bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electro-optical equivalent calibration technology for high-energy laser energy meters
Authors: Wei Ji Feng , Chang Yan , Sun Li Qun , Zhang Kai , Hu Xiao Yang , Zhang Wei
Published: April 2016

Electro-optical equivalent calibration with high calibration power and high equivalence is particularly well-suited to the calibration of high-energy laser energy meters. A large amount of energy is reserved during this process, however, which continues to radiate after power-off. This study measured the radiation efficiency of a halogen tungsten lamp during power-on and after power-off in order to calculate the total energy irradiated by a lamp until the high-energy laser energy meter reaches thermal equilibrium. A calibration system was designed based on the measurement results, and the calibration equivalence of the system was analyzed in detail. Results show that measurement precision is significantly affected by the absorption factor of the absorption chamber and by heat loss in the energy meter. Calibration precision is successfully improved by enhancing the equivalent power and reducing power-on time. The electro-optical equivalent calibration system, measurement uncertainty of which was evaluated as 2.4% (k = 2), was used to calibrate a graphite-cone-absorption-cavity absolute energy meter, yielding a calibration coefficient of 1.009 and measurement uncertainty of 3.5% (k = 2). A water-absorption-type high-energy laser energy meter with measurement uncertainty of 4.8% (k = 2) was considered the reference standard, and compared to the energy meter calibrated in this study, yielded a correction factor of 0.995 (standard deviation of 1.4%).
Diffusion-driven growth of nanowires by low-temperature molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Rueda-Fonseca P. , Orrù M. , Bellet-Amalric E. , Robin E. , Den Hertog M. , Genuist Y. , André R. , Tatarenko S. , Cibert J.
Published: April 2016

With ZnTe as an example, we use two different methods to unravel the characteristics of the growth of nanowires (NWs) by gold-catalyzed molecular beam epitaxy at low temperature. In the first approach, CdTe insertions have been used as markers, and the nanowires have been characterized by scanning transmission electron microscopy, including geometrical phase analysis and energy dispersive electron spectrometry; the second approach uses scanning electron microscopy and the statistics of the relationship between the length of the tapered nanowires and their base diameter. Axial and radial growth are quantified using a diffusion-limited model adapted to the growth conditions; analytical expressions describe well the relationship between the NW length and the total molecular flux (taking into account the orientation of the effusion cells), and the catalyst-nanowire contact area. A long incubation time is observed. This analysis allows us to assess the evolution of the diffusion lengths on the substrate and along the nanowire sidewalls, as a function of temperature and deviation from stoichiometric flux.
Prolongation of the lifetime of guided discharges triggered in atmospheric air by femtosecond laser filaments up to 130 μs
Authors: Arantchouk L. , Honnorat B. , Thouin E. , Point G. , Mysyrowicz A. , Houard A.
Published: April 2016

The triggering and guiding of electric discharges produced in atmospheric air by a compact 100 kV Marx generator is realized in laboratory using an intense femtosecond laser pulse undergoing filamentation. We describe here an approach allowing extending the lifetime of the discharges by injecting a current with an additional circuit. Laser guiding discharges with a length of 8.5 cm and duration of 130 μs were obtained.
Design of a hybrid silicon-plasmonic co-propagating coupler operating close to coherent perfect absorption
Authors: Zanotto Simone , Melloni Andrea
Published: April 2016

By hybrid integration of plasmonic and dielectric waveguide concepts, it is shown that nearly perfect coherent absorption can be achieved in a co-propagating coupler geometry. First, the operating principle of the proposed device is detailed in the context of a more general 2 × 2 lossy coupler formalism. Then, it is shown how to tune the device in a wide region of possible working points, its broadband operation, and the tolerance to fabrication uncertainties. Finally, a complete picture of the electromagnetic modes inside the hybrid structure is analyzed, shining light onto the potentials which the proposed device holds in view of classical and quantum signal processing, nonlinear optics, polarization control, and sensing.
An insight into liquid water networks through hydrogen bonding halide anion: Stimulated Raman scattering
Authors: Wang Shenghan , Fang Wenhui , Li Tianyu , Li Fangfang , Sun Chenglin , Li Zuowei , Huang Yuxin , Men Zhiwei
Published: April 2016

We have studied the interaction between water molecules and halide anions and acquired the influence of concentration by the spontaneous Raman spectrum. The results agreed well with the previous researches. To explore further, the stimulated Raman scattering of a halide–water binary solution is measured to study the nature of the hydrogen bonding between water molecules and halogen anions. Under the effect of laser-induced plasma, the OH stretching vibration spectra of aqueous solutions of halogen ions pretty exhibit different trend compared with that of spontaneous Raman spectrum. The frequency shifts of water OH vibration show different values and directions with adding different halide anions. The red shift of F−– and Cl−–water molecule clusters is due to the process of charge transfer, whereas the blue shift of Br−– and I−–water molecule cluster is due to polarization effect without charge transfer. The results demonstrate that F− and Cl− slightly weaken the hydrogen bond (HB), whereas Br− and I− enhance HB in the water cluster. The decrease of concentration of halogen ions aqueous solution can weaken the effect on the HB.
High reliable and stable organic field-effect transistor nonvolatile memory with a poly(4-vinyl phenol) charge trapping layer based on a pn-heterojunction active layer
Authors: Xiang Lanyi , Ying Jun , Han Jinhua , Zhang Letian , Wang Wei
Published: April 2016

In this letter, we demonstrate a high reliable and stable organic field-effect transistor (OFET) based nonvolatile memory (NVM) with a polymer poly(4-vinyl phenol) (PVP) as the charge trapping layer. In the unipolar OFETs, the inreversible shifts of the turn-on voltage (Von) and severe degradation of the memory window (ΔVon) at programming (P) and erasing (E) voltages, respectively, block their application in NVMs. The obstacle is overcome by using a pn-heterojunction as the active layer in the OFET memory, which supplied a holes and electrons accumulating channel at the supplied P and E voltages, respectively. Both holes and electrons transferring from the channels to PVP layer and overwriting the trapped charges with an opposite polarity result in the reliable bidirectional shifts of Von at P and E voltages, respectively. The heterojunction OFET exhibits excellent nonvolatile memory characteristics, with a large ΔVon of 8.5 V, desired reading (R) voltage at 0 V, reliable P/R/E/R dynamic endurance over 100 cycles and a long retention time over 10 years.
Rethinking Australian Aboriginal English-based speech varieties
Authors: Munro Jennifer , Mushin Ilana
Published: April 2016

The colonial history of Australia necessitated contact between nineteenth and twentieth century dialects of English and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island languages. This has resulted in the emergence of contact languages, some of which have been identified as creoles (e.g. Sandefur 1979, Shnukal 1983) while others have been hidden under the label of ‘Aboriginal English’, exacerbated by what Young (1997) described as a gap in our knowledge of historical analyses of individual speech varieties. In this paper we provide detailed sociohistorical data on the emergence of a contact language in Woorabinda, an ex-Government Reserve in Queensland. We propose that the data shows that the label ‘Aboriginal English’ previously applied (Alexander 1968) does not accurately identify the language. Here we compare the sociohistorical data for Woorabinda to similar data for both Kriol, a creole spoken in the Northern Territory of Australia and to Bajan, an ‘intermediate creole’ of Barbados, to argue that the language spoken in Woorabinda is most likely also an intermediate creole.
Quietness beyond Political Power: Politics of Taking Sanctuary (Bast Neshini) in the Shi‘ite Shrines of Iran
Authors: Eshaghi Peyman
Published: April 2016

“The politic” and “the religious” have had many relations with each other in Iranian history and in some cases “the religious” has been defined in a situation beyond the extent of the political power. A case in point is the right of taking sanctuary in Shi‘ite shrines. Throughout Iran’s history, subjects could take refuge in Shi‘ite shrines and some other places related to religious and non-religious authorities. Persecution was delayed or the individual was forgiven, though sometimes they were sentenced when exiting the shrine. By referring to religious texts that have reinforced that tradition, this article seeks to trace continuities between early Islam and modern Iran. It focuses on sanctuary taking and sit-ins at shrines and tombs, and on the interplay between those actions and political power, and discusses the changing mobility and dynamisms of those actions at different periods of Iranian history.
Aspergillus oryzae nrtA affects kojic acid production
Authors: Sano Motoaki
Published: April 2016

We analyzed the role of the nitrate transporter-encoding gene (nrtA) of Aspergillus oryzae by gene disruption. Southern hybridization analysis indicated that homologous recombination occurred at the resident nrtA locus. Real-time PCR showed that the nrtA gene was strongly inducible by NaNO3. The nrtA disruptant did not exhibit normal growth when nitrate was available as the sole nitrogen source. These results indicate that NrtA is essential for nitrate uptake in A. oryzae. Kojic acid (KA) production was inhibited by the addition of a small amount of sodium nitrate. The nrtA-disrupted strain was deficient in the uptake of nitrate. As a result, KA production in this strain was not considerably affected by the presence of nitrate.
Limits on the generalizability of context-driven control
Authors: Hutcheon Thomas G. , Spieler Daniel H.
Published: April 2016

Context-driven control refers to the fast and flexible weighting of stimulus dimensions that may be applied at the onset of a stimulus. Evidence for context-driven control comes from interference tasks in which participants encounter a high proportion of incongruent trials at one location and a high proportion of congruent trials at another location. Since the size of the congruency effect varies as a function of location, this suggests that stimulus dimensions are weighted differently based on the context in which they appear. However, manipulations of condition proportion are often confounded by variations in the frequency with which particular stimuli are encountered. To date, there is limited evidence for the context-driven control in the absence of stimulus frequency confounds. In the current paper, we attempt to replicate and extend one such finding [Crump, M. J. C., & Milliken, B. (2009). The flexibility of context-specific control: Evidence for context-driven generalization of item-specific control settings. The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 62, 1523–1532]. Across three experiments we fail to find evidence for context-driven control in the absence of stimulus frequency confounds. Based on these results, we argue that consistency in the informativeness of the irrelevant dimension may be required for context-driven control to emerge.
Loudness Counts: Interactions between Loudness, Number Magnitude, and Space
Authors: Hartmann Matthias , Mast Fred W.
Published: April 2016

ATOM (a theory of magnitude) suggests that magnitude information of different formats (numbers, space, and time) is processed within a generalized magnitude network. In this study we investigated whether loudness, as a possible indicator of intensity and magnitude, interacts with the processing of numbers. Small and large numbers, spoken in a quiet and a loud voice, were simultaneously presented to the left and right ear (Experiments 1a and 1b). Participants judged whether the number presented to the left or right ear was louder or larger. Responses were faster when the smaller number was spoken in a quiet voice, and the larger number in a loud voice. Thus, task-irrelevant numerical information influenced the processing of loudness and vice versa. This bi-directional link was also confirmed by classical SNARC paradigms (spatial–numerical association of response codes; Experiments 2a–2c) when participants again judged the magnitude or loudness of separately presented stimuli. In contrast, no loudness–number association was found in a parity judgment task. Regular SNARC effects were found in the magnitude and parity judgment task, but not in the loudness judgment task. Instead, in the latter task, response side was associated with loudness. Possible explanations for these results are discussed.
Catching filopodia: Exosomes surf on fast highways to enter cells
Authors: Schneider Anja , Simons Mikael
Published: April 2016

The mechanisms of exosomal uptake and their intracellular itinerary are not understood. In this issue, Heusermann et al. (2016. J Cell. Biol. http://dx.doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201506084) show that exosomes surf filopodia and are endocytosed in a process reminiscent to virus entry. Intraendosomal exosomes travel to the ER and are distributed to lysosomal compartments.
Martin Jonikas: Bringing high-throughput genetics to photosynthesis
Authors: Powell Kendall
Published: April 2016

Jonikas’ career jumps have advanced Chlamydomonas systems biology.
Genetic functions of the NAIP family of inflammasome receptors for bacterial ligands in mice
Authors: Zhao Yue , Shi Jianjin , Shi Xuyan , Wang Yupeng , Wang Fengchao , Shao Feng
Published: April 2016

Biochemical studies suggest that the NAIP family of NLR proteins are cytosolic innate receptors that directly recognize bacterial ligands and trigger NLRC4 inflammasome activation. In this study, we generated Naip5−/−, Naip1−/−, and Naip2−/− mice and showed that bone marrow macrophages derived from these knockout mice are specifically deficient in detecting bacterial flagellin, the type III secretion system needle, and the rod protein, respectively. Naip1−/−, Naip2−/−, and Naip5−/− mice also resist lethal inflammasome activation by the corresponding ligand. Furthermore, infections performed in the Naip-deficient macrophages have helped to define the major signal in Legionella pneumophila, Salmonella Typhimurium and Shigella flexneri that is detected by the NAIP/NLRC4 inflammasome. Using an engineered S. Typhimurium infection model, we demonstrate the critical role of NAIPs in clearing bacterial infection and protecting mice from bacterial virulence–induced lethality. These results provide definitive genetic evidence for the important physiological function of NAIPs in antibacterial defense and inflammatory damage–induced lethality in mice.
Ae4 (Slc4a9) is an electroneutral monovalent cation-dependent Cl−/HCO3− exchanger
Authors: Peña-Münzenmayer Gaspar , George Alvin T. , Shull Gary E. , Melvin James E. , Catalán Marcelo A.
Published: April 2016

Ae4 (Slc4a9) belongs to the Slc4a family of Cl−/HCO3− exchangers and Na+-HCO3− cotransporters, but its ion transport cycle is poorly understood. In this study, we find that native Ae4 activity in mouse salivary gland acinar cells supports Na+-dependent Cl−/HCO3− exchange that is comparable with that obtained upon heterologous expression of mouse Ae4 and human AE4 in CHO-K1 cells. Additionally, whole cell recordings and ion concentration measurements demonstrate that Na+ is transported by Ae4 in the same direction as HCO3− (and opposite to that of Cl−) and that ion transport is not associated with changes in membrane potential. We also find that Ae4 can mediate Na+-HCO3− cotransport–like activity under Cl−-free conditions. However, whole cell recordings show that this apparent Na+-HCO3− cotransport activity is in fact electroneutral HCO3−/Na+-HCO3− exchange. Although the Ae4 anion exchanger is thought to regulate intracellular Cl− concentration in exocrine gland acinar cells, our thermodynamic calculations predict that the intracellular Na+, Cl−, and HCO3− concentrations required for Ae4-mediated Cl− influx differ markedly from those reported for acinar secretory cells at rest or under sustained stimulation. Given that K+ ions share many properties with Na+ ions and reach intracellular concentrations of 140–150 mM (essentially the same as extracellular [Na+]), we hypothesize that Ae4 could mediate K+-dependent Cl−/HCO3− exchange. Indeed, we find that Ae4 mediates Cl−/HCO3− exchange activity in the presence of K+ as well as Cs+, Li+, and Rb+. In summary, our results strongly suggest that Ae4 is an electroneutral Cl−/nonselective cation–HCO3− exchanger. We postulate that the physiological role of Ae4 in secretory cells is to promote Cl− influx in exchange for K+(Na+) and HCO3− ions.
Discovery of a persistent Zika virus lineage in Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Naccache Samia N. , Thézé Julien , Sardi Silvia I. , Somasekar Sneha , Greninger Alexander L. , Bandeira Antonio C. , Campos Gubio S. , Tauro Laura B. , Faria Nuno R. , Pybus Oliver G. , Chiu Charles Y.
Published: April 2016

Metagenomic next-generation sequencing coupled with capture probe enrichment was used to recover 11 whole and partial Zika virus (ZIKV) genomes from patients in Bahia, Brazil from April 2015 to January 2016, where the majority of suspected Brazilian ZIKV cases have been reported. Phylogenetic reconstructions and molecular clock analyses using the newly generated data uncovered the existence of a Bahia-specific ZIKV lineage sharing a common ancestor in mid-2014, indicating sustained circulation of this strain in Bahia since that date.
The relationship between school-work-family-conflict, subjective stress, and burnout
Authors: Kremer Inbar
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– School has been neglected as a source of stress and strain resulting from its inevitable conflict with work and family role demands among married, working students. The meager research available has examined only work-school (not school-work) conflict among adolescents and college students and only three studies (two unpublished) have developed measures of conflict involving work, family, and school without studying its antecedents and consequences. The purpose of this paper is to examine all six school-work-family interrole conflicts and their effects on subjective stress and burnout. It was hypothesized that the greater the conflict between family, work, and school roles, the greater the subjective stress and burnout and that women experience more work-family-school conflicts than do men.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 100 working married adult students completed self-report demographic questionnaire, school-work-family conflict, subjective stress, and burnout scales.

Findings

– Regression results revealed that school-work (but not work-school) conflict was the only one of the six interrole conflicts examined that contributed to subjective stress and burnout. Women reported greater work-family conflict and family-work conflict. There were no differences between men and women involving school; where gender plays no role, it causes no conflict.

Research limitations/implications

– Scholars interested in interrole conflict involving family and work should expand the scope of their theories and research to include the school role.

Originality/value

– The present study was the first to examine all six school-work-family interrole conflicts and their effects on subjective stress and burnout.
Overwork climate scale: psychometric properties and relationships with working hard
Authors: Mazzetti Greta , Schaufeli Wilmar B. , Guglielmi Dina , Depolo Marco
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate whether employees’ tendency to work excessive hours is motivated by the perception of a work environment that encourages overwork (overwork climate). Thus, this study introduces a self-report questionnaire aimed at assessing the perception of a psychological climate for overwork in the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

– In Study 1, the overwork climate scale (OWCS) was developed and evaluated using principal component analysis (n=395) and confirmatory factor analysis (n=396). In Study 2, the total sample (n=791) was used to explore the association of the overwork climate with opposite types of working hard (work engagement and workaholism).

Findings

– Two overwork climate dimensions were distinguished, namely, overwork endorsement and lacking overwork rewards. The lack of overwork rewards was negatively associated with engagement, whereas workaholism showed a strong positive association with overwork endorsement. These relationships remained significant after controlling for the impact of psychological job demands.

Research limitations/implications

– The findings rely on self-report data and a cross-sectional design.

Practical implications

– The perception of a work environment that encourages overwork but does not allocate additional compensation seems to foster workaholism. Moreover, the inadequacy of overwork rewards constitutes a lack of resources that negatively affect employees’ engagement.

Originality/value

– This study represents one of the first attempts to develop a questionnaire aimed at assessing a psychological climate for overwork and to explore whether the perception of this type of climate may be significantly related to workaholism and work engagement.
Creating a winning culture: next step for leading HR professionals
Authors: Ulrich Dave , Brockbank Wayne
Published: April 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to answer the why, what and how of culture as an emerging human resource agenda. Understanding culture is a trending topic for organization executives and thought leaders. Few deny the importance of culture for shaping and sustaining employee engagement and productivity, sustained strategy and business results. But while culture matters, it is often ambiguous and hard to define.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on our research on over 1,000 organizations, the authors have found that organization (culture) impacts business performance two to four times as much as individual talent.

Findings

The authors suggest that culture is not just a random set of values, beliefs or emotions, but a winning culture turns customer promises (firm brands) into internal organization actions. This paper proposes a disciplined process for creating a winning culture that engages employees in the right issues and invite human resource professionals to step up to this opportunity.

Originality/value

In this paper, the authors posit that the war for talent may be supplemented by understanding victory through organization culture.
A literature review of the evolution of British prefabricated low-rise housing
Authors: O'Neill Daniel , Organ Samantha
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore academic papers and reports and present a chronology of the evolution of British low-rise prefabricated housing. The paper provides chronological information for construction and surveying researchers undertaking research in associated areas.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a qualitative literature review, providing an exploration and analysis of academic papers and reports on low-rise prefabricated housing.

Findings

– A substantial literature was discovered. However, there are gaps in the available literature. The history of British construction technology is a rich research area but is under-researched. Prefabricated housing has a long history dating back to the eleventh century. Stigmatised from the failures of housing in the twentieth century, it is being increasingly used again in the twenty-first century when considering mass housing supply.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper provides researchers with an overview of the history of low-rise prefabricated housing in Britain. It is not a comprehensive in-depth study; such would require numerous larger individual studies.

Originality/value

– From reviewing literature it was evident that there was a broad literature, but there was no single journal publication exploring the evolution of British low-rise prefabricated housing. The research provides an overview, exploration and analysis of the literature while providing a chronology. The evolution of prefabricated housing is chronologically presented. Areas for further research are also recommended.
Cerebral microemboli detected by transcranial doppler in patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Marinoni M. , Migliaccio M. L. , Trapani S. , Bonizzoli M. , Gucci L. , Cianchi G. , Gallerini A. , Tadini Buoninsegni L. , Cramaro A. , Valente S. , Chiostri M. , Peris A.
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Cerebrovascular complications rate in patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is about 7%. Ischemic stroke may be caused by solid or gaseous microemboli due to thrombosis within the circuit or cannula. Transcranial Doppler (TCD) is the only method able to detect microembolic signals (MES) in real time. The objective of this study was to detect possible MES by TCD in patients treated with veno‐venous (VV) and veno‐arterial (VA) ECMO and to test for a relation between the number of MES and the 6‐month clinical outcome of these patients.

Methods

This is a monocentric observational prospective study in patients consecutively admitted and treated with ECMO at our regional ECMO referral center in 18 months. TCD detection of MES was performed in patients upon initiation of treatment and then repeated during treatment.

Results

Two hundred and forty‐eight TCD monitoring were performed in 42 VV and 11 VA ECMO patients. MES were detected in 26.2% of VV ECMO patients and in 81.8% of VA ECMO patients (P < 0.001). In both subgroups of patients, no correlation was found between MES detection and extracorporeal flow velocities or aPTT values. In VA ECMO patients, an inverse correlation between left ventricular ejection fraction and MES grading was found (P = 0.037). In both groups, no clinical neurological impairments correlated to MES detection were found at 6 months follow‐up.

Conclusions

MES were found in both ECMO configurations; independently from their pathophysiology, MES do not seem to influence clinical outcome. Multicenter studies are still required with more extensive cases to confirm these results.
Innate Immune System at the Maternal–Fetal Interface: Mechanisms of Disease and Targets of Therapy in Pregnancy Syndromes
Authors: Triggianese Paola , Perricone Carlo , Chimenti Maria Sole , De Carolis Caterina , Perricone Roberto
Published: April 2016

The maternal–fetal interface is an immunologically unique site that allows the tolerance to the allogenic fetus and maintains host defense against possible pathogens. Balanced immune responses are required for the maintenance of successful pregnancy. It has been demonstrated that innate immune disturbances may be responsible for some adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preeclampsia (PE); hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets (HELLP) syndrome; intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR); and recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). Observational studies suggest that immunomodulatory treatments in pregnancy‐specific complications may improve both the hematological/biochemical features in the mother and the perinatal outcomes. The following review will discuss how recent and relevant findings in the field of the innate immunity have advanced our understanding of the role of inflammation and innate immune system in the pathogenesis of pregnancy failure and will discuss the therapeutic outcomes of the existing studies and clinical trials in light of these new insights.
Clinical relevance of molecular diagnosis in pet allergy
Authors: Uriarte S. A. , Sastre J.
Published: April 2016

We describe the pattern of sensitisation to pet IgE components and its association with clinical symptoms. Hundred and fifty nine consecutive patients with rhinitis/asthma sensitised to dog, cat, and horse were recruited. Specific IgE to whole extracts and to pet recombinant allergens were performed. Only 5% of patients were monosensitised to animal allergens. Specific IgE to Can f 1 was significantly associated with persistent rhinitis, Can f 2 with asthma diagnosis, Can f 3 with moderate/severe rhinitis (M/S‐R) and asthma diagnosis (AD), and Can f 5 with persistent and M/S‐R. Positive IgE to Fel d 2 was significantly associated with M/S‐R and AD, Equ c 1 with M/S‐R and Equ c 3 with persistent rhinitis, AD and severe asthma. Sensitisation to ≥2 molecules or to pet albumins was associated with more severe respiratory symptoms. Molecular diagnosis in patients with pet allergy may also help clinicians to predict clinical symptoms and their severity.
Safety of femtosecond laser‐assisted cataract surgery: assessment of aqueous humour and lens capsule
Authors: Yu A‐Yong , Lin Cai‐Xia , Wang Qin‐Mei , Zheng Mei‐Qing , Qin Xiao‐Yi
Published: April 2016

Purpose

To investigate the effect of femtosecond laser‐assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) on aqueous humour and lens capsule.

Methods

This prospective randomized comparative study enrolled 19 eyes that underwent FLACS as the trial group and 20 eyes that underwent conventional phacoemulsification as the control group. The femtosecond laser platform (LLS‐fs 3D; LensAR, Orlando, FL, USA) was used to generate capsulotomy (laser energy 8 μJ) and lens fragmentation (laser energy 10 μJ). Morphology of the cutting edge and cells of anterior capsule was assessed by light microscopy. The proteins in the aqueous humour were identified by mass spectrometry (Ultraflex III TOF/TOF; Bruker Dalton, Bremen, Germany). Electrolyte in the aqueous humour was detected by a chemistry analyzer (Aeroset Clinical Chemistry Analyzer; Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL, USA).

Results

The cutting edge of anterior capsule was saw‐tooth‐shaped under magnification of 200× and 400× in the trial group, while it was smooth in the control group. Intact cells were found in the boundary area next to the cutting edge of anterior capsule in both groups. β‐Crystallin B1, γ‐crystallin S and transferrin were detected in the aqueous humour in the trial group. The concentrations of K+, Na+ and Cl− in the aqueous humour in the trial group differed significantly from those in the control group (p = 0.02, 0.03 and 0.04, respectively).

Conclusion

Femtosecond laser‐assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) causes release of transferrin and crystallin from lens to aqueous humour and results in significant changes in the concentrations of K+, Na+ and Cl− in aqueous humour. However, these changes due to FLACS have no clinical significance or toxicity.
The prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome‐type symptoms in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease, and the relationship with biochemical markers of disease activity
Authors: Diederen K. , Hoekman D. R. , Hummel T. Z. , de Meij T. G. , Koot B. G. P. , Tabbers M. M. , Vlieger A. M. , Kindermann A. , Benninga M. A.
Published: April 2016

Background

A large proportion (25–46%) of adults with inflammatory bowel disease in remission has symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which are thought to reflect ongoing inflammation. Data on paediatric inflammatory bowel disease patients are lacking.

Aim

To investigate (i) the prevalence of IBS‐type symptoms in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease patients in remission and (ii) the relationship of IBS‐type symptoms with biochemical markers of disease activity.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included all patients (<18 years) with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis attending the out‐patient clinic of one of three Dutch hospitals between March 2014 and June 2015. Clinical disease activity was determined using the abbreviated‐PCDAI or PUCAI. Biochemical disease activity was assessed using faecal calprotectin and serum CRP. IBS‐symptoms were assessed using physician‐administered Rome III‐questionnaires.

Results

We included 184 patients (92 female; mean age: 14.5 years) (Crohn's disease: 123, ulcerative colitis: 61). The prevalence of IBS‐type symptoms in children with inflammatory bowel disease in clinical remission was 6.4% (95% CI: 2.5–11.1%; Crohn's disease: 4.5%; ulcerative colitis: 10.8%). Prevalence of IBS‐type symptoms in children with faecal calprotectin <250 μg/g was 16.1% (95% CI: 7.6–25.8%; Crohn's disease: 16.7%; ulcerative colitis: 10.8%). No difference in faecal calprotectin or CRP was found between patients in clinical remission with or without IBS‐type symptoms (faecal calprotectin: IBS+ median 58 μg/g, IBS− 221 μg/g, P = 0.12; CRP: IBS+ median 1.4 mg/L, IBS− 1.1 mg/L, P = 0.63).

Conclusions

The prevalence of IBS‐type symptoms in children with inflammatory bowel disease is highly dependent on the definition of remission. Nonetheless, the prevalence is much lower than that previously reported in studies in adult inflammatory bowel disease patients. IBS‐type symptoms appear to be unrelated to gastrointestinal inflammation.
“Hearing they do not hear”: Comment on Anderson, Bushman, Donnerstein, Hummer, and Warburton
Authors: Cupit C. Glenn
Published: April 2016

The SPSSI summary of research into media‐related violence is one of a series of such expert reviews over many years drawing much the same conclusions. It is necessary because of issues among legislators and regulators, and sections of the academic community that lead to a lack of effective policy response to the findings. The influence of media research deniers justifies the regular production of such reviews so that, should the sociopolitical climate shift, there will be a body of knowledge upon which to build a strategy for change. As such, this summary represents a valuable contribution to the field.
Molecular nutrition: Interaction of nutrients, gene regulations and performances
Authors: Sato Kan
Published: April 2016

Nutrition deals with ingestion of foods, digestion, absorption, transport of nutrients, intermediary metabolism, underlying anabolism and catabolism, and excretion of unabsorbed nutrients and metabolites. In addition, nutrition interacts with gene expressions, which are involved in the regulation of animal performances. Our laboratory is concerned with the improvement of animal productions, such as milks, meats and eggs, with molecular nutritional aspects. The present review shows overviews on the nutritional regulation of metabolism, physiological functions and gene expressions to improve animal production in chickens and dairy cows.
Plant blindness and the implications for plant conservation
Authors: Balding Mung , Williams Kathryn J.H.
Published: April 2016

Plant conservation initiatives lag behind and receive considerably less funding than animal conservation projects. We explored a potential reason for this bias: a tendency among humans to neither notice nor value plants in the environment. Experimental research and surveys have demonstrated higher preference for, superior recall of, and better visual detection of animals compared with plants. This bias has been attributed to perceptual factors such as lack of motion by plants and the tendency of plants to visually blend together but also to cultural factors such as a greater focus on animals in formal biological education. In contrast, ethnographic research reveals that many social groups have strong bonds with plants, including nonhierarchical kinship relationships. We argue that plant blindness is common, but not inevitable. If immersed in a plant‐affiliated culture, the individual will experience language and practices that enhance capacity to detect, recall, and value plants, something less likely to occur in zoocentric societies. Therefore, conservation programs can contribute to reducing this bias. We considered strategies that might reduce this bias and encourage plant conservation behavior. Psychological research demonstrates that people are more likely to support conservation of species that have human‐like characteristics and that support for conservation can be increased by encouraging people to practice empathy and anthropomorphism of nonhuman species. We argue that support for plant conservation may be garnered through strategies that promote identification and empathy with plants.
G9a histone methyltransferase inhibitor BIX01294 promotes expansion of adult cardiac progenitor cells without changing their phenotype or differentiation potential
Authors: Kaur K. , Yang J. , Edwards J. G. , Eisenberg C. A. , Eisenberg L. M.
Published: April 2016

Objectives

As a follow‐up to our previous reports showing that the G9a histone methyltransferase‐specific inhibitor BIX01294 enhances bone marrow cell cardiac potential, this drug was examined for its effects on cardiomyocytes and mouse cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs).

Materials and methods

Cardiomyocytes and cardiac explants were cultured ± BIX01294, and examined for changes in cardiac function, protein and gene expression. Additionally, enriched populations of CPCs, contained in the ‘phase bright cell’ component of explants, were harvested from non‐treated and BIX01294‐treated cardiac tissue, and assayed for differences in cell phenotype and differentiation potential. Mouse CPCs were cultured with rat cardiomyocytes to allow differentiation of the progenitors to be assayed using species‐specific PCR primers.

Results

While BIX01294 had no discernible effect on myocyte function and sarcomeric organization, treatment with this drug significantly increased CPC proliferation, as indicated by enhanced MTT metabolization and BrdUrd incorporation (4.1‐ and 2.0‐fold, respectively, P < 0.001) after 48 h labelling, and increased Ki67 expression (4.8‐fold, P < 0.001) after 7 days culture. Heart explants exposed to BIX01294 generated 3.6‐fold (P < 0.005) greater yields of CPCs by 2 weeks culture. Importantly, CPCs obtained from non‐treated and BIX01294‐treated cultures did not differ in phenotype or differentiation potential.

Conclusions

These data indicate that BIX01294 can expand CPCs without undermining their capacity as cardiac progenitors, and suggest that this drug may have utility for generating large numbers of CPCs for cardiac repair.
Effects of intraplantar botulinum toxin‐B on carrageenan‐induced changes in nociception and spinal phosphorylation of GluA1 and Akt
Authors: Sikandar Shafaq , Gustavsson Ynette , Marino Marc J. , Dickenson Anthony H. , Yaksh Tony L. , Sorkin Linda S. , Ramachandran Roshni
Published: April 2016

Increasing evidence suggests that botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) delivered into the skin and muscle in certain human and animal pain states may exert antinociceptive efficacy though their uptake and transport to central afferent terminals. Cleavage of soluble N‐methylaleimide‐sensitive attachment protein receptor by BoNTs can impede vesicular mediated neurotransmitter release as well as transport/insertion of channel/receptor subunits into plasma membranes, an effect that can reduce activity‐evoked facilitation. Here, we explored the effects of intraplantar botulinum toxin‐ B (BoNT‐B) on peripheral inflammation and spinal nociceptive processing in an inflammatory model of pain. C57BL/6 mice (male) received unilateral intraplantar BoNT (1 U, 30 μL) or saline prior to intraplantar carrageenan (20 μL, 2%) or intrathecal N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA), substance P or saline (5 μL). Intraplantar carrageenan resulted in edema and mechanical allodynia in the injected paw and increased phosphorylation of a glutamate subunit (pGluA1ser845) and a serine/threonine‐specific protein kinase (pAktser473) in spinal dorsal horn along with an increased incidence of spinal c‐Fos positive cells. Pre‐treatment with intraplantar BoNT‐B reduced carrageenan evoked: (i) allodynia, but not edema; (ii) pGluA1 and pAkt and (iii) c‐Fos expression. Further, intrathecal NMDA and substance P each increased dorsal horn levels of pGluA1 and pAkt. Intraplantar BoNT‐B inhibited NMDA, but not substance P evoked phosphorylation of GluA1 and Akt. These results suggest that intraplantar toxin is transported centrally to block spinal activation and prevent phosphorylation of a glutamate receptor subunit and a kinase, which otherwise contribute to facilitated states.
A synthesis of transplant experiments and ecological niche models suggests that range limits are often niche limits
Authors: Lee‐Yaw Julie A. , Kharouba Heather M. , Bontrager Megan , Mahony Colin , Csergő Anna Mária , Noreen Annika M.E. , Li Qin , Schuster Richard , Angert Amy L.
Published: April 2016

Global change has made it important to understand the factors that shape species’ distributions. Central to this area of research is the question of whether species’ range limits primarily reflect the distribution of suitable habitat (i.e. niche limits) or arise as a result of dispersal limitation. Over‐the‐edge transplant experiments and ecological niche models are commonly used to address this question, yet few studies have taken advantage of a combined approach for inferring the causes of range limits. Here, we synthesise results from existing transplant experiments with new information on the predicted suitability of sites based on niche models. We found that individual performance and habitat suitability independently decline beyond range limits across multiple species. Furthermore, inferences from transplant experiments and niche models were generally concordant within species, with 31 out of 40 cases fully supporting the hypothesis that range limits are niche limits. These results suggest that range limits are often niche limits and that the factors constraining species’ ranges operate at scales detectable by both transplant experiments and niche models. In light of these findings, we outline an integrative framework for addressing the causes of range limits in individual species.
Life history of the spider parasitoidZatypota percontatoria(Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)
Authors: Korenko Stanislav , Potopová Vera , Satrapová Jitka , Pekár Stano
Published: April 2016

The life history of polysphinctine parasitoids is poorly understood. As a result, their effect on their host has not been evaluated. Here, we present the phenology ofZatypota percontatoria, an ectoparasitoid wasp of theridiid spiders, using rich field, semi‐field and laboratory investigations of selected life‐history parameters. The wasps overwintered as larva attached to the spider abdomen and the imagos of the first generation emerged at the beginning of May. The sex ratio (F/M) of overwintered wasp larvae was 1.4. The wasp spent an average of 6.4 days in the egg stage, 27.67 days in the larval stage and 9.6 days in the pupal stage. Adult longevity was on average 14.34 days. Oviposition occurred on average 8.44 days following maturity. The wasp laid on average 0.35 eggs/day. The total fecundity was on average 7.4 eggs per wasp and decreased with age (data from unmated females). The developmental rate increased with experimental temperature up to 28 °C. The lower developmental threshold for pupae was estimated at 6.6 °C. The sum of effective temperatures for pupae was estimated at 157.8 degree days. Using daily temperature records from the Czech Republic over the last 41 years, we estimated an average of 3.5 generations ofZ. percontatoriaper year. Mortality was 48% in semi‐field conditions and 23% in the laboratory. The incidence of mortality was highest during egg and larval stages caused by the detachment of eggs or larvae during spider molting, the mortality of the spider‐host and egg deposition on the spider prosoma.
‘Citizens’ and ‘Foreigners’ in EU Law. Migration Law and its Cosmopolitan Outlook
Authors: Thym Daniel
Published: April 2016

Migration has become a controversial subject across Europe and beyond. At the same time, the EU has built up an impressive set of rules for third‐country nationals over the past two decades, which—unlike the mobility of EU citizens—received comparatively little attention apart from immigration and asylum specialists. This contribution presents the constitutional framework for ‘migration law’ towards third‐country nationals and shows in how far they depart from the paradigm of intra‐European mobility. It will be argued that differences can be rationalised by divergent objectives and do, nonetheless, not present a move towards ‘fortress Europe’. EU migration law maintains the distinction between citizens and foreigners at the same time as it protects migrants, including refugees. By accommodating migrants' rights and self‐government, EU migration law can be construed as an endeavour to replace traditional notions of alienage with constitutional rules with a cosmopolitan outlook.
Macroinvertebrate seedbank composition in relation to antecedent duration of drying and multiple wet‐dry cycles in a temporary stream
Authors: Stubbington Rachel , Gunn John , Little Sally , Worrall Thomas P. , Wood Paul J.
Published: April 2016

The aquatic invertebrate ‘seedbank’ comprises life stages that remain viable in the bed sediments of temporary freshwaters during dry phases. This seedbank promotes persistence of temporary‐stream macroinvertebrates, but how its inhabitants respond to extended dry phases or repeated transitions between wet and dry phases remains unknown.

We rehydrated samples collected from the dry bed of a temperate‐zone stream during a supra‐seasonal drought, to examine the seedbank assemblage. Samples were first collected in autumn, from 12 sites along the ephemeral (4 sites), intermittent (2) and near‐perennial (6) reaches, which had been dry for up to 8 months. Our first hypothesis was that assemblage composition would be related to the dry‐phase duration preceding sampling, with longer dry phases reducing abundance and richness.

We revisited the same sites in three subsequent seasons, collecting and rehydrating sediments from all dry sites: five sites in early spring, three in late spring and four in late summer. Unpredictable flow resumption and redrying occurred between sampling dates. Our second hypothesis was that repeated wet‐dry cycles would not degrade the assemblage because temporary‐stream taxa would be adapted to fluctuating hydrological conditions.

Multiple individuals of only Chironomidae, Oligochaeta and Pisidium were present at sites that experienced the longest dry phases, providing some support for our first hypothesis. An additional 21 taxa were recorded across the remaining (shorter dry phase) sites in autumn, indicating that such sites act as refuges and potential recolonist sources following flow resumptions.

Although several insect orders first recorded in early spring were absent in later seasons, taxon‐specific life cycles indicated that these absences were probably seasonal and not due to repeated wet‐dry cycles.

We recorded 38 taxa in total, highlighting the seedbank as a dry‐phase resistance mechanism for many temporary‐stream macroinvertebrates. Our results also suggest that seedbank diversity may be threatened by increases in drought extent and duration.