bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Late effects of adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer on fine motor function
Authors: Hoogendam Yoo Young , Schagen Sanne B. , Ikram M. Arfan , Boogerd Willem , Seynaeve Caroline , Seidler Rachael D. , Breteler Monique M. B. , Van der Geest Jos N. , Koppelmans Vincent
Published: March 2015

Background

Adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer has been associated with deterioration of fine motor skill. Which aspects of motor performance are underlying this problem is unclear but important because manual motor deterioration could affect quality of life. The current study aims to investigate late effects of adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer on fine motor function, using both speed and accuracy measures.

Method

We compared fine motor function of 174 women who had received adjuvant Cyclophosphamide Methotrexate 5‐Fluorouracil chemotherapy for breast cancer on average 20 years ago with that of a population sample of 195 women without a history of cancer. Fine motor function was measured with the Purdue Pegboard Test and the Archimedes spiral test.

Results

The group of chemotherapy‐exposed breast cancer survivors was slower in drawing an Archimedes spiral than the reference group. Furthermore, in the chemotherapy‐exposed subjects, we found that older age is related to more crossings of the spiral template, more return movements, and more deviations from the template. Such relationships were not observed within the reference group. No significant between‐group differences were found for any of the Purdue Pegboard measures.

Conclusions

Compared with a population‐based reference group, Cyclophosphamide Methotrexate 5‐Fluorouracil chemotherapy‐exposed breast cancer survivors demonstrated motor slowing while drawing an Archimedes spiral, on average 20 years after completion of primary treatment. Furthermore, the Archimedes spiral test is a more sensitive measure than the Purdue Pegboard Test to assess fine manual motor performance in long‐term breast cancer survivors following chemotherapy. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dose optimisation following myocardial infarction
Authors: Petty Duncan , Khatib Rani
Published: March 2015

Dose optimisation of medicines for secondary prevention of MI provides evidence‐based benefits, but studies show that ACE inhibitors and beta‐blockers are prescribed at suboptimal doses on discharge and are not appropriately up‐titrated thereafter. Here we look at the reasons why and the possible solutions.
Is dosing time important for treating hypertension?
Authors: MacDonald Tom
Published: March 2015

The TIME study aims to investigate the importance of time of dosing in treating hypertension and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events. Here, Professor Tom MacDonald discusses how the trial will be conducted, patient eligibility and how GP practices can aid recruitment.
Switched capacitor charge pump used for low‐distortion imaging in atomic force microscope
Authors: Zhang Jie , Zhang Lian Sheng , Feng Zhi Hua
Published: March 2015

The switched capacitor charge pump (SCCP) is an effective method of linearizing charges on piezoelectric actuators and therefore constitute a significant approach to nano‐positioning. In this work, it was for the first time implemented in an atomic force microscope for low‐distortion imaging. Experimental results showed that the image quality was improved evidently under the SCCP drive compared with that under traditional linear voltage drive. SCANNING 37:232–236, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Defect prediction as a multiobjective optimization problem
Authors: Canfora Gerardo , Lucia Andrea De , Penta Massimiliano Di , Oliveto Rocco , Panichella Annibale , Panichella Sebastiano
Published: March 2015

In this paper, we formalize the defect‐prediction problem as a multiobjective optimization problem. Specifically, we propose an approach, coined as multiobjective defect predictor (MODEP), based on multiobjective forms of machine learning techniques—logistic regression and decision trees specifically—trained using a genetic algorithm. The multiobjective approach allows software engineers to choose predictors achieving a specific compromise between the number of likely defect‐prone classes or the number of defects that the analysis would likely discover (effectiveness), and lines of code to be analysed/tested (which can be considered as a proxy of the cost of code inspection). Results of an empirical evaluation on 10 datasets from the PROMISE repository indicate the quantitative superiority of MODEP with respect to single‐objective predictors, and with respect to trivial baseline ranking classes by size in ascending or descending order. Also, MODEP outperforms an alternative approach for cross‐project prediction, based on local prediction upon clusters of similar classes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling dynamic stall on wind turbine blades under rotationally augmented flow fields
Authors: Guntur Srinivas , Sørensen Niels N. , Schreck Scott , Bergami Leonardo
Published: March 2015

This paper presents an investigation of two well‐known aerodynamic phenomena, rotational augmentation and dynamic stall, together in the inboard parts of wind turbine blades. This analysis is carried out using the following: (1) the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's Unsteady Aerodynamics Experiment Phase VI experimental data, including constant as well as continuously pitching blade conditions during axial operation; (2) data from unsteady delayed detached eddy simulations (DDES) carried out using the Technical University of Denmark's in‐house flow solver Ellipsys3D; and (3) data from a reduced order dynamic stall model that uses rotationally augmented steady‐state polars obtained from steady Phase VI experimental sequences, instead of the traditional two‐dimensional, non‐rotating data. The aim of this work is twofold. First, the blade loads estimated by the DDES simulations are compared with three select cases of the N‐sequence experimental data, which serves as a validation of the DDES method. Results show reasonable agreement between the two data in two out of three cases studied. Second, the dynamic time series of the lift and the moment polars obtained from the experiments are compared with those from the dynamic stall model. This allowed the differences between the stall phenomenon on the inboard parts of harmonically pitching blades on a rotating wind turbine and the classic dynamic stall representation in two‐dimensional flow to be investigated. Results indicated a good qualitative agreement between the model and the experimental data in many cases, which suggests that the current two‐dimensional dynamic stall model as used in blade element momentum‐based aeroelastic codes may provide a reasonably accurate representation of three‐dimensional rotor aerodynamics when used in combination with a robust rotational augmentation model. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mussel-inspired surface modification of magnetic@graphite nanosheets composite for efficient Candida rugosa lipase immobilization
Authors: Hou Chen , Zhou Lincheng , Zhu Hao , Wang Xinyu , Hu Niran , Zeng Fang , Wang Liyuan , Yin Hang
Published: March 2015

By the facile adhesion way, the novel composite complex by polydopamine (PDA) and magnetic graphite nanosheets (Fe3O4@GNSs) has been successfully synthesized. The resulting composite was characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, and Raman spectra, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry. Meanwhile, the PDA functionalized Fe3O4@GNSs (Fe3O4@GNSs-PDA) was applied for Candida rugosa lipase (CRL) immobilization covalently without any toxic coupling agent. Combining the superior physical properties and chemical stability of Fe3O4@GNSs and the well biocompatibility, functional characteristics of PDA, the Fe3O4@GNSs-PDA composite displayed several advantages, including the high enzyme capacity, enzyme activity and stability and a decrease in enzyme loss. Our work demonstrated that the mussel-inspired Fe3O4@GNSs can be extended to many other applications such as biocatalytic, genetic and industrial.
Postmortem distribution of MAB-CHMINACA in body fluids and solid tissues of a human cadaver
Authors: Hasegawa Koutaro , Wurita Amin , Minakata Kayoko , Gonmori Kunio , Nozawa Hideki , Yamagishi Itaru , Watanabe Kanako , Suzuki Osamu
Published: March 2015

During the latter part of 2014, we experienced an autopsy case in which 5-fluoro-ADB, one of the most dangerous synthetic cannabinoids, was identified and quantitated in solid tissues and in three herbal blend products [Forensic Toxicol (2015) 33:112–121]. At that time, although we suspected that there may be some drug(s) other than 5-fluoro-ADB in the herbal products, all trials to find it/them were unsuccessful. Subsequently, we carefully re-examined the presence of other synthetic cannabinoid(s) in the above herbal blend products using accurate mass spectrometry and found two new compounds, 5-fluoro-ADB-PINACA and MAB-CHMINACA (Forensic Toxicol. doi: 10.1007/s 11419-015-0264-y). In the present communication, we report the distribution of MAB-CHMINACA in body fluids and solid tissue specimens collected from the same deceased individual (kept frozen at −80 °C) as described above for demonstration of 5-fluoro-ADB. Unexpectedly, unchanged MAB-CHMINACA could be identified and quantitated in whole blood and in pericardial fluid specimens, but it was below the detection limit (0.1 ng/ml) in the urine specimen. A higher concentration of MAB-CHMINACA could be found in all of the nine solid tissues; the highest concentration of MAB-CHMINACA was found in the liver (156 ng/g), followed by the kidney, pancreas and so on. The compounds were detected in all nine solid tissues; their levels were generally higher than those in the whole blood and pericardial fluid. Contrary to expectations, the concentration of MAB-CHMINACA in the adipose tissue was relatively low. Our results show that the victim smoked one of the three herbal blend products containing both MAB-CHMINACA and 5-fluoro-ADB, resulting in the coexistence of both compounds. It should be concluded that 5-fluoro-ADB and MAB-CHMINACA synergically exerted their toxicities, leading to death after a short interval. The differences in the distribution of 5-fluoro-ADB and MAB-CHMINACA among the cadaver specimens were also discussed in view of the structures of both compounds. To our knowledge, this is the first report to demonstrate MAB-CHMINACA in biological/human specimens.
Clinical Comparison of Minifragment Plates versus Conventional Semitubular Plates for Fixation of Distal Fibula Fractures
Authors: Gentile John , Taylor Benjamin C. , Chan Raymond , French Bruce
Published: March 2015

Background

Although operative stabilization of unstable distal fibula fractures is frequently performed and discussed, the ideal implant and technique for these injuries is still debated.

Questions/Purposes

The purpose of this study was to determine if minifragment plating of distal fibula fractures would clinically provide equivalent fixation and cost and minimize hardware prominence when compared with standard one-third tubular plating.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective review was conducted on 44 patients who had undergone operative stabilization of a displaced fibula fracture. Inclusion required fibula fixation with either a traditional one-third semitubular plate or a 2.7-mm minifragment plate. Retrospective review of the patient demographics, injury and surgical variables, and radiographs was completed by two surgeons not involved with the patients’ original care.

Results

The minifragment group demonstrated equivalency in maintenance of fracture reduction relative to standard tubular plating. Both groups were able to maintain the talocrural angle with less than 1° of change from initial postoperative to final postoperative radiographs. No significant differences were seen in postoperative hardware irritation between groups.

Conclusions

Use of a minifragment plating system for displaced fibula fractures appears to be safe but comes with the significant potential added cost of the technology. Interestingly, no significant differences were seen in implant-related irritation or implant removal, but further investigation with a larger study population would help better determine these outcomes.
In Vitro Kinematics of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint in the Finger after Progressive Disruption of the Main Supporting Structures
Authors: Caravaggi Paolo , Shamian Benhoor , Uko Linda , Chen Linda , Melamed Eitan , Capo John T.
Published: March 2015

Background

Fractures and dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint of the fingers are among the most common causes of injury in the hand. Objective assessment of the kinematic alterations occurring when the supporting structures are disrupted is critical to obtain a more accurate indication of joint stability.

Methods

An in vitro cadaver model of the hand was used to evaluate the kinematics of the PIP joint in the finger during active unrestrained flexion and extension. The kinematics of the PIP joint following progressive disruption of the main supporting structures was measured using an optical tracking system and compared with those in the intact joint.

Results

Flexion of the intact PIP joint was associated with joint compression, volar displacement, and rotational movements. Release of the main soft-tissue stabilizers and 30 % of volar lip disruption resulted in substantial alteration of several kinematic variables. The normalized maximum dorsal/volar translation was 0.1±1.3 % in the intact group and 14.4± 11.3 % in the injured joint.

Conclusions

In the intact PIP joint, rotations and translation are strongly coupled to the amount of joint flexion. Gross instability of the PIP joint occurs when disruption of the collateral ligaments and volar plate is accompanied by resection of at least 30 % of volar lip of the middle phalanx. Collateral ligament injuries, volar plate injuries alone, and fractures at the volar base of the middle phalanx that involve less than 30 % of the articular surface are unlikely to result in gross instability and may be managed effectively with nonoperative treatments.
RNAi Targeting Putative Genes in Phosphatidylcholine Turnover Results in Significant Change in Fatty Acid Composition in Crambe abyssinica Seed Oil
Authors: Guan Rui , Li Xueyuan , Hofvander Per , Zhou Xue‐Rong , Wang Danni , Stymne Sten , Zhu Li‐Hua
Published: March 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the importance of three enzymes, LPCAT, PDCT and PDAT, involved in acyl turnover in phosphatidylcholine in order to explore the possibility of further increasing erucic acid (22:1) content in Crambe seed oil. The complete coding sequences of LPCAT1‐1 and LPCAT1‐2 encoding lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase (LPCAT), PDCT1 and PDCT2 encoding phosphatidylcholine:diacylglycerol cholinephosphotransferase (PDCT), and PDAT encoding phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (PDAT) were cloned from developing Crambe seeds. The alignment of deduced amino acid sequences displayed a high similarity to the Arabidopsis homologs. Transgenic lines expressing RNA interference (RNAi) targeting either single or double genes showed significant changes in the fatty acid composition of seed oil. An increase in oleic acid (18:1) was observed, to varying degrees, in all of the transgenic lines, and a cumulative effect of increased 18:1 was shown in the LPCAT‐PDCT double‐gene RNAi. However, LPCAT single‐gene RNAi led to a decrease in 22:1 accumulation, while PDCT or PDAT single‐gene RNAi had no obvious effect on the level of 22:1. In agreement with the abovementioned oil phenotypes, the transcript levels of the target genes in these transgenic lines were generally reduced compared to wild‐type levels. In this paper, we discuss the potential to further increase the 22:1 content in Crambe seed oil through downregulation of these genes in combination with fatty acid elongase and desaturases.
'Oxford Learner’s Dictionary of Academic English'
Authors: Kwary Deny
Published: March 2015

'Oxford Learner’s Dictionary of Academic English'. 2014 Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1023 pages, ISBN 978-0-19-433350-4
Variational surface design under normal field guidance
Authors: Wu Weidong , Yang Xunnian
Published: March 2015

This paper proposes a novel method for shape design of a Bézier surface with given boundary curves. The surface is defined as the minimizer of an extended membrane functional or an extended thin plate functional under the guidance of a specified normal field together with an initial prescribed surface. For given boundary curves and the guiding normal field, the free coefficients of a Bézier surface are obtained by solving a linear system. Unlike previous PDE based surface modeling techniques which construct surfaces just from boundaries, our proposed method can be used to generate smooth and fair surfaces that even follow a specified normal field. Several interesting examples are given to demonstrate the applications of the proposed method in geometric modeling.

Highlights Two extended energy functionals are proposed for variational surface modeling. The guiding normal field can be used to control the shapes of the variational surfaces efficiently. The proposed technique can be used for various modeling purposes like editing, hole filling or transition surface design.
The impact of bullwhip on supply chains: Performance pathways, control mechanisms, and managerial levers
Authors: Mackelprang Alan W. , Malhotra Manoj K.
Published: March 2015

Even though few empirical studies have tried to actually explicate the relationship between the bullwhip effect and performance of the supplier firm, there exists a common perception for over 30 years among both practitioners and academics that the bullwhip effect naturally results in decreased firm profitability. Anecdotal evidence further suggests that this decline in profitability arises from a decline in operational performance. However, the results of our study, which empirically examines the bullwhip effect across supply chain partners through an analysis of 383 actual customer base‐supplier dyads, challenge this commonly held position by suggesting that while traditional bullwhip often yields reduced ROA, it ultimately has no relationship with the firm's operating margin. Additionally, our results also call into question whether or not production coordination between customers and suppliers can minimize the need for inventory and capacity buffers, which are the two commonly utilized methods for battling the bullwhip effect. Thus the relationship between bullwhip and firm performance is far more nuanced and complicated than previously believed. We also show how the managerial bullwhip levers of coordinating production across supply chain partners, or deploying inventory and capacity buffer control mechanisms, can help maximize a firm's performance along different dimensions.
Bullwhip effect under substitute products
Authors: Duan Yongrui , Yao Yuliang , Huo Jiazhen
Published: March 2015

Using a large‐scale, product‐level dataset collected from a supply chain dyad, we examine the effect of own and substitute products on a focal product's bullwhip effect and estimate the existence and magnitude of the bullwhip effect at the product level. We find that, under substitute products, the bullwhip effect is not only affected by a product's own factors but also by those of its substitute products. An increase in the number of own price changes is associated with a decrease in the bullwhip effect in terms of the direct effect but with an increase in the bullwhip effect in terms of the total effect, and increases in the number of price changes of substitute products and own stockouts are associated with increases in the bullwhip effect. The potential effects for own price changes, price changes of substitute products and own stockouts are as much as 59.51%, 95.06% and 66.11%. We also find that the bullwhip effect is prevalent and very intensive at the product level. We discuss the theoretical and managerial implications of the findings.
The Upper Ordovician trilobiteRaymonditesSinclair, 1944 in North America
Authors: Swisher Robert E. , Westrop Stephen R. , Amati Lisa
Published: March 2015

The Upper Ordovician (Sandbian–Katian) bathyurid trilobiteRaymonditesSinclair is revised using new collections from Missouri and Ontario, and archival material from Illinois, Wisconsin, New York, and Ontario. Phylogenetic analysis supports monophyly ofRaymondites, but recognition of this genus rendersBathyurusBillings paraphyletic. We treatRaymonditesas a subgenus ofBathyurusand label the paraphylum of species traditionally assigned to the latter asBathyurussensu lato.Bathyurus(Raymondites) is composed of five previously named species,B. (R.)spiniger(Hall),B. (R.)longispinus(Walcott),B. (R.)ingalli(Raymond),B. (R.)bandiferSinclair, andB. (R.)trispinosus(Wilson), and two new species,B. (R.)clochensis, andB. (R.)missouriensis; an eighth species is placed in open nomenclature. All species share tuberculate sculpture on the glabella, a relatively short palpebral lobe whose length is less than half of preoccipital glabellar length, and a pygidial outline that is well rounded posteriorly. Aside from the most basal species,B. (R.)longispinus, they also possess occipital spines and, where the pygidium is known, axial pygidial spines.
A mid-Oligocene (Whitneyan) rhinocerotid from northeastern California
Authors: Bright Jen A. , Tiffney Bruce H. , Wyss André R.
Published: March 2015

Rhinoceroses were important in North American mammal faunas from the late middle Eocene to the Miocene, but the group’s poor sampling outside the High Plains and eastern Rocky Mountain regions during their early evolution significantly hinders understanding of their biogeography. This limited geographic sampling is particularly true of early–middle Oligocene time, with the vast majority of Whitneyan localities occurring in the White River Badlands of South Dakota. Thus, any rhinocerotid from outside the High Plains during this period is significant. We describe two new rhinocerotid specimens from the middle Oligocene Steamboat Formation of the northeastern Warner Mountains of California. Although the Steamboat Formation is well known for fossil plants, this is the first report of mammalian fossils from the area: an isolated lower molar recovered in 1974 but not previously described or illustrated, and a mandibular fragment recovered approximately 20 years later and bearing two molar teeth, most likely pertaining to the same taxon and horizon. The lack of distinctive morphological characters suggests both fossils be conservatively referred to Rhinocerotidae incertae sedis. Based on published tooth measurement data, Trigonias osborni represents the closest size match, but that species is currently only known from the Chadronian. Similarly, the Whitneyan taxon Diceratherium tridactylum is approximately the right size, but is currently only known from the High Plains and its presence in California would expand its geographic range substantially. Of greatest importance here is that sediments of the eastern Warner Mountains may represent a largely unexplored locale for early–middle Oligocene fossil vertebrates, and may yield important future finds.
Revision of Chlidoniopsidae Harmer, (Bryozoa: Cheilostomata) including a description of Celiopsis vici gen. and sp. nov.
Authors: Zágoršek Kamil , Gordon Dennis P. , Vávra Norbert
Published: March 2015

The bryozoan family Chlidoniopsidae Harmer, 1957 is reviewed in relation to a new Paleogene European fossil, Celiopsis vici new genus and new species. It differs from the type and only other genus of the family in having longer internodes with up to three zooids, shorter proximal caudae, and, more importantly, suture lines that unequally divided the umbonuloid frontal shield and basal (abfrontal) wall (and the hypostegal coelom in life) into sectors, analogous to the situation in the lepralioid-shielded Prostomariidae and Urceoliporidae. Unlike Prostomaria and Urceolipora, and like Chlidoniopsis, Celiopsis is uniserial. The suture lines in Celiopsis were lines of insertion (attachment) of epithecal membranes in life and each sector has its own longitudinal series of septular pores, sometimes doubled. Miocene to Recent Chlidoniopsis contains two species, and Eocene–Oligocene Celiopsis contains three species. The geographic distribution gives evidence of origination of the family in the Paratethys of Europe, with southeastwards migration to Australia and the tropical western Pacific. The temporal distribution suggests two macro-evolutionary trends—from multizooidal to unizooidal internodes, and from a broader area of basal wall, with a division into separate cryptocystal fields, to a narrower basal wall with no such division.
Parainoceramyan. gen. forParainoceramusCox, 1954 (exVoronetz, 1936)partim(Bivalvia, Jurassic)
Authors: Ros-Franch Sonia , Damborenea Susana E. , Márquez-Aliaga Ana , Manceñido Miguel O.
Published: March 2015

Several Jurassic pterioid bivalve species have been referred toParainoceramusCox by different authors, yet this has proved inadequate because the meaning of such genus has been compounded by nomenclatural and idiomatic problems, as well as misinterpretations. Hence, the new genusParainoceramyais here proposed to accommodate several species previously referred toParainoceramus, withCrenatula ventricosaJ. de C. Sowerby as its type. Permian species originally assigned toParainoceramus, including the type species, are referred to the genusKolymiaLikharev. All species attributed toParainoceramuss.l. are reviewed and the new genus is compared with related genera. As here understood, the new genus is first recorded in the Hettangian and attained a cosmopolitan distribution; its last occurrence is probably Berriasian.
Affinity, life cycle, and intracellular complexity of organic-walled microfossils from the Mesoproterozoic of Shanxi, China
Authors: Agić Heda , Moczydłowska Małgorzata , Yin Lei-Ming
Published: March 2015

Light microscope and scanning electron microscope observations on new material of unicellular microfossilsDictyosphaera macroreticulataandShuiyousphaeridium macroreticulatum,from the Mesoproterozoic Ruyang Group in China, provide insights into the microorganisms’ biological affinity, life cycle and cellular complexity.Gigantosphaeridium fibratumn. gen. et sp., is described and is one of the largest Mesoproterozoic microfossils recorded. Phenotypic characters of vesicle ornamentation and excystment structures, properties of resistance and cell wall structure inDictyosphaeraandShuiyousphaeridiumare all diagnostic of microalgal cysts. The wide size ranges of the various morphotypes indicate growth phases compatible with the development of reproductive cysts. Conspecific biologically, each morphotype represents an asexual (resting cyst) or sexual (zygotic cyst) stage in the life cycle, respectively. We reconstruct this hypothetical life cycle and infer that the organism demonstrates a reproductive strategy of alternation of heteromorphic generations. Similarly inGigantosphaeridium,a metabolically expensive vesicle with processes suggests its protective role as a zygotic cyst. In combination with all these characters and from the resemblance to extant green algae, we propose the placement of these ancient microorganisms in the stem group of Chloroplastida (Viridiplantae). A cell wall composed of primary and secondary layers inDictyosphaeraandShuiyouisphaeridiumrequired a high cellular complexity for their synthesis and the presence of an endomembrane system and the Golgi apparatus. The plastid was also present, accepting the organism was photosynthetic. The biota reveals a high degree of morphological and cell structural complexity, and provides an insight into ongoing eukaryotic evolution and the development of complex life cycles with sexual reproduction by 1200 Ma.
A reexamination of Yuknessia from the Cambrian of British Columbia and Utah
Authors: LoDuca Steven T. , Caron Jean-Bernard , Schiffbauer James D. , Xiao Shuhai , Kramer Anthony
Published: March 2015

To investigate the phylogenetic affinity of Yuknessia simplex Walcott, 1919, scanning electron microscopy was applied to the Burgess Shale (Cambrian Series 3, Stage 5) type material and to new material from the Trilobite Beds (Yoho National Park) and specimens from the Cambrian of Utah. On the basis of fine-scale details observed using this approach, including banding structure interpreted as fusellae, Yuknessia Walcott, 1919 is transferred from the algae, where it resided for nearly a century, to the extant taxon Pterobranchia (Phylum Hemichordata). Considered as such, Yuknessia specimens from the Trilobite Beds and Spence Formation (Utah) are amongst the oldest known colonial pterobranchs. Two morphs regarded herein as two different species are recognized from the Trilobite Beds based on tubarium morphology. Yuknessia simplex has slender erect tubes whereas Yuknessia stephenensis n. sp., which is also known in Utah, has more robust erect tubes. The two paratypes of Y. simplex designated by Walcott (1919) are formally removed from Yuknessia and are reinterpreted respectively as an indeterminate alga and Dalyia racemata Walcott, 1919, a putative red alga.
An Early Pleistocene gray whale (Cetacea: Eschrichtiidae) from the Rio Dell Formation of northern California
Authors: Tsai Cheng-Hsiu , Boessenecker Robert W.
Published: March 2015

The earliest fossil gray whale (Eschrichtius) from the eastern North Pacific is reported from the Lower Pleistocene Rio Dell Formation of Humboldt County, Northern California. This specimen, a tympanic bulla and posterior process, is identical in morphology to extantEschrichtius robustusand differs from PlioceneEschrichtiussp. from the western North Pacific (Japan). Thus, it suggests that the modern bulla morphology of the gray whale had been acquired by the Early Pleistocene. The absence of fossilEschrichtiusin the Pliocene of the eastern North Pacific may indicate that the extant gray whale lineage originated in the western North Pacific during the Pliocene before invading the eastern North Pacific during the Early Pleistocene. Further discoveries of Plio-Pleistocene gray whale fossils will help test this hypothesis and properly interpret the evolutionary history of eschrichtiid clade.
Association of older paternal age with earlier onset among co-affected schizophrenia sib-pairs
Authors: Wang S. H. , Liu C. M. , Hwu H. G. , Hsiao C. K. , Chen W. J.
Published: March 2015

Background

Advanced paternal age is associated with increased risk of schizophrenia. This study aimed to explore whether older paternal age is associated with earlier onset among co-affected schizophrenia sib-pairs with the same familial predisposition.

Method

A total of 1297 patients with schizophrenia from 630 families, which were ascertained to have at least two siblings affected, throughout Taiwan were interviewed using the Diagnostic Interview for Genetic Studies. Both inter-family comparisons, a hierarchical regression model allowing for familial dependence and adjusting for confounders, and within-family comparisons, examining the consistency between onset order and birth order, were performed.

Results

An inverted U shape was observed between paternal age and onset of schizophrenia. Affected offspring with paternal age of 20–24 years had the oldest onset. As paternal age increased over 25 years, older paternal age exhibited a linear decrease in the onset of schizophrenia. On average, the onset was lowered by 1.5 years for paternal age of 25–29 years and by 5.5 years for paternal age ⩾50 years (p = 0.04; trend test). The proportion of younger siblings with earlier onset (58%) was larger than that of older siblings with earlier onset (42%) (p = 0.0002).

Conclusions

These findings indicate that paternal age older than 25 years and younger than 20 years were both associated with earlier onset among familial schizophrenia cases. The associations of advanced paternal age with both increased susceptibility to schizophrenia and earlier onset of schizophrenia are consistent with the rate of increases in spontaneous mutations in sperm as men age.
Study of residual stresses, microstructure, and hardness in FeB and Fe2B ultra-hard layers
Authors: Pala Zdenek , Fojtikova Jaroslava , Koubsky Tomas , Musalek Radek , Strasky Josef , Capek Jiri , Kyncl Jiri , Beranek Libor , Kolarik Kamil
Published: March 2015

Boriding is a thermochemical diffusion-based process of achieving ultra-hard surface on metals. Two distinct crystalline phases, i.e. tetragonal Fe2B and orthorhombic FeB can exist in the surface layer penetrated by boron ions. In our contribution, we have studied the microstructure, the hardness, and the spatial distributions of both phase composition and residual stresses (RS) in samples exhibiting either single-phase Fe2B or duplex Fe2B-cum-FeB character. The indispensable knowledge of the elastic constants used in the stresses calculations from the measured strains by X-ray diffraction were gained from the refined lattice parameters of both iron borides employing density functional theory implemented in CASTEP software by Materials Studio. In the studied case, there is only minor occurrence of preferred orientation in the Fe2B phase and the evaluated RS have compressive character gradually decreasing from its maximum value on the very surface.
Thin-film morphologies of block copolymers with nanoparticles
Authors: Jehnichen Dieter , Pospiech Doris , Friedel Peter , He Guping , Sepe Alessandro , Zhang Jianqi , Papadakis Christine M. , Taurino Rosa , Perlich Jan
Published: March 2015

Diblock copolymers (BCPs) show phase separation on mesoscopic length scales and form ordered morphologies in both bulk and thin films, the latter resulting in nanostructured surfaces. Morphologies in thin films are strongly influenced by film parameters, the ratio of film thickness and bulk domain spacing. Laterally structured polymer surfaces may serve as templates for controlled assembly of nanoparticles (NPs). We investigated the BCP of poly(n-pentyl methacrylate) and poly(methyl methacrylate) which show bulk morphologies of stacked lamellae or hexagonally packed cylinders. Thin films were investigated by atomic force microscopy and grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering. For film thicknesses f well below dbulk, standing cylinder morphologies were observed in appropriate molar ratios, while film thicknesses around and larger than dbulk resulted in cylinders arranged parallel to surface. To alter and/or improve the morphology also in presence of different NPs (e.g., silica, gold), solvent vapour annealing (SVA) was applied. The BCP morphology usually remains unchanged but periodicities change depending on type and amount of incorporated NPs. It was found that silica clusters enlarge lateral distances of cylinders, whereas Au NPs reduce it. The effect of SVA is weak. The quality of morphology is slightly improved by SVA and lateral distances remain constant or are slightly reduced.
Changing Tenurial Forms and Service Renders in the North East of Scotland between the Fifteenth and the Eighteenth Centuries: Evidence of Social Development, Capitalised Agrarianism and Ideological Change
Authors: SHEPHERD COLIN
Published: March 2015

Documentary evidence relating to tenurial agreements and service obligations survive for a number of estates in north-east Scotland, spanning the fifteenth to late eighteenth centuries. Close inspection demonstrates the development of terminological usage as semantics alter with reference to changing socioeconomic mechanisms underpinning the structure of society. This article also explores the possibility that these changes may be linked to a developing philosophical view within which the growth of capitalism was rationalised.
Grain dormancy loss is associated with changes in ABA and GA sensitivity and hormone accumulation in bread wheat,Triticum aestivum(L.)
Authors: Tuttle Keiko M. , Martinez Shantel A. , Schramm Elizabeth C. , Takebayashi Yumiko , Seo Mitsunori , Steber Camille M.
Published: March 2015

Knowledge about the hormonal control of grain dormancy and dormancy loss is essential in wheat, because low grain dormancy at maturity is associated with the problem of pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) when cool and rainy conditions occur before harvest. Low GA (gibberellin A) hormone sensitivity and high ABA (abscisic acid) sensitivity were associated with higher wheat grain dormancy and PHS tolerance. Grains of two PHS-tolerant cultivars were very dormant at maturity, and insensitive to GA stimulation of germination. More PHS-susceptible cultivars were less sensitive to ABA inhibition of germination, and were either more GA sensitive or germinated efficiently without GA at maturity. As grain dormancy was lost through dry afterripening or cold imbibition, grains first gained GA sensitivity and then lost ABA sensitivity. These changes in GA and ABA sensitivity can serve as landmarks defining stages of dormancy loss that cannot be discerned without hormone treatment. These dormancy stages can be used to compare different cultivars, seed lots and studies. Previous work showed that wheat afterripening is associated with decreasing ABA levels in imbibing seeds. Wheat grain dormancy loss through cold imbibition also led to decreased endogenous ABA levels, suggesting that reduced ABA signalling is a general mechanism triggering dormancy loss.
The structure and chemical layering of Proterozoic stromatolites in the Mojave Desert
Authors: Douglas Susanne , Perry Meredith E. , Abbey William J. , Tanaka Zuki , Chen Bin , McKay Christopher P.
Published: March 2015

The Proterozoic carbonate stromatolites of the Pahrump Group from the Crystal Spring formation exhibit interesting layering patterns. In continuous vertical formations, there are sections of chevron-shaped stromatolites alternating with sections of simple horizontal layering. This apparent cycle of stromatolite formation and lack of formation repeats several times over a vertical distance of at least 30 m at the locality investigated. Small representative samples from each layer were taken and analysed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), environmental scanning electron microscopy – energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, and were optically analysed in thin section. Optical and spectroscopic analyses of stromatolite and of non-stromatolite samples were undertaken with the objective of determining the differences between them. Elemental analysis of samples from within each of the four stromatolite layers and the four intervening layers shows that the two types of layers are chemically and mineralogically distinct. In the layers that contain stromatolites the Ca/Si ratio is high; in layers without stromatolites the Ca/Si ratio is low. In the high Si layers, both K and Al are positively correlated with the presence and levels of Si. This, together with XRD analysis, suggested a high K-feldspar (microcline) content in the non-stromatolitic layers. This variation between these two types of rocks could be due to changes in biological growth rates in an otherwise uniform environment or variations in detrital influx and the resultant impact on biology. The current analysis does not allow us to choose between these two alternatives. A Mars rover would have adequate resolution to image these structures and instrumentation capable of conducting a similar elemental analysis.
Poverty, inequality and a political economy of mental health
Authors: Burns J. K.
Published: March 2015

The relationship between poverty and mental health is indisputable. However, to have an influence on the next set of sustainable global development goals, we need to understand the causal relationships between social determinants such as poverty, inequality, lack of education and unemployment; thereby clarifying which aspects of poverty are the key drivers of mental illness. Some of the major challenges identified by Lund (2014) in understanding the poverty–mental health relationship are discussed including: the need for appropriate poverty indicators; extending this research agenda to a broader range of mental health outcomes; the need to engage with theoretical concepts such as Amartya Sen's capability framework; and the need to integrate the concept of income/economic inequality into studies of poverty and mental health. Although income inequality is a powerful driver of poor physical and mental health outcomes, it features rarely in research and discourse on social determinants of mental health. This paper interrogates in detail the relationships between poverty, income inequality and mental health, specifically: the role of income inequality as a mediator of the poverty–mental health relationship; the relative utility of commonly used income inequality metrics; and the likely mechanisms underlying the impact of inequality on mental health, including direct stress due to the setting up of social comparisons as well as the erosion of social capital leading to social fragmentation. Finally, we need to interrogate the upstream political, social and economic causes of inequality itself, since these should also become potential targets in efforts to promote sustainable development goals and improve population (mental) health. In particular, neoliberal (market-oriented) political doctrines lead to both increased income inequality and reduced social cohesion. In conclusion, understanding the relationships between politics, poverty, inequality and mental health outcomes requires us to develop a robust, evidence-based ‘political economy of mental health.’
LRP5 and plasma cholesterol levels modulate the canonical Wnt pathway in peripheral blood leukocytes
Authors: Borrell‐Pages Maria , Carolina Romero July , Badimon Lina
Published: March 2015

Inflammation is triggered after invasion or injury to restore homeostasis. Although the activation of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling is one of the first molecular responses to cellular damage, its role in inflammation is still unclear. It was our hypothesis that the low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor‐related protein 5 (LRP5) and the canonical Wnt signaling pathway are modulators of inflammatory mechanisms. Wild‐type (WT) and LRP5−/− mice were fed a hypercholesterolemic (HC) diet to trigger dislipidemia and chronic inflammation. Diets were supplemented with plant sterol esters (PSEs) to induce LDL cholesterol lowering and the reduction of inflammation. HC WT mice showed increased serum cholesterol levels that correlated with increased Lrp5 and Wnt/β‐catenin gene expression while in the HC LRP5−/− mice Wnt/β‐catenin pathway was shut down. Functionally, HC induced pro‐inflammatory gene expression in LRP5−/− mice, suggesting an inhibitory role of the Wnt pathway in inflammation. Dietary PSE administration downregulated serum cholesterol levels in WT and LRP5−/− mice. Furthermore, in WT mice PSE increased anti‐inflammatory genes expression and inhibited Wnt/β‐catenin activation. Hepatic gene expression of Vldlr, Lrp2 and Lrp6 was increased after HC feeding in WT mice but not in LRP5−/− mice, suggesting a role for these receptors in the clearance of plasmatic lipoproteins. Finally, an antiatherogenic role for LRP5 was demonstrated as HC LRP5−/− mice developed larger aortic atherosclerotic lesions than WT mice. Our results show an anti‐inflammatory, pro‐survival role for LRP5 and the Wnt signaling pathway in peripheral blood leukocytes.
High-temperature Superconductivity in compressed Solid Silane
Authors: Zhang Huadi , Jin Xilian , Lv Yunzhou , Zhuang Quan , Liu Yunxian , Lv Qianqian , Bao Kuo , Li Da , Liu Bingbing , Cui Tian
Published: March 2015

Crystal structures of silane have been extensively investigated using ab initio evolutionary simulation methods at high pressures. Two metallic structures with P21/c and C2/m symmetries are found stable above 383 GPa. The superconductivities of metallic phases are fully explored under BCS theory, including the reported C2/c one. Perturbative linear-response calculations for C2/m silane at 610 GPa reveal a high superconducting critical temperature that beyond the order of 102 K.
CD47 Deficiency Protects Mice From Diet-induced Obesity and Improves Whole Body Glucose Tolerance and Insulin Sensitivity
Authors: Maimaitiyiming Hasiyeti , Norman Heather , Zhou Qi , Wang Shuxia
Published: March 2015

CD47 is a transmembrane protein with several functions including self-recognition, immune cell communication and cell signaling. Although it has been extensively studied in cancer and ischemia, CD47 function in obesity has never been explored. In this study, we utilized CD47 deficient mice in a high-fat diet induced obesity model to study for the first time whether CD47 plays a role in the development of obesity and metabolic complications. Male CD47 deficient and wild type (WT) control mice were fed with either low fat (LF) or high fat (HF) diets for 16 weeks. Interestingly, we found that CD47 deficient mice were protected from HF diet-induced obesity displaying decreased weight gain and reduced adiposity. This led to decreased MCP1/CCR2 dependent macrophage infiltration into adipose tissue and reduced inflammation, resulting in improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. In addition, CD47 deficiency stimulated the expression of UCP1 and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1b (CPT1b) levels in brown adipose tissue, leading to increased lipid utilization and heat production. This contributes to the increased energy utilization and reduced adiposity observed in these mice. Taken together, these data revealed a novel role for CD47 in the development of obesity and its related metabolic complications.
Extreme variation in migration strategies between and within wandering albatross populations during their sabbatical year and their fitness consequences
Authors: Weimerskirch Henri , Delord Karine , Guitteaud Audrey , Phillips Richard A. , Pinet Patrick
Published: March 2015

Migratory behavior, routes and zones used during the non-breeding season are assumed to have been selected to maximize fitness and can lead to genetic differentiation. Yet, here we show that migration strategies differ markedly between and within two genetically similar populations of wandering albatross Diomedea exulans from the Crozet and Kerguelen archipelagos in the Indian Ocean. Wandering albatrosses usually breed biennially if successful and during the sabbatical year, all birds from Kerguelen migrate to the Pacific Ocean, whereas most from Crozet are sedentary. Instead of taking the shortest routes, which would involve a return against headwinds, migratory birds fly with the westerly winds, requiring detours of 10,000 s km. In total, migrants circumnavigate Antarctica 2 to 3 times, covering more than 120,000 km in a single sabbatical year. Our results indicate strong links between migratory behavior and fitness; all birds from Kerguelen breed biennially, whereas a significant proportion of those from Crozet, especially females, are sedentary and breed in consecutive calendar years. To breed annually, these females temporarily change mate, but return to their original partner in the following year. This extreme variation in migratory behavior has important consequences in term of life history evolution and susceptibility to climate change and fisheries.