bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-temperature activation of methane on the IrO
2
(110) surface
Authors: Liang Zhu , Li Tao , Kim Minkyu , Asthagiri Aravind , Weaver Jason F.
Published: April 2017

Low-temperature methane reactions

Methane is a potential feedstock for more valuable products. The strong carbon-hydrogen bonds of methane can be activated by heterogeneous catalysts but often at temperatures that make it difficult to control reactions selectively. Liang
et al.
show that methane, adsorbed on the stoichiometric IrO
2
(110) under ultrahigh-vacuum conditions, reacts with exposed iridium atoms to break the carbon-hydrogen bonds at temperatures as low as 150 K. On heating, the surface fragments react cleanly with surface oxygen to form carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and water.

Science
, this issue p.
299
Phosphorylation Induces Structural Changes in the Autographa californica Nucleopolyhedrovirus P10 Protein
Authors: Raza Farheen , McGouran Joanna F. , Kessler Benedikt M. , Possee Robert D. , King Linda A.
Published: April 2017

Baculoviruses encode a variety of auxiliary proteins that are not essential for viral replication but provide them with a selective advantage in nature. P10 is a 10-kDa auxiliary protein produced in the very late phase of gene transcription by Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV). The P10 protein forms cytoskeleton-like structures in the host cell that associate with microtubules varying from filamentous forms in the cytoplasm to aggregated perinuclear tubules that form a cage-like structure around the nucleus. These P10 structures may have a role in the release of occlusion bodies (OBs) and thus mediate the horizontal transmission of the virus between insect hosts. Here, using mass spectrometric analysis, it is demonstrated that the C terminus of P10 is phosphorylated during virus infection of cells in culture. Analysis of P10 mutants encoded by recombinant baculoviruses in which putative phosphorylation residues were mutated to alanine showed that serine 93 is a site of phosphorylation. Confocal microscopy examination of the serine 93 mutant structures revealed aberrant formation of the perinuclear tubules. Thus, the phosphorylation of serine 93 may induce the aggregation of filaments to form tubules. Together, these data suggest that the phosphorylation of serine 93 affects the structural conformation of P10.

IMPORTANCE
The baculovirus P10 protein has been researched intensively since it was first observed in 1969, but its role during viral infection remains unclear. It is conserved in the alphabaculoviruses and expressed at high levels during virus infection. Producing large amounts of a protein is wasteful for the virus unless it is advantageous for the survival of its progeny, and therefore, P10 presents an enigma. As P10 polymerizes to form organized cytoskeletal structures that colocalize with host cell microtubules, the structural relationship of the protein with the host cell may present a key to help understand the function and importance of this protein. This study addresses the importance of the structural changes in P10 during infection and how they may be governed by phosphorylation. The P10 structures affected by phosphorylation are closely associated with the viral progeny and thus may potentially be responsible for its dissemination and survival.
The Major Envelope Glycoprotein of Murid Herpesvirus 4 Promotes Sexual Transmission
Authors: Zeippen Caroline , Javaux Justine , Xiao Xue , Ledecq Marina , Mast Jan , Farnir Frédéric , Vanderplasschen Alain , Stevenson Philip , Gillet Laurent
Published: April 2017

Gammaherpesviruses are important human and animal pathogens. Infection control has proven difficult because the key process of transmission is ill understood. Murid herpesvirus 4 (MuHV-4), a gammaherpesvirus of mice, is transmitted sexually. We show that this depends on the major virion envelope glycoprotein gp150. gp150 is redundant for host entry, and
in vitro
, it regulates rather than promotes cell binding. We show that gp150-deficient MuHV-4 reaches and replicates normally in the female genital tract after nasal infection but is poorly released from vaginal epithelial cells and fails to pass from the female to the male genital tract during sexual contact. Thus, we show that the regulation of virion binding is a key component of spontaneous gammaherpesvirus transmission.

IMPORTANCE
Gammaherpesviruses are responsible for many important diseases in both animals and humans. Some important aspects of their life cycle are still poorly understood. Key among these is viral transmission. Here we show that the major envelope glycoprotein of murid herpesvirus 4 functions not in entry or dissemination but in virion release to allow sexual transmission to new hosts.
A Novel Type of Polyhedral Viruses Infecting Hyperthermophilic Archaea
Authors: Liu Ying , Ishino Sonoko , Ishino Yoshizumi , Pehau-Arnaudet Gérard , Krupovic Mart , Prangishvili David
Published: April 2017

Encapsidation of genetic material into polyhedral particles is one of the most common structural solutions employed by viruses infecting hosts in all three domains of life. Here, we describe a new virus of hyperthermophilic archaea,
Sulfolobus
polyhedral virus 1 (SPV1), which condenses its circular double-stranded DNA genome in a manner not previously observed for other known viruses. The genome complexed with virion proteins is wound up sinusoidally into a spherical coil which is surrounded by an envelope and further encased by an outer polyhedral capsid apparently composed of the 20-kDa virion protein. Lipids selectively acquired from the pool of host lipids are integral constituents of the virion. None of the major virion proteins of SPV1 show similarity to structural proteins of known viruses. However, minor structural proteins, which are predicted to mediate host recognition, are shared with other hyperthermophilic archaeal viruses infecting members of the order
Sulfolobales
. The SPV1 genome consists of 20,222 bp and contains 45 open reading frames, only one-fifth of which could be functionally annotated.

IMPORTANCE
Viruses infecting hyperthermophilic archaea display a remarkable morphological diversity, often presenting architectural solutions not employed by known viruses of bacteria and eukaryotes. Here we present the isolation and characterization of
Sulfolobus
polyhedral virus 1, which condenses its genome into a unique spherical coil. Due to the original genomic and architectural features of SPV1, the virus should be considered a representative of a new viral family, “Portogloboviridae.”
Detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum,
Babesia microti
, Borrelia burgdorferi, Borrelia miyamotoi, and Powassan Virus in Ticks by a Multiplex Real-Time Reverse Transcription-PCR Assay
Authors: Tokarz Rafal , Tagliafierro Teresa , Cucura D. Moses , Rochlin Ilia , Sameroff Stephen , Lipkin W. Ian
Published: April 2017

The understanding of pathogen prevalence is an important factor in the determination of human risks for tick-borne diseases and can help guide diagnosis and treatment. The implementation of our assay addresses a critical need in surveillance of tick-borne diseases, through generation of a comprehensive assessment of pathogen prevalence in
I. scapularis
. Our finding of a high frequency of ticks infected with
Babesia microti
in Suffolk County, NY, implicates this agent as a probable frequent cause of non-Lyme tick-borne disease in this area.
Hyalinizing trabecular tumour of the thyroid: fine-needle aspiration cytological diagnosis and correlation with histology
Authors: Saglietti Chiara , Piana Simonetta , La Rosa Stefano , Bongiovanni Massimo
Published: April 2017

Hyalinizing trabecular tumour (HTT) is a rare thyroid neoplasm of follicular cell origin characterised by a trabecular growth pattern and prominent intratrabecular and intertrabecular hyalinisation. These peculiar histological features allow the prompt recognition of this neoplasm in surgical specimens. However, cytological diagnosis of HTT remains elusive and misleading because of overlapping characteristics with other thyroid tumours, particularly papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and the newly described non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP). Nevertheless, the proper recognition of this neoplasm on preoperative cytological preparations is important to avoid unnecessary overtreatment of this indolent lesion. A thorough review of the literature has revealed that the correct diagnosis of HTT in cytological smears is achieved in only 8% of cases. In a further 6% of cases, diagnostic doubt has been indicated. Sixty percent of published cases of HTT have been misdiagnosed as suggestive, suspicious or positive for PTC. These findings underline the difficulties of a cytological-based diagnosis of such entity. In this article we review the cytomorphological features of HTT and their correlation to histological features to provide the reader with the tools to improve diagnostic performance in the identification of HTT on preoperative cytology.
Evaluating trade-offs in bull trout reintroduction strategies using structured decision making
Authors: Brignon William R. , Peterson James T. , Dunham Jason B. , Schaller Howard A. , Schreck Carl B.
Published: April 2017

Structured decision making allows reintroduction decisions to be made despite uncertainty by linking reintroduction goals with alternative management actions through predictive models of ecological processes. We developed a decision model to evaluate the trade-offs between six bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) reintroduction decisions with the goal of maximizing the number of adults in the recipient population without reducing the donor population to an unacceptable level. Sensitivity analyses suggested that the decision identity and outcome were most influenced by survival parameters that result in increased adult abundance in the recipient population, increased juvenile survival in the donor and recipient populations, adult fecundity rates, and sex ratio. The decision was least sensitive to survival parameters associated with the captive-reared population, the effect of naivety on released individuals, and juvenile carrying capacity of the reintroduced population. The model and sensitivity analyses can serve as the foundation for formal adaptive management and improved effectiveness, efficiency, and transparency of bull trout reintroduction decisions.
Electronic structure of POPC phospholipids under constant electric field
Authors: de Figueiredo Jaciéli Evangelho , da Silva Leandro Barros
Published: April 2017

We report in the present paper an ab initio study on the electronic and structural properties of phospholipidic membranes under the influence of electric fields. We show that the external field alters the charge distribution of the molecule leading to a modification in the electric dipole moment. The torque on the phospholipid may then cause a transmembranar stress, which by its turn, weakens the membrane allowing to the formation of a pore.
Participatory Genomic Research: Ethical Issues from the Bottom Up to the Top Down
Authors: Aungst Heide , Fishman Jennifer R. , McGowan Michelle L.
Published: April 2017

Participatory approaches to genomic research manifest along a continuum from bottom-up citizen-science initiatives designed to liberate scientific inquiry from the constraints of traditional research institutional contexts and professional practices to top-down investigator-initiated studies designed to expose the public to scientific research processes and build its support and enthusiasm for genomic research. With foundations as varied as open science, crowdsourcing, patient advocacy, social media, the digitization of health, and the neoliberalization of academic research, a range of ethical frameworks inform the modes of participatory genomic research. Using illustrations from citizen genomic science, patient advocacy, and investigator-led and government-initiated genomic research efforts, we argue that as participatory genomic research pushes the conventional research boundaries toward a more democratizing ethos, it challenges scientific practices and the ethical conduct of genomic research both within and outside of the traditional sites of biomedical innovation.
MRI in Glioma Immunotherapy: Evidence, Pitfalls, and Perspectives
Authors: Aquino Domenico , Gioppo Andrea , Finocchiaro Gaetano , Bruzzone Maria Grazia , Cuccarini Valeria
Published: April 2017

Pseudophenomena, that is, imaging alterations due to therapy rather than tumor evolution, have an important impact on the management of glioma patients and the results of clinical trials. RANO (response assessment in neurooncology) criteria, including conventional MRI (cMRI), addressed the issues of pseudoprogression after radiotherapy and concomitant chemotherapy and pseudoresponse during antiangiogenic therapy of glioblastomas (GBM) and other gliomas. The development of cancer immunotherapy forced the identification of further relevant response criteria, summarized by the iRANO working group in 2015. In spite of this, the unequivocal definition of glioma progression by cMRI remains difficult particularly in the setting of immunotherapy approaches provided by checkpoint inhibitors and dendritic cells. Advanced MRI (aMRI) may in principle address this unmet clinical need. Here, we discuss the potential contribution of different aMRI techniques and their indications and pitfalls in relation to biological and imaging features of glioma and immune system interactions.
Understanding the Mechanisms of Recovery and/or Compensation following Injury
Authors: Hylin Michael J. , Kerr Abigail L. , Holden Ryan
Published: April 2017

Injury due to stroke and traumatic brain injury result in significant long-term effects upon behavioral functioning. One central question to rehabilitation research is whether the nature of behavioral improvement observed is due to recovery or the development of compensatory mechanisms. The nature of functional improvement can be viewed from the perspective of behavioral changes or changes in neuroanatomical plasticity that follows. Research suggests that these changes correspond to each other in a bidirectional manner. Mechanisms surrounding phenomena like neural plasticity may offer an opportunity to explain how variables such as experience can impact improvement and influence the definition of recovery. What is more, the intensity of the rehabilitative experiences may influence the ability to recover function and support functional improvement of behavior. All of this impacts how researchers, clinicians, and medical professionals utilize rehabilitation.
Dietary Selenium or Zinc Supplementation Restores Brain Lipid Composition and Membrane Fluidity in Protein-Undernourished Rats
Authors: Adebayo Olusegun L. , Salau Bamidele A. , Sandhir Rajat , Adenuga Gbenga A.
Published: April 2017

Studies have shown that protein undernutrition (PU) modifies the membrane lipid composition in the intestine and liver, as well as in plasma and other areas. However, there is limited information on the effect of PU on synaptosomal membrane lipid composition and fluidity and the protective role of selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn), which is a major focus of the present study. For 10 weeks, rats were fed diets containing 16% casein, which constituted the adequate protein diet, or 5% casein, representing the PU diet. The animals were supplemented with Se and Zn at a concentration of 0.15 and 227 mg L-1, respectively, in drinking water for 3 weeks. The results showed a significant increase in total lipids, glycolipids, triglycerides, cholesterol, and the cholesterol/phospholipid (Chol/PL) ratio, and a significant reduction in phospholipids and membrane fluidity. Se and Zn supplementation to PU rats, however, significantly lowered total lipids, glycolipids, triglycerides, cholesterol, and the Chol/PL ratio, while phospholipids and membrane fluidity were significantly restored. It is concluded that a perturbed lipid composition induced by PU affects the membrane structure and fluidity, which in turn influences membrane functions. The study suggests that Se and Zn supplementation might be beneficial in restoring the lipid dyshomeostasis associated with PU.
Co-Activation of TGFβ and Wnt Signalling Pathways Abrogates EMT in Ovarian Cancer Cells
Authors: Mitra Tulika , Roy Sib Sankar
Published: April 2017

Background/Aims: The aggressive property of ovarian cancer (OC) in terms of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), proliferation and metastasis are of major concern. Different growth factors including TGFβ are associated with regulating these molecular events but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of this report is to decipher the regulation of EMT by co-activation of TGFβ and Wnt signalling cascades in gaining malignancy. Methods: The expression of the different components of signalling events were analyzed by QPCR, Western blot, Immunofluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. β-catenin promoter activity was checked by luciferase assay. Results: We observed reduced EMT in ovarian cancer cells upon co-activation with TGFβ1 and LiCl as shown by the expressions of epithelial/mesenchymal markers and the EMT promoting factor, Snail1, accompanied by decrease in the invasion and migration of the cells compared to individual pathway activation. A detailed study of the mechanism suggested reduction in the β-catenin and p-GSK3b (Ser 9) levels to be the driving cause of this phenomenon, which was reversed upon co-activation with higher concentrations of LiCl. Conclusions: Therefore, tumourigenesis might be affected by the concentration of ligand/ growth factors for the respective signalling pathways activated in the tumour microenvironment and interaction between them might alter tumourigenesis.
Choroidal Thickness and Microperimetry Sensitivity in Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Broadhead Geoffrey K. , Hong Thomas , McCluskey Peter , Grigg John R. , Schlub Timothy E. , Chang Andrew A.
Published: April 2017

Purpose: To assess choroidal thickness (CT) and its relationship to retinal sensitivity in mild/moderate age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods: Seventy-two eyes of 51 participants with mild/moderate AMD and 36 eyes of 18 age-matched normal participants were prospectively recruited to undergo enhanced-depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) imaging and microperimetry (MP) functional assessment. OCT-measured CT and retinal thickness (RT) were matched with MP sensitivity at 13 retinal loci, and correlations were analysed. Results: Patients with AMD had an average RT 56.5 μm greater than those without AMD (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in CT between normal and AMD participants (p = 0.36). In patients without atrophy or pigment epithelial detachment, there was no correlation between MP sensitivity and CT (p = 0.08); however, a correlation between RT and MP was detected (b = 0.006, p = 0.046). Among patients without AMD, MP sensitivity was positively correlated with RT (b = 0.007, p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with CT (b = 0.0046, p = 0.035). Conclusions: CT does not correlate with retinal sensitivity in AMD. Although choroidal damage and impaired choroidal perfusion appear to be important concepts in AMD pathogenesis, increasing choroidal thinning may not be associated with worsening retinal function in AMD.
The Effect of Antiretroviral Naïve HIV-1 Infection on the Ability of Natural Killer Cells to Produce IFN-γ upon Exposure to Plasmodium falciparum-Infected Erythrocytes
Authors: Sake Carole Stéphanie , Ngu Loveline , Ambada Georgia , Chedjou Jean Paul , Nji Nadesh , Tchadji Jules Colince , Lissom Abel , Tchouangueu Thibau Flaurant , Djukouo Larissa , Njambe Ghislain , Garcia Rosario , Gutierrez Anna , Bopda Waffo Alain , Park Chae Gyu , Mbacham Wilfried , Etoa François-Xavier , Nchinda Godwin W.
Published: April 2017

Background: In sub-Saharan Africa, intense perennial Plasmodium species transmission coincides with areas of high prevalence of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV) infection. This implies that antiretroviral naïve HIV-infected people living within these regions are repeatedly exposed to Plasmodium species infection and consequently malaria. Natural killer (NK) cells are known to contribute to malaria immunity through the production of IFN-γ after exposure to Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes (infected red blood cells [iRBC]). However, in antiretroviral naïve HIV-1 infection, these functions could be impaired. In this study we assess the ability of NK cells from antiretroviral naïve HIV-1-infected people to respond to iRBC. Method: Magnetically sorted NK cells from antiretroviral naïve HIV-1-infected people were tested for their ability to respond to iRBC following in vitro coculture. NK cell IFN-γ production after coculture was measured through multiparametric flow cytometry analysis. Results: Our data show a significant reduction (p = 0.03) in IFN-γ production by NK cells from antiretroviral naïve HIV-1-infected people after coculture with iRBCs. This was in contrast to the NK cell response from healthy controls, which demonstrated elevated IFN-γ production. NK cell IFN-γ production from untreated HIV-1-infected participants correlated inversely with the viral load (r = -0.5, p = 0.02) and positively with total helper CD4+ T-cell count (r = 0.4, p = 0.04). Thus, antiretroviral naïve HIV-1 infection can dampen NK cell-mediated immunity to P. falciparum infection in malaria-intense regions. This could in effect escalate morbidity and mortality in people chronically infected with HIV-1.
Os bibliotecários baianos: compreendendo a evolução de uma profissão
Authors: Santos Jaires Oliveira , Barreira Maria Isabel de Jesus Sousa
Published: April 2017

O estudo buscou compreender o espaço de memória ocupado pelos Bibliotecários formados na Universidade Federal da Bahia entre os anos de 1980 a 2012. Nessa perspectiva, lançou-se um olhar sobre alguns aspectos relacionados a formação e atuação profissional, a fim de compreendê-lo enquanto sujeito da memória individual e coletiva responsável pela mediação do conhecimento humano produzido socialmente. Utilizou-se como instrumentos de coleta de dados fontes primárias que integram a memória institucional, tais como livros de atas de colação de grau, assim como, três livros comemorativos, referentes aos 40, 50 e 60 anos da antiga Escola de Biblioteconomia e acervos fotográficos relativos à trajetória da Instituição. A pesquisa caracteriza-se como exploratório documental, pretendeu percorrer as trilhas da memória institucional, onde transitaram pessoas, anseios, sonhos, crises, e, um desejo comum de adquirir uma formação profissional para exercer uma carreira.
Cenário da produção conjunta entre Brasil e Espanha na Física de Altas Energias (1992-2013)
Authors: Alvarez Gonzalo Rubén , Bonilla-Calero Ana Isabel , Lascurain-Sánchez María Luisa , Vanz Samile Andrea de Souza
Published: April 2017

Este estudo bibliométrico analisa as características da produção conjunta entre Brasil e Espanha na Física de Altas Energias (FAE) a partir dos artigos publicados em revistas indexadas pela Web of Science (WoS) no período de 1983-2013. Indicadores de produção e colaboração foram utilizados na caracterização da área abordada. Os resultados mostram que a taxa de crescimento da colaboração multilateral (Brasil, Espanha e outros países) é superior ao crescimento individual da produção científica de cada país. Instituições estatais como a brasileira Rede Nacional de Física de Altas Energias (RENAFAE) e a espanhola Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) tiveram papel fundamental para a promoção e coordenação das colaborações internacionais de ambos os países. A colaboração multilateral favorece a publicações em revistas Q1 e o incremento do número de citações. A colaboração bilateral em FAE não traz benefícios suficientes em termos de impacto. No entanto, esse tipo de colaboração propicia o compartilhamento de infraestrutura e conhecimentos científicos a partir de iniciativas e convênios de cooperação. Na FAE, a colaboração internacional é fundamental, pois melhora os indicadores quanto maior for o número de países envolvidos. No entanto, a participação do Brasil e da Espanha nas redes multinacionais não implica uma marcada especialização.
Comparative Safety of Sulfonylurea and Metformin Monotherapy on the Risk of Heart Failure: A Cohort Study
Authors: Roumie Christianne L. , Min Jea Young , D'Agostino McGowan Lucy , Presley Caroline , Grijalva Carlos G. , Hackstadt Amber J. , Hung Adriana M. , Greevy Robert A. , Elasy Tom , Griffin Marie R.
Published: April 2017

Background

Medications that impact insulin sensitivity or cause weight gain may increase heart failure risk. Our aim was to compare heart failure and cardiovascular death outcomes among patients initiating sulfonylureas for diabetes mellitus treatment versus metformin.

Methods and Results

National Veterans Health Administration databases were linked to Medicare, Medicaid, and National Death Index data. Veterans aged ≥18 years who initiated metformin or sulfonylureas between 2001 and 2011 and whose creatinine was <1.4 (females) or 1.5 mg/dL (males) were included. Each metformin patient was propensity score‐matched to a sulfonylurea initiator. The outcome was hospitalization for acute decompensated heart failure as the primary reason for admission or a cardiovascular death. There were 126 867 and 79 192 new users of metformin and sulfonylurea, respectively. Propensity score matching yielded 65 986 per group. Median age was 66 years, and 97% of patients were male; hemoglobin A
1c
6.9% (6.3, 7.7); body mass index 30.7 kg/m
2
(27.4, 34.6); and 6% had heart failure history. There were 1236 events (1184 heart failure hospitalizations and 52 cardiovascular deaths) among sulfonylurea initiators and 1078 events (1043 heart failure hospitalizations and 35 cardiovascular deaths) among metformin initiators. There were 12.4 versus 8.9 events per 1000 person‐years of use (adjusted hazard ratio 1.32, 95%
CI
1.21, 1.43). The rate difference was 4 heart failure hospitalizations or cardiovascular deaths per 1000 users of sulfonylureas versus metformin annually.

Conclusions

Predominantly male patients initiating treatment for diabetes mellitus with sulfonylurea had a higher risk of heart failure and cardiovascular death compared to similar patients initiating metformin.
“The Plowers Plowed”: The Violated Body in Psalm 129
Authors: James Elaine
Published: April 2017

Psalm 129 employs the metaphor of plowing the body. This metaphor is typically interpreted in light of the metaphor of yoked oxen common in other biblical texts. This paper considers an extension of the metaphor to include sexual violence. In light of the convergent uses in the metaphor of “plowing” in ancient texts to refer to both militarized violence and sexuality, “plowing the body” in Psalm 129 also has a nuance of sexual violence. This operates by analogy between the body of the victim and the land. This analogy provides for a coherent reading of the poem, Psalm 129, which employs agricultural imagery (plowing, sowing, harvesting, binding sheaves) throughout. The analogy between the body and the land via the metaphor of the plow suggests their shared vulnerability (to sexual violence, and to long-term agricultural destruction) in contexts of war.
Two new parastenocaridid genera (Copepoda, Harpacticoida) from South America, including a revision of Noodt’s columbiensis-group and the redescription of Parastenocaris tapajosensis Noodt, 1963
Authors: Gaviria Santiago , Defaye Danielle , Corgosinho Paulo H. C.
Published: April 2017

The genus Colombocaris is proposed for a new species discovered on submerged mosses of a high Andean lake in Colombia. The diagnostic characters of the genus mainly concern the morphology of legs, particularly the endopod of leg 2, leg 3, the endopodite of leg 4 and the peculiar leg 5, the cuticular windows of body segments and the morphology of the furca. The new genus Noodtcaris is proposed for three species of the Parastenocaris columbiensis-group, viz., P. columbiensis, P. kubitzkii and P. roettgeri, described from the Colombian Llanos Orientales, and for P. tapajosensis from the Brazilian Amazonas. This genus is well defined by the ornamentation of the caudal rami and the morphology of legs 2 to 5. The absence of endopod on female leg 3 is a diagnostic character at least for the Colombian species. A key for the identification of the species composing the new genera is provided.
Sting-Jet Windstorms over the North Atlantic: Climatology and Contribution to Extreme Wind Risk
Authors: Hart Neil C. G. , Gray Suzanne L. , Clark Peter A.
Published: April 2017

Extratropical cyclones with damaging winds can have large socioeconomic impacts when they make landfall. During the last decade, studies have identified a mesoscale transient jet, the sting jet, that descends from the tip of the hooked cloud head toward the top of the boundary layer in the dry intrusion region as a cause of strong surface winds, and especially gusts, in some cyclones. While many case studies have focused on the dynamics and characteristics of these jets, there have been few studies that assess the climatology of the associated cyclones and their importance for wind risk. Here the climatological characteristics of North Atlantic cyclones are determined in terms of the possibility that they had sting jets using a previously published sting-jet precursor diagnostic applied to ERA-Interim data over 32 extended winter seasons from 1979 to 2012. Of the 5447 cyclones tracked, 32% had the precursor (42% in the 22% of cyclones that developed explosively). Precursor storms have a more southerly and zonal storm track than storms without the precursor, and precursor storms tend to be more intense as defined by 850-hPa relative vorticity. This study also shows that precursor storms are the dominant cause of cyclone-related resolved strong wind events over the British Isles for 850-hPa wind speeds exceeding 30 m s−1. Hence, early detection of a sting-jet storm could give advance warning of enhanced wind risk. However, over continental northwestern Europe, precursor cyclone-related windstorm events occur far less often.
Turbulence Measurements from Five-Beam Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers
Authors: Guerra Maricarmen , Thomson Jim
Published: April 2017

Two new five-beam acoustic Doppler current profilers—the Nortek Signature1000 AD2CP and the Teledyne RDI Sentinel V50—are demonstrated to measure turbulence at two energetic tidal channels within Puget Sound, Washington. The quality of the raw data is tested by analyzing the turbulent kinetic energy frequency spectra, the turbulence spatial structure function, the shear in the profiles, and the covariance Reynolds stresses. The five-beam configuration allows for a direct estimation of the Reynolds stresses from along-beam velocity fluctuations. The Nortek’s low Doppler noise and high sampling frequency allow for the observation of the turbulent inertial subrange in both the frequency spectra and the turbulence structure function. The turbulence parameters obtained from the five-beam acoustic Doppler current profilers are validated with turbulence data from simultaneous measurements with acoustic Doppler velocimeters. These combined results are then used to assess a turbulent kinetic energy budget in which depth profiles of the turbulent kinetic energy dissipation and production rates are compared. The associated codes are publicly available on the MATLAB File Exchange website.
Investigation on mechanical and thermal properties of knits from peat fibers and their combination with other natural fibers
Authors: Mikučioniene Daiva , Čepukone Lina , Milašiene Daiva
Published: April 2017

Newly designed knits of highly eco-friendly peat fibers and their combination with widely used cotton and wool fibers have been analyzed in this study. The present investigation is focused on the thermal and mechanical properties of weft knits made of peat fiber yarns and their combinations (in various percentages) with other natural fiber yarns, such as cotton and woolen yarns, as well as with elastomeric yarn, as newly developed knits are designed for clothing. It was found that newly developed knitted fabrics with peat fibers have an optimal structure for use. The renewable peat fiber yarns, spun from two kinds of natural cellulose fibers – decomposed Eriophorum vaginatum (cotton grass) sedge stems and cotton – have intermediate strength and elongation values between cotton and flax yarns, and thus are fit for knitting. All the newly designed knitted fabrics have high abrasion resistance and can be used for clothing manufacture. It was found that the nature of the yarn’s raw material and the number of different yarns in one stitch influence the heat transfer dynamic. The heat transfer dynamic through the peat fiber knit is slower than that through the cotton fabric, but it is faster than through the woolen fabric. When the heat transfer process through knitted fabric is faster, this structure may be recommended for warmer seasons.
Reviewing Durban: Examining the Outputs and Review of the 2001 World Conference against Racism
Authors: Lennox Corinne
Published: April 2017

The Durban Review Conference (DRC) held in Geneva, 20–24 April 2009, marked a return to the controversial 2001 World Conference Against Racism (WCAR) held in Durban, South Africa. The outputs of the 2001 conference have been overshadowed by 9/11 and the ‘war on terror’. Civil society has struggled to secure implementation of the commitments made. This article considers the long view of inter-State debates around racism and discusses some key issues that have emerged in the DRC processes. The WCAR follow-up mechanisms are critiqued and the successes of two groups at the WCAR, Afro-descendants and Dalits, are highlighted. The particular focus on the nexus of racism and religious discrimination in the DRC inter-State debates is considered.
On the Interpretation of Human Rights Treaties and Subsequent Practice
Authors: McGrogan David
Published: April 2017

The interpretation of human rights treaties is not often addressed from a formal legal perspective. This article argues that such a perspective is necessary, and that it would likely involve conceptualising part of the work of the UN human rights treaty bodies as conduct constituting subsequent practice establishing the agreement of the parties under Article 31 (3) (b) of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties. The article draws from the jurisprudence of the International Court of Justice and the Dispute Settlement Body of the World Trade Organisation, as well as other international courts and tribunals, to postulate a framework for analysing the work of the UN treaty bodies if it were to be conceptualised in this way. The article sets forth likely requirements for the crystallisation of subsequent practice in the human rights context, before considering some of the implications of the proposed model.
The Safe Third Country Concept in International Agreements on Refugee Protection Assessing State Practice
Authors: Gil-Bazo María-Teresa
Published: April 2017

One of the expressions of international cooperation among States in the field of refugee protection is the adoption of international agreements that implement the “safe third country” and the “country of first asylum” concepts. This paper examines the legal background to these concepts and State practice by considering three selected case studies (Spain, South Africa and the US). The paper analyses the legal implications and significance of issues arising and provides a critique of the system and its premises. In particular, the paper considers whether a multilateral arrangement – such as the Dublin III Regulation or the Canada-US Agreement – has the potential to become a model for the development of an inter-State agreement whereby one of the State Parties effectively delivers all relevant international obligations (including the right to asylum) on behalf of all States bound by such system. The dual nature of the system is analysed, as an operational instrument creating obligations between States while at the same time allowing for the delivery of States' international obligations towards refugees.
The (In)effectiveness of UN Human Rights Treaty Body Recommendations
Authors: Krommendijk Jasper
Published: April 2017

The actual domestic impact of the reporting process under UN human rights treaties on the ground has hardly been studied. This article attempts to fill this gap by examining the effectiveness of the recommendations of the UN human rights treaty bodies in the Netherlands, New Zealand and Finland. The aim of this article is to gather insights in the factors that contribute to the effectiveness of the recommendations by focusing on the differences between the six main UN human rights treaties and treaty bodies and variations among the three countries. While factors related to the defective design and limited legitimacy of the treaty body system inhibit the effectiveness of the recommendations, several domestic factors have at times positively affected the recommendations' effectiveness, particularly the mobilisation of domestic actors.
Refugeeship and Natural Law: The European Court of Human Rights
Authors: Kfir Isaac
Published: April 2017

The contemporary international refugee system was the product of a desire to provide protection and assistance to those who have a well-founded fear of persecution, a somewhat sophistic term in the twenty-first century. Increasingly, however, the system is being challenged by States seeking to reduce refugee applications by adhering to a restrictive interpretation of their Refugee Convention obligations. Underscoring the link between natural law, human rights and refugee law, the paper shows how the European Court of Human Rights has become an important actor in preserving the rights of those seeking refuge within the Council of Europe's jurisdiction. The article thus seeks to encourage further research on the role of legal theory in the refugee regime as well as on how regional courts can help challenge State power in an era of globalisation.
Using warm accumulative roll bonding method to produce Al-Al2O3 metal matrix composite
Authors: Farhadipour Pedram , Sedighi M , vini Mohammad Heydari
Published: April 2017

In this study, warm accumulative roll bonding process has been used to produce metal matrix composite (Al/1% Al2O3). The microstructure and mechanical properties of composites have been studied after different warm accumulative roll bonding cycles by tensile test, Vickers micro-hardness test and scanning electron microscopy. The scanning electron microscopy results reveal that during higher warm accumulative roll bonding cycles, the layers of alumina particles are broken. It leads to the generation of elongated dense clusters with smaller sizes. This microstructure evolution leads to improve the hardness, strength and elongation during the accumulative roll bonding process. The results demonstrated that the dispersed alumina clusters improve both the strength and toughness of the composites. Also, an extra pass of cold rolling on the final warm accumulative roll bonding product shows the ability to obtain further strength. In general, warm accumulative roll bonding process would allow fabricating metal particle reinforced with high uniformity, good mechanical properties and high bonding strength.
Randomized Study of PMTO in Foster Care
Authors: Akin Becci A. , Lang Kyle , McDonald Thomas P. , Yan Yueqi , Little Todd
Published: April 2017

Objective:

This study examined the effects of Parent Management Training, Oregon (PMTO) model on parenting effectiveness and caregiver functioning.

Method:

Children in foster care with emotional and behavioral problems were randomized to PMTO ( n = 461) or services as usual ( n = 457) in a nonblinded study design. Using an intent-to-treat approach, analysis of covariance models tested the intervention’s overall effect and time interactions for parenting and caregiver functioning. Additional analyses were conducted to identify significant predictors of outcomes.

Results:

PMTO did not significantly affect parenting practices; however, positive effects were observed on caregiver functioning in mental health (odds ratio [ OR] = 2.01), substance use ( OR = 1.67), social supports ( OR = 2.37), and readiness for reunification ( OR = 1.64). While no time interactions were detected, several child, parent, and case characteristics were associated with improvements in 6-month outcomes.

Conclusion:

This study extends evidence on PMTO to biological families of children in foster care, including those with older youth.
CLUH couples mitochondrial distribution to the energetic and metabolic status
Authors: Wakim Jamal , Goudenege David , Perrot Rodolphe , Gueguen Naig , Desquiret-Dumas Valerie , Chao de la Barca Juan Manuel , Dalla Rosa Ilaria , Manero Florence , Le Mao Morgane , Chupin Stephanie , Chevrollier Arnaud , Procaccio Vincent , Bonneau Dominique , Logan David C. , Reynier Pascal , Lenaers Guy , Khiati Salim
Published: April 2017

Mitochondrial dynamics and distribution are critical for supplying ATP in response to energy demand. CLUH is a protein involved in mitochondrial distribution whose dysfunction leads to mitochondrial clustering, the metabolic consequences of which remain unknown. To gain insight into the role of CLUH on mitochondrial energy production and cellular metabolism, we have generated CLUH-knockout cells using CRISPR/Cas9. Mitochondrial clustering was associated with a smaller cell size and with decreased abundance of respiratory complexes, resulting in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) defects. This energetic impairment was found to be due to the alteration of mitochondrial translation and to a metabolic shift towards glucose dependency. Metabolomic profiling by mass spectroscopy revealed an increase in the concentration of some amino acids, indicating a dysfunctional Krebs cycle, and increased palmitoylcarnitine concentration, indicating an alteration of fatty acid oxidation, and a dramatic decrease in the concentrations of phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyeline, consistent with the decreased cell size. Taken together, our study establishes a clear function for CLUH in coupling mitochondrial distribution to the control of cell energetic and metabolic status.
Seasonal residency of loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta tracked from the Gulf of Manfredonia, south Adriatic
Authors: CASALE P. , SIMONE G.
Published: April 2017

A detailed knowledge of sea turtle distribution in relation to anthropogenic threats is key to inform conservation measures. We satellite tracked five loggerhead turtles incidentally caught in the Gulf of Manfredonia, where a high turtle occurrence and high bycatch levels have been recently reported. Turtles were tracked for a period ranging from 27 to 367 days, with a minimum travel distance ranging from 151 to 4,300 km. With the caution due to the small sample size, results suggest that: (i) the area may host residential loggerhead turtles at least in summer, while they probably move elsewhere in winter due to the low temperatures occurring in shallow waters, (ii) turtles may have very small home ranges in the area, (iii) turtle occurrence may be higher in shallow waters along the coast. Moreover (iv) one turtle showed remarkable fidelity to the same spot after seasonal migration and constant migration paths. If confirmed and further detailed, such movement patterns may guide effective conservation strategies to reduce the impact of bycatch in the area.
Geographic-genetic analysis of Plasmodium falciparum parasite populations from surveys of primary school children in Western Kenya
Authors: Omedo Irene , Mogeni Polycarp , Rockett Kirk , Kamau Alice , Hubbart Christina , Jeffreys Anna , Ochola-Oyier Lynette Isabella , de Villiers Etienne P. , Gitonga Caroline W. , Noor Abdisalan M. , Snow Robert W. , Kwiatkowski Dominic , Bejon Philip
Published: April 2017

Background. Malaria control, and finally malaria elimination, requires the identification and targeting of residual foci or hotspots of transmission. However, the level of parasite mixing within and between geographical locations is likely to impact the effectiveness and durability of control interventions and thus should be taken into consideration when developing control programs.

Methods. In order to determine the geographic-genetic patterns of Plasmodium falciparum parasite populations at a sub-national level in Kenya, we used the Sequenom platform to genotype 111 genome-wide distributed single nucleotide polymorphic (SNP) positions in 2486 isolates collected from children in 95 primary schools in western Kenya. We analysed these parasite genotypes for genetic structure using principal component analysis and assessed local and global clustering using statistical measures of spatial autocorrelation. We further examined the region for spatial barriers to parasite movement as well as directionality in the patterns of parasite movement.

Results. We found no evidence of population structure and little evidence of spatial autocorrelation of parasite genotypes (correlation coefficients <0.03 among parasite pairs in distance classes of 1km, 2km and 5km; p value<0.01). An analysis of the geographical distribution of allele frequencies showed weak evidence of variation in distribution of alleles, with clusters representing a higher than expected number of samples with the major allele being identified for 5 SNPs. Furthermore, we found no evidence of the existence of spatial barriers to parasite movement within the region, but observed directional movement of parasites among schools in two separate sections of the region studied.

Conclusions. Our findings illustrate a pattern of high parasite mixing within the study region. If this mixing is due to rapid gene flow, then “one-off” targeted interventions may not be currently effective at the sub-national scale in Western Kenya, due to the high parasite movement that is likely to lead to re-introduction of infection from surrounding regions. However repeated targeted interventions may reduce transmission in the surrounding regions.
Bank of Russia and Auditors: Cooperation Grows Strong
Authors: Смирнов  , Smirnov E.
Published: April 2017

In Russia a new federal law is preparing, which support further strengthening of cooperation of the Bank of Russia as oversight body and audit organizations, individual auditors that maintain control of reliability of accounting (financial) reporting of organizations of financial market.
Supporting Muslim ostomates through Ramadan
Authors: Ashworth Sarah , Hall Lisa
Published: April 2017

Sarah Ashworth and Lisa Hall, community stoma nurses, Salts Healthcare, discuss how they cared for their patients who were fasting for the Islamic holy month of Ramadan
The impact of early maternal employment on infant wellbeing and attachment
Authors: Nicol Theresa , Hardy Tracey
Published: April 2017

This article presents the findings of a non-exhaustive critical literature review, which investigates the effects of early maternal employment (EME) on infant attachment and wellbeing. EME is defined as maternal employment commencing in the first year of the infant's life ( Brooks-Gunn et al, 2010 ). As the number of mothers who return to work after having children has increased drastically over the past 30 years ( O'Reilly, 2012 ), there is very little evidence and no current UK policy or guidance in relation to EME to support women in making the often difficult decision to return to work after giving birth.