conditions. Our findings not only suggest new opportunities for developing controlled universal crystallization and encapsulation procedures that are sensitive to ionic environments and high temperatures, but also open up new pathways for accelerating drug discovery processes, which are of tremendous interest to pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries.
Energetics of Endotoxin Recognition in the Toll-Like Receptor 4 Innate Immune Response
Authors: Paramo Teresa , Tomasio Susana M. , Irvine Kate L. , Bryant Clare E. , Bond Peter J.
Published: December 2015

Bacterial outer membrane lipopolysaccharide (LPS) potently stimulates the mammalian innate immune system and can lead to sepsis, the primary cause of death from infections. LPS is sensed by Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in complex with its lipid-binding coreceptor MD-2, but subtle structural variations in LPS can profoundly modulate the response. To better understand the mechanism of LPS-induced stimulation and bacterial evasion, we have calculated the binding affinity to MD-2 of agonistic and antagonistic LPS variants including lipid A, lipid IVa and synthetic antagonist Eritoran and provide evidence that the coreceptor is a molecular switch that undergoes ligand-induced conformational changes to appropriately activate or inhibit the receptor complex. The plasticity of the coreceptor binding cavity is shown to be essential for distinguishing between ligands, whilst similar calculations for a model bacterial LPS bilayer reveal the “membrane-like” nature of the protein cavity. The ability to predict the activity of LPS variants should facilitate the rational design of TLR4 therapeutics.
Specific quorum sensing-disrupting activity (AQSI) of thiophenones and their therapeutic potential
Authors: Yang Qian , Aamdal Scheie Anne , Benneche Tore , Defoirdt Tom
Published: December 2015

Disease caused by antibiotic resistant pathogens is becoming a serious problem, both in human and veterinary medicine. The inhibition of quorum sensing, bacterial cell-to-cell communication, is a promising alternative strategy to control disease. In this study, we determined the quorum sensing-disrupting activity of 20 thiophenones towards the quorum sensing model bacterium V. harveyi. In order to exclude false positives, we propose a new parameter (AQSI) to describe specific quorum sensing activity. AQSI is defined as the ratio between inhibition of quorum sensing-regulated activity in a reporter strain and inhibition of the same activity when it is independent of quorum sensing. Calculation of AQSI allowed to exclude five false positives, whereas the six most active thiophenones (TF203, TF307, TF319, TF339, TF342 and TF403) inhibited quorum sensing at 0.25 μM, with AQSI higher than 10. Further, we determined the protective effect and toxicity of the thiophenones in a highly controlled gnotobiotic model system with brine shrimp larvae. There was a strong positive correlation between the specific quorum sensing-disrupting activity of the thiophenones and the protection of brine shrimp larvae against pathogenic V. harveyi. Four of the most active quorum sensing-disrupting thiophenones (TF 203, TF319, TF339 and TF342) were considered to be promising since they have a therapeutic potential of at least 10.
Magnetic fluctuations driven insulator-to-metal transition in Ca(Ir1−xRux)O3
Authors: Gunasekera J. , Harriger L. , Dahal A. , Heitmann T. , Vignale G. , Singh D. K.
Published: December 2015

Magnetic fluctuations in transition metal oxides are a subject of intensive research because of the key role they are expected to play in the transition from the Mott insulator to the unconventional metallic phase of these materials and also as drivers of superconductivity. Despite much effort, a clear link between magnetic fluctuations and the insulator-to-metal transition has not yet been established. Here we report the discovery of a compelling link between magnetic fluctuations and the insulator-to-metal transition in Ca(Ir1−xRux)O3 perovskites as a function of the substitution coefficient x. We show that when the material turns from insulator to metal, at a critical value of x ~ 0.3, magnetic fluctuations tend to change their character from antiferromagnetic, a Mott insulator phase, to ferromagnetic, an itinerant electron state with Hund’s orbital coupling. These results are expected to have wide-ranging implications for our understanding of the unconventional properties of strongly correlated electrons systems.
Synthesis and characterization of a multimode stationary phase: Congo red derivatized silica in nano-flow HPLC
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhang Yan , Wang Guan , Chen Wujuan , He Pingang , Wang Qingjiang
Published: December 2015

Congo red derivatized silica has been developed as a mixed mode stationary phase and used for nano-flow HPLC.
Simultaneous detection of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in a DNA bulge structure using a fluorine-modified bisbenzimide derivative
Authors: Sakamoto Takashi , Hasegawa Daisaku , Fujimoto Kenzo
Published: December 2015

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms on the bulged-out nucleobase in dsDNA can be detected simultaneously in a 19F NMR spectrum using 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzene-modified bisbenzimide H33258.
The effect of Mg2+ incorporation on the structure of calcium carbonate clusters: investigation by the anharmonic downward distortion following method
Authors: Kawano Jun , Maeda Satoshi , Nagai Takaya
Published: December 2015

A structure similar to calcite appears when only four CaCO3 units aggregate into the cluster, and the addition of Mg changes its structure.
Quantum transport through a Coulomb blockaded quantum emitter coupled to a plasmonic dimer
Authors: Goker A. , Aksu H.
Published: December 2015

We investigate the electron transmission through a Coulomb blockaded excitonic quantum emitter coupled to metallic nanoparticles possessing plasmon resonances.
Ab initio study of the enantio-selective magnetic-field-induced second harmonic generation in chiral molecules
Authors: Rizzo Antonio , Rikken G. L. J. A. , Mathevet R.
Published: December 2015

Magnetic field induced SHG in chiral molecules is studied computationally. An experimental setup, exploiting intense static magnetic fields, is proposed.
Structural, electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical study on the geometric and electronic structures of [(corrolato)AuIII]n (n = 0, +1, −1) complexes
Authors: Sinha Woormileela , Sommer Michael G. , van der Meer Margarethe , Plebst Sebastian , Sarkar Biprajit , Kar Sanjib
Published: December 2015

UV-vis-NIR/EPR spectroelectrochemical investigations on AuIII corroles display NIR electrochromism, the origins of which are all on corrole-centered processes.
Behaviour of the surface hydroxide groups of exfoliated kaolinite in the gas phase and during water adsorption
Authors: Táborosi Attila , Szilágyi Róbert K.
Published: December 2015

New insights: surface hydroxide groups of the O-sheet and bridging oxide anions of the T-sheet adopt very different orientations in the exfoliated kaolinite from those in the crystalline phase as a function of the presence and absence of an external chemical environment that significantly influences clay reactivity.
Stabilisation of carbonyl free amidinato-manganese(ii) hydride complexes: “masked” sources of manganese(i) in organometallic synthesis
Authors: Fohlmeister Lea , Jones Cameron
Published: December 2015

The first carbonyl free amidinato-manganese(ii) hydride complexes have been prepared (see picture). Preliminary reactivity studies reveal that one of the complexes acts as a “masked” source of an amidinato-manganese(i) fragment in its reactions.
Mesoporous Ni60Fe30Mn10-alloy based metal/metal oxide composite thick films as highly active and robust oxygen evolution catalysts
Authors: Detsi Eric , Cook John B. , Lesel Benjamin K. , Turner Christopher L. , Liang Yu-Lun , Robbennolt Shauna , Tolbert Sarah H.
Published: December 2015

Mesoporous NiFeMn-based electrocatalysts made by selective alloy corrosion stably produce O2from water for more than eleven days in 1 M KOH at a current density of 500 mA cm−2and an overpotential of just 360 mV.
High-performance ternary blend all-polymer solar cells with complementary absorption bands from visible to near-infrared wavelengths
Authors: Benten Hiroaki , Nishida Takaya , Mori Daisuke , Xu Huajun , Ohkita Hideo , Ito Shinzaburo
Published: December 2015

Ternary blend all-polymer solar cells open a new avenue for accelerating improvement in the efficiency of non-fullerene thin-film organic photovoltaics.