bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavior analysts in the war on poverty: A review of the use of financial incentives to promote education and employment
Authors: Holtyn August F. , Jarvis Brantley P. , Silverman Kenneth
Published: January 2017

Poverty is a pervasive risk factor underlying poor health. Many interventions that have sought to reduce health disparities associated with poverty have focused on improving health‐related behaviors of low‐income adults. Poverty itself could be targeted to improve health, but this approach would require programs that can consistently move poor individuals out of poverty. Governments and other organizations in the United States have tested a diverse range of antipoverty programs, generally on a large scale and in conjunction with welfare reform initiatives. This paper reviews antipoverty programs that used financial incentives to promote education and employment among welfare recipients and other low‐income adults. The incentive‐based, antipoverty programs had small or no effects on the target behaviors; they were implemented on large scales from the outset, without systematic development and evaluation of their components; and they did not apply principles of operant conditioning that have been shown to determine the effectiveness of incentive or reinforcement interventions. By applying basic principles of operant conditioning, behavior analysts could help address poverty and improve health through development of effective antipoverty programs. This paper describes a potential framework for a behavior‐analytic antipoverty program, with the goal of illustrating that behavior analysts could be uniquely suited to make substantial contributions to the war on poverty.
Application of multi‐block analysis and mixture design with process variable for development of chocolate cake containing yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) and maca (Lepidium meyenii)
Authors: Tormena Marcela Marta Lazaretti , de Medeiros Luana Tabalipa , de Lima Patrícia Casarin , Possebon Gabriela , Fuchs Renata Hernandez Barros , Bona Evandro
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND

In this study, a chocolate cake formulation was developed with partial substitution of wheat flour by yacon and maca flour. A simplex‐centroid design was applied to determine the proportions of the three flours, and the amount of water was included as a process variable at three distinct levels. According to the overall acceptability of the cakes, the tasters were separated into two groups using k‐means.

RESULTS

After segmentation, regression models were constructed for overall acceptability of each group; R2adjusted values of 92.5% for group 1 and 98.9% for group 2 were obtained. Using the sequential simplex method an optimized formulation was determined for group 1 (0.49 kgwheat kg−1total flour, 0.37 kgyacon kg−1total flour, 0.14 kgmaca kg−1total flour and 140.0 mL of water) and another for group 2 (0.35 kgwheat kg−1total flour, 0.65 kgyacon kg−1total flour and 120.0 mL of water). In addition to these formulations, a third formulation was proposed with a greater maca proportion (0.32 kgmaca kg−1total flour), which does not significantly alter the overall acceptability of both groups. The three optimized formulations and two control formulations were evaluated through free‐choice profiling. The data were evaluated using the multi‐block method common components and specific weights analysis (CCSWA).

CONCLUSION

It was observed that a greater proportion of maca intensified brownness and burnt aroma and taste, whereas a larger proportion of yacon produced a better appearance, softness, sweetness and chocolate flavor. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Hybrid projection methods for equilibrium problems with non‐Lipschitz type bifunctions
Authors: Van Hieu Dang
Published: January 2017

Based on the extended extragradient‐like method and the linesearch technique, we propose three projection methods for finding a common solution of a finite family of equilibrium problems. The linesearch used in the proposed algorithms has allowed to reduce some conditions imposed on equilibrium bifunctions. The strongly convergent theorems are established without the Lipschitz‐type condition of bifunctions. The paper also helps in the design and analysis of practical algorithms and gives us a generalization of some previously known problems. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SSB and the RecG DNA helicase: an intimate association to rescue a stalled replication fork
Authors: Bianco Piero R. , Lyubchenko Yuri L.
Published: January 2017

In E. coli, the regression of stalled DNA replication forks is catalyzed by the DNA helicase RecG. One means of gaining access to the fork is by binding to the single strand binding protein or SSB. This interaction occurs via the wedge domain of RecG and the intrinsically disordered linker (IDL) of SSB, in a manner similar to that of SH3 domains binding to PXXP motif‐containing ligands in eukaryotic cells. During loading, SSB remodels the wedge domain so that the helicase domains bind to the parental, duplex DNA, permitting the helicase to translocate using thermal energy. This translocation may be used to clear the fork of obstacles, prior to the initiation of fork regression.
Comparison of the 7th edition of the International Union Against Cancer and the Chinese 2008 staging systems for nasopharyngeal carcinoma and recommendations for future updates
Authors: Liang Zhongguo , Lei Hao , Chen Zetan , Li Ling , Qu Song , Su Fang , Zhao Wei , Pei Su , Pan Xinbin , Zhu Xiaodong
Published: January 2017

Objective

To compare the 7th edition of the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) and the Chinese 2008 staging systems for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), and to provide evidence for further updates to these NPC staging systems.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was carried out on 767 patients with newly diagnosed, pathologically confirmed non‐metastatic NPC who were treated with intensity‐modulated radiotherapy between 2006 and 2012. The prognostic value of the T category, N category, and clinical stage for the main survival outcomes of overall survival (OS), local relapse‐free survival and distant metastasis‐free survival were compared between the two staging systems. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to calculate survival rates, the log–rank test was used to compare survival rates, and the Cox model was used for the multivariate prognostic analysis.

Results

The T categories of the Chinese 2008 staging system had a significantly better prognostic value for OS and local relapse‐free survival than those of the 7th edition of the UICC staging system. The N categories of both staging systems had a comparable prognostic value for OS and distant metastasis‐free survival. The clinical stages of the 7th edition of the UICC staging system had a significantly better prognostic value for OS than those of the Chinese 2008 staging system. Based on these analyses, the T categories, N categories, and clinical stages of our proposed staging system had a significantly better prognostic value compared with the original staging system.

Conclusions

The 7th edition of the UICC staging system and the Chinese 2008 staging system for NPC each has its own advantages with respect to prognostic prediction. The recommended staging system proposed in the present study could contribute to the next update of the current staging systems for NPC.
Accelerated Reliability Demonstration Testing Design Based on Reliability Allocation of Environmental Stresses
Authors: Li Peng , Li Chuanri , Dang Wei
Published: January 2017

The traditional reliability demonstration testing based on statistical method requires a large number of samples and long testing time, failing to satisfy the demand for short cycle and low cost. This paper proposes a new accelerated approach for determining reliability target of each environment stress, accelerated test profile, and comprehensive acceleration factor for multi‐failure mode product to conduct assembly level accelerated demonstration testing under multiple stresses and levels. By decomposing the product from four levels, namely function, structure, mechanism, and stress, the products' weaknesses can be identified. The main failure modes and sensitive environmental stresses are determined based on environmental profile and FMMEA. In this design, the reliability is apportioned to each actual environmental stress by AHP. And the SSI model is used to establish accelerated stress profile. The overall acceleration factor can be derived from the model of assembly level accelerated testing. Combined with a statistical plan, the accelerated reliability demonstration testing plan and test profile is built. A case example is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and testing of a grasper for NOTES powered by variable stiffness pneumatic actuation
Authors: Antonelli Michele Gabrio , Beomonte Zobel Pierluigi , Durante Francesco , Gaj Fabio
Published: January 2017

Background

In natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) the peritoneal cavity is reached through natural orifices (mouth, rectus and transvaginal duct), by means of little cuttings in the walls of hollow organs. Due to narrow spaces, NOTES needs robotic systems to assure operation/movement precision and patient safety. Variable stiffness actuation (VSA) assures both requirements.

Methods

The authors developed a grasper for NOTES, provided with VSA, to use as an end‐effector for snail robot devices. The present paper deals with basic concepts of VSA and describes the design and architecture of the grasper. Characterization and functional experiments were performed and results analysed.

Results

A finite element model developed for the actuator design was validated, performance grasper characteristic curves were obtained, VSA was validated, and the gripping capability of several objects was assessed.

Conclusion

The grasper satisfies technical design specifications. On the basis of the results obtained, a control system can be developed to test grasper in a simulated surgery environment.
Levator ani muscle avulsion is a risk factor for expulsion within 1 year of vaginal pessary placed for pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Cheung R. Y. K. , Lee J. H. S. , Lee L. L. , Chung T. K. H. , Chan S. S. C.
Published: January 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the presence of levator ani muscle (LAM) avulsion is associated with expulsion within 1 year of a vaginal pessary placed for pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Methods

This was a prospective observational study of consecutive women with symptomatic POP, who had not received treatment for the condition before the consultation and opted for vaginal pessary placement in our center. Volume acquisition was performed before pessary insertion and offline analysis of the 3D/4D transperineal ultrasound volume data was performed. LAM was assessed on maximum pelvic floor muscle contraction (PFMC) and hiatal dimensions were assessed at rest, on PFMC and on maximum Valsalva. Results were compared between women in whom the pessary was retained for 1 year and those in whom the pessary was expelled within 1 year.

Results

The datasets of 255 women were analyzed including 147 (57.6%) women who had a vaginal pessary continuously in place over 1 year and 108 (42.4%) with pessary expulsion. Mean age was 63.2 (SD, 9.9) years and median parity was 3 (2–4). Eighteen (7.1%) had Stage I, 164 (64.3%) Stage II, 67 (26.3%) Stage III and six (2.4%) Stage IV POP. Women with vaginal pessary expulsion within 1 year had significantly larger hiatal dimensions at rest and on Valsalva, larger hiatal area during rest, PFMC and Valsalva and higher rate of LAM avulsion (53.7% vs 27.2%, P < 0.01) compared with women in whom the pessary was retained for 1 year. After controlling for potential confounders, LAM avulsion remained a risk factor (OR, 3.18, P < 0.01) of vaginal pessary expulsion within 1 year.

Conclusions

Women in whom a vaginal pessary was expelled within 1 year of placement for POP had a larger hiatus. Presence of LAM avulsion was associated with a three‐fold increase in the risk of expulsion of a vaginal pessary within 1 year. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Cavum septi pellucidi (CSP) ratio: a marker for partial agenesis of the fetal corpus callosum
Authors: Karl K. , Esser T. , Heling K. S. , Chaoui R.
Published: January 2017

Objective

While complete agenesis of the corpus callosum is often suspected on fetal ultrasound due to absence of the cavum septi pellucidi (CSP), suspicion of partial agenesis of the corpus callosum (pACC) is a challenge since the CSP is almost always present. The aim of this study was to measure the length and width of the CSP and calculate the length‐to‐width ratio (CSP ratio), and compare these between fetuses with pACC and normal fetuses.

Methods

In this retrospective case–control study, the length and width of the CSP were measured in the axial plane of the fetal head, and the CSP length‐to‐width ratio calculated, in 323 normal fetuses and in 20 fetuses with pACC between 20 and 34 weeks' gestation. From the normal population we constructed reference ranges in relation to biparietal diameter (BPD). For all fetuses we calculated Z‐scores for the CSP ratio.

Results

In the normal population, the length and width of the CSP increased with increasing BPD, while the CSP ratio decreased. The CSP was short (< 5th centile) in 85% (17/20) of fetuses with pACC and wide (> 95th centile) in 65% (13/20). The CSP ratio was small (< 5th centile) in 95% (19/20) of pACC fetuses, with 16/20 (80%) having a ratio below an empirical cut‐off of 1.5. Analysis of Z‐scores showed that fetuses with pACC had a significantly smaller CSP ratio (P < 0.0001) compared with the normal population.

Conclusions

Fetuses with a normal‐sized corpus callosum have a rectangular‐shaped CSP, with a CSP ratio > 1.5 in the second half of gestation. Most fetuses with pACC have an abnormally shaped, wide and short CSP, with a decreased CSP ratio. This simple ratio has the potential to identify fetuses at high risk for pACC. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Anion Analysis of Ionic Liquids and Ionic Liquid Purity Assessment by Ion Chromatography
Authors: Rutz Christina , Schmolke Laura , Gvilava Vasily , Janiak Christoph
Published: January 2017

The simultaneous determination of halide impurities (fluoride, chloride, bromide, and iodide) and ionic liquid (IL) anions (tetrafluoroborate, hexafluorophosphate, and triflimide) using ion chromatography was developed with a basic, non‐gradient ion chromatography system. The non‐gradient method uses the eluent Na2CO3/NaHCO3 in water/acetonitrile (70:30 v:v) on the AS 22 column to enable a rapid and simultaneous analysis of different IL and halide anions within an acceptable run‐time (22 min) and with good resolution R of larger than 2.4, a capacity k′ between 0.4 and 5.1, selectivities α between 1.3 and 2.1, and peak asymmetries As of less than 1.5. Halide impurities below 1 ppm (1 mg·L–1 of prepared sample solution) could be quantified. A range of ionic liquids with tetrafluoroborate [BF4]–, hexafluorophosphate [PF6]–, and bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (triflimide) [NTf2]– anions combined with cations based on imidazole, pyridine, and tetrahydrothiophene could be analyzed for their anion purity. The IL‐cations do not influence the chromatographic results. With the analysis of 18 ILs differing in their cation‐anion combination we could prove the general applicability of the described method for the anion purity analysis of ionic liquids with respect to halide ions. The IL‐anion purity of most ILs was above 98 wt %. The highest IL‐anion purity was 99.8 wt %, implying anion impurities of only 0.2 wt %. The used halide anion from the synthesis route was the major anion impurity, yet with chloride also bromide and fluoride (potentially from hydrolysis of [BF4]–) were often detected. When iodide was used, at least chloride but sometimes also bromide and fluoride was present. However, even if the IL‐anion content is above 99 wt %, it does not necessarily indicate an ionic liquid devoid of other impurities. From the IC analysis, one can also deduce a possible cation impurity if one takes into account the expected (calculated) IL‐anion content. A matching experimental and theoretical IL‐anion content excludes, a higher experimental content indicates the presence of residual KBF4, NH4PF6, or LiNTf2 salt from the halide to IL‐anion exchange.
Drug interaction between valproic acid and carbapenems in patients with epileptic seizures
Authors: Huang Chi‐Ren , Lin Chih‐Hsiang , Hsiao Shu‐Chen , Chen Nai‐Ching , Tsai Wan‐Chen , Chen Shang‐Der , Lu Yan‐Ting , Chuang Yao‐Chung
Published: January 2017

Valproic acid (VPA) is a widely used antiepileptic drug (AED). When carbapenems are concomitantly used with VPA, the serum levels of VPA may decrease and aggravate seizures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors associated with decreased serum VPA levels and clinical outcome in patients being treated with a combination of carbapenems and VPA. Fifty‐four adult patients who were treated with VPA for epileptic seizures concomitant with carbapenems for the treatment of infections were evaluated in this study. Serum VPA levels were measured before and during combination therapy with VPA and carbapenems, and the change in serum VPA levels was calculated. The risk factors related to the decrease in serum VPA levels and clinical outcomes were evaluated. Our results show that VPA concentrations were reduced to subtherapeutic levels after the introduction of carbapenems. The reduction in VPA concentrations was found within 24 hours of the start of treatment with carbapenems. VPA levels continuously declined while the combination of treatments was used, which aggravated epileptic seizures in 48% of the patients. Renal disease and enzyme‐inducing AEDs were risk factors that contributed to the severity of reduced serum VPA levels during combined treatment with carbapenems. This study suggests that clinicians need to be aware of the reduction of VPA concentrations to subtherapeutic levels and the aggravation of seizures while patients are treated with a combination of carbapenems and VPA.
Non-linear aerodynamic modelling of unmanned cropped delta configuration from experimental data
Authors: Saderla S. , Dhayalan R. , Ghosh A.K.
Published: January 2017

The paper presents the aerodynamic characterization of a low-speed unmanned aerial vehicle, with cropped delta planform and rectangular cross section, at and around high angles-of-attack using flight test methods. Since the linear models used for identification from flight data at low and moderate angles of attack become unsuitable for accurate parameter estimation at high angles of attack, a non-linear aerodynamic model has to be considered. Therefore, the Kirchhoff's flow separation model was used to incorporate the non-linearity in the aerodynamic model in terms of flow separation point and stall characteristic parameters. The Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Neural Gauss-Newton (NGN) methods were used to perform the parameter estimation on one set of low angle-of-attack and one set of near-stall flight data. It is evident from the estimates that the NGN method, which does not involve solving equations of motion, performs on a par with the classical ML method. This may be attributed to the reason that NGN method uses a neural network which has been trained by performing point to point mapping of the measured flight data. This feature of NGN method enhances its application over a wider envelope of high angles of attack flight data.
Sustainability assurance and assurance providers: Corporate governance determinants in stakeholder-oriented countries
Authors: Martínez-Ferrero Jennifer , García-Sánchez Isabel-María
Published: January 2017

This paper examines the effect of corporate governance mechanisms on companies’ decision to assure their sustainability reports and their choice of assurance provider in countries with a greater stakeholder orientation. The corporate governance factors analyzed are related to the strength of the board’s monitoring function, which is determined by the size, independence and activity of the sustainability committee. The international sample consists of 610 companies operating in countries that are more stakeholder oriented from the period 2007–2014. We propose alternative logit models of analysis using the random effects estimator. Consistently with our propositions, our results provide evidence that a firm’s sustainability assurance and its choice of the accounting profession are positively associated with board independence and the activity of the sustainability committee. In addition, the empirical evidence obtained shows a U-shaped relationship between the board size and assurance issues.
Micronutrient deficiencies in the elderly – could ready meals be part of the solution?
Authors: Hoffman Richard
Published: January 2017

Micronutrient deficiencies contribute to many age-related disorders. One group at particular risk of micronutrient deficiencies is the elderly. Many elderly, such as the frail and those living in institutions, rely on ready meals of variable, often poor, nutritional quality for a significant part of their daily nutritional needs. New policies are needed to ensure that micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) and phytochemicals of known nutritional value are retained during the manufacture of ready meals. This together with increased awareness of the importance of micronutrients for health, and simple, clear labelling of the micronutrient content of ready meals would help in the choice of healthier products. Professionally prepared ready meals monitored by nutritionists and dietitians can help achieve these goals so that ready meals become part of the solution to poor nutrition in the elderly, rather than being viewed as part of the problem.
A hot water extract of turmeric (Curcuma longa) suppresses acute ethanol-induced liver injury in mice by inhibiting hepatic oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokine production
Authors: Uchio Ryusei , Higashi Yohei , Kohama Yusuke , Kawasaki Kengo , Hirao Takashi , Muroyama Koutarou , Murosaki Shinji
Published: January 2017

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a widely used spice that has various biological effects, and aqueous extracts of turmeric exhibit potent antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory activity. Bisacurone, a component of turmeric extract, is known to have similar effects. Oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines play an important role in ethanol-induced liver injury. This study was performed to evaluate the influence of a hot water extract ofC. longa(WEC) or bisacurone on acute ethanol-induced liver injury. C57BL/6 mice were orally administered WEC (20 mg/kg body weight; BW) or bisacurone (60 µg/kg BW) at 30 min before a single dose of ethanol was given by oral administration (3·0 g/kg BW). Plasma levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were markedly increased in ethanol-treated mice, while the increase of these enzymes was significantly suppressed by prior administration of WEC. The increase of alanine aminotransferase was also significantly suppressed by pretreatment with bisacurone. Compared with control mice, animals given WEC had higher hepatic tissue levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione, as well as lower hepatic tissue levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, TNF-α protein and IL-6 mRNA. These results suggest that oral administration of WEC may have a protective effect against ethanol-induced liver injury by suppressing hepatic oxidation and inflammation, at least partly through the effects of bisacurone.
Origin, migration pathways, and paleoenvironmental significance of Holocene ostracod records from the northeastern Black Sea shelf
Authors: Zenina Maria A. , Ivanova Elena V. , Bradley Lee R. , Murdmaa Ivar O. , Schornikov Eugene I. , Marret Fabienne
Published: January 2017

Micropaleontological studies of the Black Sea, including ostracod records, have suggested that early Holocene salinity values were between ~5 and 10 practical salinity units (psu), contrasting with present values of 18–22 psu. However, more precise paleoenvironmental reconstructions based on ostracod assemblages require additional information related to their modern ecological affinities. This study uses modern species information collected from samples with living fauna to interpret the fossil Holocene assemblages of two sediment cores, Ak-2575 and Ak-521, collected from the northeastern outer shelf of the Black Sea. A total of 37 ostracod species are recorded in the fossil assemblages, with 2 related to freshwater/oligohaline environments, 23 from Caspian-type environments, and 12 from environments similar to the Mediterranean. Three distinct assemblage zones are identified from the Caspian type dominating in the early Holocene up to 7.4 cal ka BP, a mixed assemblage of Caspian type and Mediterranean type from 7.4 to 6.8 cal ka BP, and a progressive dominance of Mediterranean species from 6.8 cal ka BP. It is very likely that the dominant control of ostracod species occurrence during the period up to ~6.8 cal ka BP is salinity. A range of factors including temperature, biotope, and sedimentation rates influenced the species distribution over the last 6.8 cal ka BP.
Deglaciation and late-glacial climate change in the White Mountains, New Hampshire, USA
Authors: Thompson Woodrow B. , Dorion Christopher C. , Ridge John C. , Balco Greg , Fowler Brian K. , Svendsen Kristen M.
Published: January 2017

Recession of the Laurentide Ice Sheet from northern New Hampshire was interrupted by the Littleton-Bethlehem (L-B) readvance and deposition of the extensive White Mountain Moraine System (WMMS). Our mapping of this moraine belt and related glacial lake sequence has refined the deglaciation history of the region. The age of the western part of the WMMS is constrained to ~14.0–13.8 cal ka BP by glacial Lake Hitchcock varves that occur beneath and above L-B readvance till and were matched to a revised calibration of the North American Varve Chronology presented here. Using this age for when boulders were deposited on the moraines has enabled calibration of regional cosmogenic-nuclide production rates to improve the precision of exposure dating in New England. The L-B readvance coincided with the Older Dryas (OD) cooling documented by workers in Europe and the equivalent GI-1d cooling event in the Greenland Ice Core Chronology 2005 (GICC05) time scale. The readvance and associated moraines provide the first well-documented and dated evidence of the OD event in the northeastern United States. Our lake sediment cores show that the Younger Dryas cooling was likewise prominent in the White Mountains, thus extending the record of this event westward from Maine and Maritime Canada.
Understanding transmissibility patterns of Chagas disease through complex vector–host networks
Authors: RENGIFO-CORREA LAURA , STEPHENS CHRISTOPHER R. , MORRONE JUAN J. , TÉLLEZ-RENDÓN JUAN LUIS , GONZÁLEZ-SALAZAR CONSTANTINO
Published: January 2017

Chagas disease is one of the most important vector-borne zoonotic diseases in Latin America. Control strategies could be improved if transmissibility patterns of its aetiologic agent,Trypanosoma cruzi, were better understood. To understand transmissibility patterns of Chagas disease in Mexico, we inferred potential vectors and hosts ofT. cruzifrom geographic distributions of nine species of Triatominae and 396 wild mammal species, respectively. The most probable vectors and hosts ofT. cruziwere represented in a Complex Inference Network, from which we formulated a predictive model and several associated hypotheses about the ecological epidemiology of Chagas disease. We compiled a list of confirmed mammal hosts to test our hypotheses. Our tests allowed us to predict the most important potential hosts ofT. cruziand to validate the model showing that the confirmed hosts were those predicted to be the most important hosts. We were also able to predict differences in the transmissibility ofT. cruziamong triatomine species from spatial data. We hope our findings help drive efforts for future experimental studies.
Paris vs. Prague: A “Suspicion of Fraud”: Ernst Mach Argues over Photographs and Epistemological Prerequisites
Authors: Hoffmann Christoph
Published: January 2017

Argument

In spring 1888, an anonymous critic raised severe doubts about Ernst Mach's and Peter Salcher's studies, published one year before, on the processes in the air caused by very rapid projectiles. Paraphrasing the experiments for the French popular science magazineLa Nature, the critic insinuated that the photographs upon which Mach and Salcher's argument were ostensibly based must have been of such low quality that they did not allow any well-founded conclusion. The critic did not deny the phenomena Mach and Salcher had presented in their article; he denied that the photographs taken in the course of the experiments could permit any observation of the phenomena. I take the resulting quarrel as a window into the actors’ ideas on the requirements of “good observations” and the role of technical devices in this case. In particular I enquire how the various arguments relate to Lorraine Daston's and Peter Galison's framing of photography as an emblem of “mechanical objectivity.” We will see that in the case under debate, actors considered naked-eye observation, observation by telescope and photography mainly with regard to the challenges of the particular research object.
Working with Instruments: Ernst Mach as Material Epistemologist, a Short Introduction
Authors: Hoffmann Christoph , Métraux Alexandre
Published: January 2017

With the death of Ernst Mach on February 19, 1916, one day after his seventy-eighth birthday, a question finally became explicit that had been looming for some time. It was as simple as it was fundamental: who, in the end, was this man, a scientist or a philosopher? The importance of this question for contemporaries can easily be gleaned from the obituaries that appeared in the weeks following Mach's death: one in the Physikalische Zeitschrift, written by Albert Einstein, and another in the Archiv für die Geschichte der Philosophie, written by Mach's former student Heinrich Gomperz. They both addressed this critical issue in plain words. Einstein stressed that Mach “was not a philosopher who chose the natural sciences as the object of his speculation, but a many-sided, interested, diligent scientist who also took visible pleasure in detailed questions outside the burning issues of general interest” (Einstein 1916, 104; translation cited in Blackmore 1992, 158). Gomperz in turn first emphasized the great loss science had experienced with Mach's death, asking subsequently whether “the suffering science is physics or philosophy?” (Gomperz 1916, 321). His answer broadly followed Einstein's conclusion; relying on Mach's own words, he reminded his readers that Mach never claimed to be a philosopher, but merely was looking for a viewpoint that transcended the disciplinary constraints of particular scientific activities.
Antenatal diagnosis of double-outlet left atrium
Authors: Vaksmann Guy , Bouzguenda Ivan , Houyel Lucile
Published: January 2017

In this study, we describe a fetus with double-outlet atrium associated with complex arrangement of the ventricles and the great vessels. Various presentations of this malformation not described antenatally are discussed.
Thermal decomposition of MgCO3during the atmospheric entry of micrometeoroids
Authors: Micca Longo G. , Longo S.
Published: January 2017

In this paper, a first study of the atmospheric entry of carbonate micrometeoroids, in an astrobiological perspective, is performed. Therefore an entry model, which includes two-dimensional dynamics, non-isothermal atmosphere, ablation and radiation losses, is build and benchmarked to literature data for silicate micrometeoroids. A thermal decomposition model of initially pure magnesium carbonate is proposed, and it includes thermal energy, mass loss and the effect of changing composition as the carbonate grain is gradually converted into oxide. Several scenarios are obtained by changing the initial speed, entry angle and grain diameter, producing a systematic comparison of silicate and carbonate grain. The results of the composite model show that the thermal behaviour of magnesium carbonate is markedly different from that of the corresponding silicate, much lower equilibration temperatures being reached in the first stages of the entry. At the same time, the model shows that the limit of a thermal protection scenario, based on magnesium carbonate, is the very high decomposition speed even at moderate temperatures, which results in the total loss of carbon already at about 100 km altitude. The present results show that, although decomposition and associated cooling are important effects in the entry process of carbonate grains, the specific scenario of pure MgCO3micrograin does not allow complex organic matter delivery to the lower atmosphere. This suggests us to consider less volatile carbonates for further studies.
Votes for Women: Electoral Systems and Support for Female Candidates
Authors: Golder Sona N. , Stephenson Laura B. , Van der Straeten Karine , Blais André , Bol Damien , Harfst Philipp , Laslier Jean-François
Published: January 2017

It is a well-established finding that proportional representation (PR) electoral systems are associated with greater legislative representation for women than single member systems. However, the degree to which different types of PR rules affect voting for female candidates has not been fully explored. The existing literature is also hampered by a reliance on cross-national data in which individual vote preferences and electoral system features are endogenous. In this study, we draw upon an experiment conducted during the 2014 European Parliament (EP) elections to isolate the effects of different PR electoral systems. Participants in the experiment were given the opportunity to vote for real EP candidates in three different electoral systems: closed list, open list, and open list with panachage and cumulation. Because voter preferences can be held constant across the three different votes, we can evaluate the extent to which female candidates were more or less advantaged by the electoral system itself. We find that voters, regardless of their gender, support female candidates, and that this support is stronger under open electoral rules.
Wie Patient(inn)en mit einer Hüft- oder Beckenfraktur das Warten auf die Operation erleben
Authors: Lanz-Suter Elisabeth , Mischke Claudia
Published: January 2017

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Personen mit Hüftfrakturen warten in Schweizer Spitälern aus vielerlei Gründen auf die Operation, obwohl Leitlinien die rasche operative Versorgung empfehlen. Studien zeigen, dass lange Wartezeiten physische und psychische Probleme zur Folge haben können. Pflegende sind unmittelbar mit den Wartenden konfrontiert und fühlen sich bei der Betreuung während dieser Zeit oft unsicher und hilflos, auch weil ihnen das Wissen zum Warteerleben aus der Sicht der Betroffenen fehlt. Ziel: Die Erfahrungen von Hüftfrakturpatient(inn)en beim Warten auf die Operation wurden untersucht, um daraus Implikationen für die pflegerische Betreuung abzuleiten. Methode: Es wurde ein qualitatives Vorgehen mit leitfadengestützten Interviews gewählt, die Daten mit offenem Codierverfahren nach Saldaña analysiert. Ergebnisse: Aufgrund von Rekrutierungsproblemen wurden nachträglich auch Personen mit Beckenfrakturen eingeschlossen. Die zwölf Befragten – 33 bis 89 Jahre alt – warteten im Schnitt 68 Stunden auf die Operation. Sie empfanden diese Phase als Stillstand und verlorene Zeit. Vertrauen ins Behandlungsteam und Verständnis für die Situation, gefördert durch adäquate Information und umsichtige Pflege, erleichterten die Wartezeit. Belastungen wie Schmerzen, Immobilität oder Sorgen erschwerten sie. Sich zu beschäftigen bereitete den Befragten Mühe und sie schätzten Ablenkung durch Angehörige. Schlussfolgerung: Eine anteilnehmende, aufmerksame Pflege, die sensibel auf die Bedürfnisse Wartender reagiert und so einheitlich wie verlässlich informiert, stärkt das Gefühl, sicher aufgehoben zu sein.
Seeking Signs of Life and More: NASA's Mars 2020 Mission
Authors: Farley K. , Williford K.
Published: January 2017

The next Mars rover will be able to land near rugged terrain, giving scientists access to diverse landscapes. It will also cache core samples, a first step in the quest to return samples to Earth.
Structural insight into an evolutionarily ancient programmed cell death regulator – the crystal structure of marine sponge BHP2 bound to LB-Bak-2
Authors: Caria Sofia , Hinds Mark G , Kvansakul Marc
Published: January 2017

Sponges of the porifera family harbor some of the evolutionary most ancient orthologs of the B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) family, a protein family critical to regulation of apoptosis. The genome of the sponge Geodia cydonium contains the putative pro-survival Bcl-2 homolog BHP2, which protects sponge tissue as well as mammalian Hek-293 and NIH-3T3 cells against diverse apoptotic stimuli. The Lake Baikal demosponge Lubomirskia baicalensis has been shown to encode both putative pro-survival Bcl-2 (LB-Bcl-2) and pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 members (LB-Bak-2), which have been implied in axis formation (branches) in L. baicalensis. However, the molecular mechanism of action of sponge-encoded orthologs of Bcl-2 remains to be clarified. Here, we report that the pro-survival Bcl-2 ortholog BHP2 from G. cydonium is able to bind the BH3 motif of a pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein, LB-Bak-2 of the sponge L. baicalensis. Furthermore, we determined the crystal structure of BHP2 bound to LB-Bak-2, which revealed that using a binding groove conserved across all pro-survival Bcl-2 proteins, BHP2 binds multi-motif Bax-like proteins through their BH3-binding regions. However, BHP2 discriminates against BH3-only bearing proteins by blocking access to a hydrophobic pocket that is critical for BH3 motif binding in pro-survival Bcl-2 proteins from higher organisms. This differential binding mode is reflected in a structure-based phylogenetic comparison of BHP2 with other Bcl-2 family members, which revealed that BHP2 does not cluster with either Bcl-2 members of higher organisms or pathogen-encoded homologs, and assumes a discrete position. Our findings suggest that the molecular machinery and mechanisms for executing Bcl-2-mediated apoptosis as observed in mammals are evolutionary ancient, with early regulation of apoptotic machineries closely resembling their modern counterparts in mammals rather than Caenorhabditis elegans or drosophila.
DRP-1 is required for BH3 mimetic-mediated mitochondrial fragmentation and apoptosis
Authors: Milani Mateus , Byrne Dominic P , Greaves Georgia , Butterworth Michael , Cohen Gerald M , Eyers Patrick A , Varadarajan Shankar
Published: January 2017

The concept of using BH3 mimetics as anticancer agents has been substantiated by the efficacy of selective drugs, such as Navitoclax and Venetoclax, in treating BCL-2-dependent haematological malignancies. However, most solid tumours depend on MCL-1 for survival, which is highly amplified in multiple cancers and a major factor determining chemoresistance. Most MCL-1 inhibitors that have been generated so far, while demonstrating early promise in vitro, fail to exhibit specificity and potency in a cellular context. To address the lack of standardised assays for benchmarking the in vitro binding of putative inhibitors before analysis of their cellular effects, we developed a rapid differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF)-based assay, and used it to screen a panel of BH3 mimetics. We next contrasted their binding signatures with their ability to induce apoptosis in a MCL-1 dependent cell line. Of all the MCL-1 inhibitors tested, only A-1210477 induced rapid, concentration-dependent apoptosis, which strongly correlated with a thermal protective effect on MCL-1 in the DSF assay. In cells that depend on both MCL-1 and BCL-XL, A-1210477 exhibited marked synergy with A-1331852, a BCL-XL specific inhibitor, to induce cell death. Despite this selectivity and potency, A-1210477 induced profound structural changes in the mitochondrial network in several cell lines that were not phenocopied following MCL-1 RNA interference or transcriptional repression, suggesting that A-1210477 induces mitochondrial fragmentation in an MCL-1-independent manner. However, A-1210477-induced mitochondrial fragmentation was dependent upon DRP-1, and silencing expression levels of DRP-1 diminished not just mitochondrial fragmentation but also BH3 mimetic-mediated apoptosis. These findings provide new insights into MCL-1 ligands, and the interplay between DRP-1 and the anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family members in the regulation of apoptosis.
Microbes can help explain the evolution of host altruism
Authors: Lewin-Epstein Ohad , Aharonov Ranit , Hadany Lilach
Published: January 2017

The evolution of altruistic behaviour, which is costly to the donor but beneficial for the recipient, is among the most intriguing questions in evolutionary biology. Several theories have been proposed to explain it, including kin selection, group selection and reciprocity. Here we propose that microbes that manipulate their hosts to act altruistically could be favoured by selection, and may play a role in the widespread occurrence of altruism. Using computational models, we find that microbe-induced altruism can explain the evolution of host altruistic behaviour under wider conditions than host-centred theories, including in a fully mixed host population, without repeating interactions or individual recognition. Our results suggest that factors such as antibiotics that kill microbes might negatively affect cooperation in a wide range of organisms.
Quantum–continuum simulation of underpotential deposition at electrified metal–solution interfaces
Authors: Weitzner Stephen E. , Dabo Ismaila
Published: January 2017

The underpotential deposition of transition metal ions is a critical step in many electrosynthetic approaches. While underpotential deposition has been intensively studied at the atomic level, first-principles calculations in vacuum can strongly underestimate the stability of underpotentially deposited metals. It has been shown recently that the consideration of co-adsorbed anions can deliver more reliable descriptions of underpotential deposition reactions; however, the influence of additional key environmental factors such as the electrification of the interface under applied voltage and the activities of the ions in solution have yet to be investigated. In this work, copper underpotential deposition on gold is studied under realistic electrochemical conditions using a quantum–continuum model of the electrochemical interface. We report here on the influence of surface electrification, concentration effects, and anion co-adsorption on the stability of the copper underpotential deposition layer on the gold (100) surface.
Individual differences in the learning potential of human beings
Authors: Stern Elsbeth
Published: January 2017

To the best of our knowledge, the genetic foundations that guide human brain development have not changed fundamentally during the past 50,000 years. However, because of their cognitive potential, humans have changed the world tremendously in the past centuries. They have invented technical devices, institutions that regulate cooperation and competition, and symbol systems, such as script and mathematics, that serve as reasoning tools. The exceptional learning ability of humans allows newborns to adapt to the world they are born into; however, there are tremendous individual differences in learning ability among humans that become obvious in school at the latest. Cognitive psychology has developed models of memory and information processing that attempt to explain how humans learn (general perspective), while the variation among individuals (differential perspective) has been the focus of psychometric intelligence research. Although both lines of research have been proceeding independently, they increasingly converge, as both investigate the concepts of working memory and knowledge construction. This review begins with presenting state-of-the-art research on human information processing and its potential in academic learning. Then, a brief overview of the history of psychometric intelligence research is combined with presenting recent work on the role of intelligence in modern societies and on the nature-nurture debate. Finally, promising approaches to integrating the general and differential perspective will be discussed in the conclusion of this review.
Erratum: Antigen-affinity controls pre-germinal center B cell selection by promoting Mcl-1 induction through BAFF receptor signaling
Authors: Wensveen Felix M. , Slinger Erik , van Attekum Martijn HA , Brink Robert , Eldering Eric
Published: January 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 35673; published online: 20 October 2016; updated: 12 January 2017 The original version of this Article contained an error in the title of the paper, where the word “center” was incorrectly given as “censter”. This has now been corrected in the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.
Correction: Corrigendum: Contrasting effects of nitrogen and phosphorus addition on soil respiration in an alpine grassland on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Ren Fei , Yang Xiaoxia , Zhou Huakun , Zhu Wenyan , Zhang Zhenhua , Chen Litong , Cao Guangmin , He Jin-Sheng
Published: January 2017

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 34786; published online: 10 October 2016; updated: 12 January 2017 In this Article, Figure 2 is duplicated as Figure 4. The correct Figure 4 appears below as Figure 1.
Thermal grill conditioning: Effect on contact heat evoked potentials
Authors: Jutzeler Catherine R. , Warner Freda M. , Wanek Johann , Curt Armin , Kramer John L. K.
Published: January 2017

The ‘thermal grill illusion’ (TGI) is a unique cutaneous sensation of unpleasantness, induced through the application of interlacing warm and cool stimuli. While previous studies have investigated optimal parameters and subject characteristics to evoke the illusion, our aim was to examine the modulating effect as a conditioning stimulus. A total of 28 healthy control individuals underwent three testing sessions on separate days. Briefly, 15 contact heat stimuli were delivered to the right hand dorsum, while the left palmar side of the hand was being conditioned with either neutral (32 °C), cool (20 °C), warm (40 °C), or TGI (20/40 °C). Rating of perception (numeric rating scale: 0–10) and evoked potentials (i.e., N1 and N2P2 potentials) to noxious contact heat stimuli were assessed. While cool and warm conditioning decreased cortical responses to noxious heat, TGI conditioning increased evoked potential amplitude (N1 and N2P2). In line with other modalities of unpleasant conditioning (e.g., sound, visual, and olfactory stimulation), cortical and possibly sub-cortical modulation may underlie the facilitation of contact heat evoked potentials.