bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discipline building in Germany: women and genetics at the Berlin Institute for Heredity Research
Authors: STAMHUIS IDA H. , VOGT ANNETTE B.
Published: March 2017

The origin and the development of scientific disciplines has been a topic of reflection for several decades. The few extensive case studies support the thesis that scientific disciplines are not monolithic structures but can be characterized by distinct social, organizational and scientific–technical practices. Nonetheless, most disciplinary histories of genetics confine themselves largely to an uncontested account of the content of the discipline or occasionally institutional factors. Little attention is paid to the large number of researchers who, by their joint efforts, ultimately shaped the discipline. We contribute to this aspect of disciplinary historiography by discussing the role of women researchers at the Institute for Heredity Research, founded in 1914 in Berlin under the directorship of Erwin Baur, and the sister of the John Innes Institute at Cambridge. This paper investigates how and why Baur built a highly successful research programme that relied on the efforts of his female staff, whose careers, notably Elisabeth Schiemann's, are also assessedin toto. These women undertook the necessary ‘technoscience’ and in some cases innovative work and helped increase the prestige of the institute and its director. Together they played a pivotal role in the establishment of genetics in Germany. Without them the discipline would have developed much more slowly and along a divergent path.
The Retreat of the Interventionist State in Advanced Democracies
Authors: Zohlnhöfer Reimut , Engler Fabian , Dümig Kathrin
Published: March 2017

Why have advanced democracies experienced a retreat of the interventionist state since 1980? This article provides evidence that in all relevant policy indicators (spending, subsidies, state-owned enterprises, regulation, capital taxation) government intervention has been scaled back across the OECD. An overview of the results of 130 quantitative studies analysing at least one of these indicators is provided. Focusing on five main explanatory variables – globalization, Europeanization, learning and emulation, socio-economic problems, and political parties – only limited agreement in the literature is found. The reasons for this disagreement are discussed. Ways forward are suggested for the theoretical models on which studies are based, how the dependent variable is chosen, the empirical approaches that may be applied, and how quantitative research and comparative case studies may be combined.
The Power of Peers: How Transnational Advocacy Networks Shape NGO Strategies on Climate Change
Authors: Hadden Jennifer , Jasny Lorien
Published: March 2017

What explains variation in the tactical choices of non-governmental organizations (NGOs)? This article uses network autocorrelation models to establish how the tactical choices of climate change NGOs are shaped by their embeddedness in transnational advocacy networks. Specifically, it finds that NGOs are more likely to adopt protest tactics when adjacent organizations – those with whom they have direct ties – have already done so. The choices of equivalent organizations – those that occupy similar relational roles in the network – do not appear to be influential. Qualitative evidence also shows that NGOs are affected by relational pressure from their peers, which alters their perception of costs and benefits. These findings enhance understanding of how networks influence actors’ behavior and offer insights into the relational processes that generate protest in global politics.
Public Reason and the Exclusion of Oppressed Groups
Authors: CROSS BEN
Published: March 2017

The ‘consensus’ model of public reason, associated with John Rawls’s political liberalism, has been criticised for excluding certain reasons from receiving consideration where the justification of the constitutional essentials is concerned. One limitation of these criticisms is that they typically focus on the exclusion of reasons political liberals are committed to excluding, notably reasons based on religious and comprehensive views. I argue that public reason excludes some reasons, central to the interests of many oppressed groups, that public reason advocates will agree should not be excluded.
DEGREE CONES AND MONOMIAL BASES OF LIE ALGEBRAS AND QUANTUM GROUPS
Authors: BACKHAUS TEODOR , FANG XIN , FOURIER GHISLAIN
Published: March 2017

We provide ℕ-filtrations on the negative part Uq($\mathfrak{n}$−) of the quantum group associated to a finite-dimensional simple Lie algebra $\mathfrak{g}$, such that the associated graded algebra is a skew-polynomial algebra on $\mathfrak{n}$−. The filtration is obtained by assigning degrees to Lusztig's quantum PBW root vectors. The possible degrees can be described as lattice points in certain polyhedral cones. In the classical limit, such a degree induces an ℕ-filtration on any finite-dimensional simple $\mathfrak{g}$-module. We prove for type An, Cn, B3, D4 and G2 that a degree can be chosen such that the associated graded modules are defined by monomial ideals, and conjecture that this is true for any $\mathfrak{g}$.
Behaviour of sheep freely grazed on Gökçeada Island (Turkey) rangeland reclaimed by different methods
Authors: TÖLÜ C. , ALATÜRK F. , ÖZASLAN PARLAK A. , GÖKKUŞ A.
Published: March 2017

Extensive sheep and goat farming is common in the rangelands of Gökçeada Island, NW Turkey. The aim of the current study was to investigate the behaviour of indigenous Gökçeada sheep over these rangelands and factors influencing their behavioural characteristics. Grubbing (with chisel ploughing to a depth of 20 cm), burning (the entire top part of plants) and cutting (10–15 cm stalk on the surface of the soil) were carried out on selected rangeland to reduce prickly burnet (Sarcopoterium spinosum (L.) Spach) from the vegetative covering, then forage crop seeds were sown to improve plant cover. Forty head of Gökçeada-bred sheep were placed in eight fenced plots (half seeded, half unseeded) on reclaimed and natural rangeland for 2 years. Sheep behaviour was observed for a period of 1 year. Each plot was arranged with a stocking rate of 2·67 sheep/ha and contained five sheep that grazed freely within each plot. Sheep behaviour was observed diurnally through direct observation by time sampling (10 min) and continuous sampling methods. During the period of 1 year, the observed sheep spent an average of 0·53 of their time grazing in daylight, 0·30 of their time in rangelands on other activities and 0·17 in the paddocks. Significant differences were observed in the time of grazing, resting, locomotion and rumination by season. The highest grazing ratio was noticed in spring while the lowest was in summer. Sheep exhibited walking behaviour 10·6 times/day. The sheep mostly (0·66) grazed on prickly burnet throughout the year although, when available, they tended to prefer herbaceous plants. The behaviour of sheep in the two natural (unreclaimed) plots was significantly different from those placed in other plots, mainly due to the mass of prickly burnet shrub found in the natural plots.
Helicobacter pylori in the tonsillar tissue: a possible association with chronic tonsillitis and laryngopharyngeal reflux
Authors: Siupsinskiene N , Katutiene I , Jonikiene V , Janciauskas D , Vaitkus S
Published: March 2017

Objective:

To identify Helicobacter pylori infection in tonsillar tissue samples from patients undergoing tonsillectomy for chronic tonsillitis versus tonsillar hypertrophy, and to assess the possible relationships between H pylori and patients’ sociodemographic data and laryngopharyngeal reflux.

Methods:

In this prospective study, 97 patients who underwent tonsillectomy were divided into the following 2 groups: patients with chronic tonsillitis (n = 62) and patients with tonsillar hypertrophy (control group; n = 35). H pylori infection in the tonsillar biopsy samples was identified using histochemical and rapid urease tests.

Results:

The incidence of H pylori infection was significantly higher in the chronic tonsillitis group (56.5 per cent) compared to the control group (31.4 per cent). Similar findings were obtained for both subgroups of adults (68.6 vs 42.3 per cent) and children (40.7 vs 0.0 per cent). Significant relationships between a positive H pylori finding and laryngopharyngeal reflux related signs of vocal fold oedema, diffuse laryngeal oedema and hypertrophy of the posterior commissure were revealed.

Conclusion:

H pylori infection may be related to chronic tonsillitis and laryngopharyngeal reflux.
Impact of the nature of the temporalis fascia graft on the outcome of type I underlay tympanoplasty
Authors: Jiang Z , Lou Z , Lou Z
Published: March 2017

Objectives:

Temporalis fascia has become the most widely used graft for tympanoplasty, as it is strong, durable, and easy to procure and handle. However, the type of temporalis fascia graft to use (i.e. dry or wet) remains controversial. The present review aimed to evaluate the success rates of dry and wet temporalis fascia grafts in type I underlay tympanoplasty.

Methods:

A literature search was performed, using PubMed up to August 2016, to identify all studies of dry and wet temporalis fascia grafts in type I underlay tympanoplasty. The initial search using the key words ‘temporalis fascia’ and ‘tympanoplasty’ identified 130 articles; these were screened by reviewing the titles or abstracts based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Ultimately, this review included seven articles.

Results and conclusion:

A dry or wet temporalis fascia graft did not affect the outcome of type I underlay tympanoplasty. However, using wet temporalis fascia could shorten the duration of surgery in type I underlay tympanoplasty. Concerns that the fibroblast count of temporalis fascia may beneficially affect success rate have not been substantiated in clinical reports thus far.
Donor site morbidities resulting from conchal cartilage harvesting in rhinoplasty
Authors: Lan M Y , Park J P , Jang Y J
Published: March 2017

Objective:

Conchal cartilage is frequently used in rhinoplasty, but donor site morbidity data are seldom reported. This study aimed to investigate the complications of conchal cartilage harvesting in rhinoplasty.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review of 372 patients who underwent conchal cartilage harvesting for rhinoplasty was conducted. Data regarding patient demographics, types of nasal deformities, graft usage and complications were analysed.

Results:

A total of 372 patients who underwent conchal cartilage harvesting for rhinoplasty were enrolled. The harvested conchal cartilage tissues were used in a variety of applications: tip graft, dorsal graft, septal reinforcement and correction of nostril asymmetry. Nine cases (2.4 per cent) with donor site morbidities were identified, including four cases (1.1 per cent) with keloids and five cases (1.3 per cent) with haematomas.

Conclusion:

Conchal cartilage harvesting is a safe and useful technique for rhinoplasty, with a low complication rate. However, patients should be informed about the possibility of donor site morbidities such as keloids and haematomas.
Idempotency in Optimality Theory
Authors: MAGRI GIORGIO
Published: March 2017

Anidempotentphonological grammar maps phonotactically licit forms faithfully to themselves. This paper establishes tight sufficient conditions for idempotency in (classical) Optimality Theory. Building on Tesar (2013), these conditions are derived in two steps. First, idempotency is shown to follow from a general formal condition on the faithfulness constraints. Second, this condition is shown to hold for a variety of faithfulness constraints which naturally arise within McCarthy & Prince’s (1995) Correspondence Theory of faithfulness. This formal analysis provides an exhaustive toolkit for modelingchain shifts, which have proven recalcitrant to a constraint-based treatment.
A new species of Branchamphinome (Annelida: Amphinomidae) from the South-western Atlantic, with an emendation of the genus
Authors: Barroso Rômulo , Ranauro Natália , Kudenov Jerry D.
Published: March 2017

The genus Branchamphinome Hartman, 1967 is a moderately understood genus of Amphinomidae that differs morphologically from most other genera in the form of its chevron-shaped caruncle and the presence of branchiae from chaetiger 1. Branchamphinome is presently represented by two deep-water species: B. antarctica, described from the Southern Ocean and B. islandica, from Iceland. We describe a new species of Branchamphinome from shallow South-west Atlantic waters, coast of Brazil. The new taxon revealed the surprising presence of notopodial hooks in chaetiger 1, which was subsequently also found to be present in the lectotype of B. antarctica. Both the genus and Hartman's species are emended to include this morphological feature. Historically, the presence of notopodial hooks has long been considered a diagnostic character for the genus Paramphinome, particularly when distinguishing Paramphinome from Linopherus. Branchamphinome tropicalis sp. nov. was found inhabiting sand sediments at depths of 150 m and temperatures of 16–20°C. Branchamphinome tropicalis sp. nov. differs from its congeners by its characteristic and highly developed pigmentation pattern, shape of the caruncle, branchiae and disposition of prostomial eyes. This is the first report of this genus from shallow tropical waters.
Is it love or loneliness? Exploring the impact of everyday digital technology use on the wellbeing of older adults
Authors: WILSON CAROLYN
Published: March 2017

Loneliness is a prevalent phenomenon within the older adult population. Previous literature suggests that technology use, specifically internet use, can alleviate loneliness and improve wellbeing. This research study follows 32 people over the age of 65 using a digital technology for six months. A mixed-method approach was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data throughout the time period. The repeated questionnaire measured changes in frequency of use, emotional attachment towards a device, a sense of belonging and perceptions of self-worth, whilst an event-based diary was used to note usages and influences of technology on lifestyle. Results revealed positive relationships between frequency of use and emotional attachment and frequency of use and perceptions of self-worth. There was no significant relationship between frequency of use and a sense of belonging for the aggregate data. There was, however, a negative relationship between emotional attachment towards a device and a sense of belonging, suggesting a fine balance between technology use to improve self-esteem through connections with social networks and an over-dependence on technology that can actually reduce feelings of belonging.
A new start? Negotiations of age and chrononormativity by older apprentices in England
Authors: LEONARD PAULINE , FULLER ALISON , UNWIN LORNA
Published: March 2017

The decision to start a new career might seem an unusual one to make in later life. However, England has seen a steady rise in numbers of workers undertaking an apprenticeship in their fifties and sixties, through a government-funded policy initiative opening up training to adults at all stages of the lifecourse. At the same time, in most Western contexts, the amalgamation of ‘older’ and ‘apprentice’ presents a challenge to normative understandings of the ‘right age’ to undertake vocational training. What is it like to make a new start as an older worker? This paper draws on new qualitative research conducted in England with older apprentices, exploring how they found the experience and management of training ‘out of step’. Inspired by Elizabeth Freeman's temporalities approach, our findings reveal how powerful norms of age-normativity routinely structure understandings, experiences and identities of older-age training for both organisations and apprentices. While these norms demand careful negotiation by both apprentices and trainers, if managed successfully older workers gain significant benefits from their training. These findings have resonance not only for England, but for other international contexts considering expanding vocational training into older age. The paper concludes that if adult training schemes are to succeed, some fundamental changes may need to be made to understandings of age and ageing within contemporary workplaces.
Infant stranger fear trajectories predict anxious behaviors and diurnal cortisol rhythm during childhood
Authors: Van Hulle Carol A. , Moore Mollie N. , Lemery-Chalfant Kathryn , Goldsmith H. Hill , Brooker Rebecca J.
Published: March 2017

Although a robust literature has linked stable, high levels of fear across childhood to increased risk for anxiety problems, less is known about alternative pathways to anxiety. We tested two putatively normative developmental pathways of early fearfulness for their distinct associations with behavioral (anxiety-related behaviors and symptoms) and biological (diurnal cortisol) markers of anxiety risk in middle childhood in a community-based sample (n= 107). Steeper increases in fear from 6 to 36 months predicted more parent-reported anxiety symptoms at age 8 years. In addition, children who exhibited steep increases in fear during infancy were overrepresented among children with diagnoses of separation anxiety disorder at age 8 years. Finally, we showed that steeper increases in fearfulness in infancy predicted flatter slopes of diurnal cortisol at age 8 years for girls. Thus, differences in stranger fear across infancy may indicate varying degrees of risk for anxious behaviors in later childhood.
The developmental trajectory of perceived stress mediates the relations between distress tolerance and internalizing symptoms among youth
Authors: Felton Julia W. , Banducci Anne N. , Shadur Julia M. , Stadnik Ryan , MacPherson Laura , Lejuez Carl W.
Published: March 2017

The current study examines the relation between distress tolerance, perceived stress, and internalizing symptoms across adolescence. Participants included 331 youth, ages 10 to 14 at the first wave of the study, assessed annually over 5 years. A latent growth curve approach was used to test three research questions, including whether perceived stress would increase across adolescence, whether distress tolerance (as measured by a behavioral task) would predict changes in perceived stress, and whether changes in perceived stress would mediate the relation between distress tolerance and internalizing symptoms. Results suggest that, consistent with previous findings, rates of perceived stress do increase across adolescence. Further, findings indicate that distress intolerance at baseline predicted increases in perceived stress, which in turn drove increases in internalizing symptoms. These findings point to the critical role of distress tolerance in bringing about changes in depression and anxiety symptoms and suggest support for utilizing a negative reinforcement framework to understand the emergence of internalizing symptomology.
Lucia’s Ghosts: Sonic, Gothic and Postmodern
Authors: Fillerup Jessie
Published: March 2017

In this article, I use an intertextual interference – the spectral presence of Norma Desmond in a performance of Donizetti’sLucia di Lammermoor– as a locus through which to explore the consequences of the ‘open’ text in theatrical spectatorship, criticism and historical study. Norma’s ghosting of Lucia reveals how spectral effects function in musical and dramatic contexts, particularly in Gothic works. These effects replace illusions of linear teleology with temporal synchronicity and destabilise the boundaries that separate the critic or spectator from the work. Though examiningLuciathrough the lens ofSunset Boulevardinverts chronological sequence, it acknowledges the temporal contradictions inherent in historical work and assigns productive meaning to nostalgic impulses that engage a reflective mode of thought.
School-related adjustment in children and adolescents with CHD
Authors: Im Yu-Mi , Lee Sunhee , Yun Tae-Jin , Choi Jae Young
Published: March 2017

Advancements in medical and surgical treatment have increased the life expectancy of patients with CHD. Many patients with CHD, however, struggle with the medical, psychosocial, and behavioural challenges as they transition from childhood to adulthood. Specifically, the environmental and lifestyle challenges in school are very important factors that affect children and adolescents with CHD. This study aimed to evaluate school-related adjustments depending on school level and disclosure of disease in children and adolescents with CHD. This was a descriptive and exploratory study with 205 children and adolescents, aged 7–18 years, who were recruited from two congenital heart clinics from 5 January to 27 February, 2015. Data were analysed using the Student’s t-test, analysis of variance, and a univariate general linear model. School-related adjustment scores were significantly different according to school level and disclosure of disease (p<0.001) when age, religion, experience being bullied, and parents’ educational levels were assigned as covariates. The school-related adjustment score of patients who did not disclose their disease dropped significantly in high school. This indicated that it is important for healthcare providers to plan developmentally appropriate educational transition programmes for middle-school students with CHD in order for students to prepare themselves before entering high school.
Predicting Posttraumatic Stress Symptom Prevalence and Local Distribution after an Earthquake with Scarce Data
Authors: Dussaillant Francisca , Apablaza Mauricio
Published: March 2017

Background

After a major earthquake, the assignment of scarce mental health emergency personnel to different geographic areas is crucial to the effective management of the crisis. The scarce information that is available in the aftermath of a disaster may be valuable in helping predict where are the populations that are in most need.

Objective

The objectives of this study were to derive algorithms to predict posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptom prevalence and local distribution after an earthquake and to test whether there are algorithms that require few input data and are still reasonably predictive.

Methods

A rich database of PTS symptoms, informed after Chile’s 2010 earthquake and tsunami, was used. Several model specifications for the mean and centiles of the distribution of PTS symptoms, together with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) prevalence, were estimated via linear and quantile regressions. The models varied in the set of covariates included.

Results

Adjusted R2 for the most liberal specifications (in terms of numbers of covariates included) ranged from 0.62 to 0.74, depending on the outcome. When only including peak ground acceleration (PGA), poverty rate, and household damage in linear and quadratic form, predictive capacity was still good (adjusted R2 from 0.59 to 0.67 were obtained).

Conclusions

Information about local poverty, household damage, and PGA can be used as an aid to predict PTS symptom prevalence and local distribution after an earthquake. This can be of help to improve the assignment of mental health personnel to the affected localities.

DussaillantF, ApablazaM. Predicting posttraumatic stress symptom prevalence and local distribution after an earthquake with scarce data. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2017;32(4):357–367.
Disaster Education: A Survey Study to Analyze Disaster Medicine Training in Emergency Medicine Residency Programs in the United States
Authors: Sarin Ritu R. , Cattamanchi Srihari , Alqahtani Abdulrahman , Aljohani Majed , Keim Mark , Ciottone Gregory R.
Published: March 2017

Background

The increase in natural and man-made disasters occurring worldwide places Emergency Medicine (EM) physicians at the forefront of responding to these crises. Despite the growing interest in Disaster Medicine, it is unclear if resident training has been able to include these educational goals.

Hypothesis

This study surveys EM residencies in the United States to assess the level of education in Disaster Medicine, to identify competencies least and most addressed, and to highlight effective educational models already in place.

Methods

The authors distributed an online survey of multiple-choice and free-response questions to EM residency Program Directors in the United States between February 7 and September 24, 2014. Questions assessed residency background and details on specific Disaster Medicine competencies addressed during training.

Results

Out of 183 programs, 75 (41%) responded to the survey and completed all required questions. Almost all programs reported having some level of Disaster Medicine training in their residency. The most common Disaster Medicine educational competencies taught were patient triage and decontamination. The least commonly taught competencies were volunteer management, working with response teams, and special needs populations. The most commonly identified methods to teach Disaster Medicine were drills and lectures/seminars.

Conclusion

There are a variety of educational tools used to teach Disaster Medicine in EM residencies today, with a larger focus on the use of lectures and hospital drills. There is no indication of a uniform educational approach across all residencies. The results of this survey demonstrate an opportunity for the creation of a standardized model for resident education in Disaster Medicine.

SarinRR, CattamanchiS, AlqahtaniA, AljohaniM, KeimM, CiottoneGR. Disaster education: a survey study to analyze disaster medicine training in emergency medicine residency programs in the United States. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2017;32(4):368–373.
Lunch at the library: examination of a community-based approach to addressing summer food insecurity
Authors: Bruce Janine S , De La Cruz Monica M , Moreno Gala , Chamberlain Lisa J
Published: March 2017

Objective

To examine a library-based approach to addressing food insecurity through a child and adult summer meal programme. The study examines: (i) risk of household food insecurity among participants; (ii) perspectives on the library meal programme; and (iii) barriers to utilizing other community food resources.

Design

Quantitative surveys with adult participants and qualitative semi-structured interviews with a sub-sample of adult participants.

Setting

Ten libraries using public and private funding to serve meals to children and adults for six to eight weeks in low-income Silicon Valley communities (California, USA) during summer 2015.

Subjects

Adult survey participants (≥18 years) were recruited to obtain maximum capture, while a sub-sample of interview participants was recruited through maximum variation purposeful sampling.

Results

Survey participants (n161) were largely Latino (71 %) and Asian (23 %). Forty-one per cent of participants screened positive for risk of food insecurity in the past 12 months. A sub-sample of programme participants engaged in qualitative interviews (n67). Interviewees reported appreciating the library’s child enrichment programmes, resources, and open and welcoming atmosphere. Provision of adult meals was described as building community among library patrons, neighbours and staff. Participants emphasized lack of awareness, misinformation about programmes, structural barriers (i.e. transportation), immigration fears and stigma as barriers to utilizing community food resources.

Conclusions

Food insecurity remains high in our study population. Public libraries are ideal locations for community-based meal programmes due to their welcoming and stigma-free environment. Libraries are well positioned to link individuals to other social services given their reputation as trusted community organizations.
Decreasing the overall environmental impact of the Dutch diet: how to find healthy and sustainable diets with limited changes
Authors: Kramer Gerard FH , Tyszler Marcelo , Veer Pieter van’t , Blonk Hans
Published: March 2017

Objective

To find diets optimised on nutrition and environmental impact close to the current Dutch diet and to identify the most effective and acceptable options for mitigating environmental impact.

Design

Linear programming was used to optimise diets of Dutch men and women aged 9–69 years, divided into ten age–gender groups. The analysis included nutrient composition, a metric for popularity and life cycle assessments of 207 food products. Greenhouse gas emissions, fossil energy use and land occupation were used to calculate a weighted score for the overall environmental impact. Optimised diets were solutions that minimised changes to the current diet while satisfying all nutritional constraints, with stepwise reductions in environmental impact.

Setting

The Netherlands.

Subjects

Dutch children and adults aged 9–69 years.

Results

Meat was always reduced. Vegetable, fruit and dairy contents remained similar, while bread, fatty fish and legumes increased. The extent of changes depended on age and gender. Beverages were not heavily reduced. Nutrients critical for the outcome were α-linoleic acid, retinol, Ca, Na, Se, dietary fibre, SFA, thiamin and Fe (women of childbearing age). Total protein, essential amino acids and carbohydrates were not critical.

Conclusions

Reducing meat is the most effective option for lowering the environmental impact of diets in all age–gender groups. Reducing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages is another option. Leaving out fish and dairy products are not. The differences in nutritional requirements related to age and gender have a significant effect on the composition of the optimised diets.
The Effects of the Addition of Dy, Nb, and Ga on Microstructure and Magnetic Properties of Nd2Fe14B/α-Fe Nanocomposite Permanent Magnetic Alloys
Authors: Ren Kezhi , Tan Xiaohua , Li Heyun , Xu Hui , Han Ke
Published: March 2017

We study the effects of Dy, Nb, and Ga additions on the microstructure and magnetic properties of Nd2Fe14B/α-Fe nanocomposites. Dy, Nb, and Ga additions inhibit the growth of the soft magnetic α-Fe phase. Dy and Nb additions are able to refine the microstructure, whereas Ga addition plays only a minor role in prohibiting crystal growth. The magnetic properties are sensitive to Dy, Nb, and Ga additions. The Dy-containing alloy enhances the intrinsic coercivity of 872 kA/m because Dy partially replaces Nd, forming (Nd, Dy)2Fe14B. Nb addition refines the microstructure, and consequently increases the exchange coupling between magnetic grains. The Nd9.5Fe75.4Co5Zr3B6.5Ga0.6 alloy exhibits the highest remanence (0.92 T) due to Ga addition.
Automated Atom-By-Atom Three-Dimensional (3D) Reconstruction of Field Ion Microscopy Data
Authors: Dagan Michal , Gault Baptiste , Smith George D. W. , Bagot Paul A. J. , Moody Michael P.
Published: March 2017

An automated procedure has been developed for the reconstruction of field ion microscopy (FIM) data that maintains its atomistic nature. FIM characterizes individual atoms on the specimen’s surface, evolving subject to field evaporation, in a series of two-dimensional (2D) images. Its unique spatial resolution enables direct imaging of crystal defects as small as single vacancies. To fully exploit FIM’s potential, automated analysis tools are required. The reconstruction algorithm developed here relies on minimal assumptions and is sensitive to atomic coordinates of all imaged atoms. It tracks the atoms across a sequence of images, allocating each to its respective crystallographic plane. The result is a highly accurate 3D lattice-resolved reconstruction. The procedure is applied to over 2000 tungsten atoms, including ion-implanted planes. The approach is further adapted to analyze carbides in a steel matrix, demonstrating its applicability to a range of materials. A vast amount of information is collected during the experiment that can underpin advanced analyses such as automated detection of “out of sequence” events, subangstrom surface displacements and defects effects on neighboring atoms. These analyses have the potential to reveal new insights into the field evaporation process and contribute to improving accuracy and scope of 3D FIM and atom probe characterization.
NEW EVIDENCE ON THE DEATH OF PHILO OF LARISSA (PHERC. 1021, COLS. 33.42–34.7)
Authors: Fleischer Kilian
Published: March 2017

A new reading of a passage in Philodemus'Index Academicorumreveals that Philo of Larisa died in Italy during an influenza wave spreading over the entire world, a hitherto unknown fact. The new reading also allows for a reappraisal of the intriguing question of who was Philo's (institutional) successor. Furthermore, this reading offers improvements which, by illuminating the syntax and context, corroborate the interpretation of a participle construction as referring to a sojourn of Philodemus in Alexandria (PHerc. 1021, cols. 33.42–34.7).
How citizens evaluate democracy: an assessment using the European Social Survey
Authors: Quaranta Mario
Published: March 2017

How do citizens evaluate democracy? Previous literature trying to address this question has often relied on single indicators to assess citizens’ assessment of democracy. This article contributes to this debate by using multiple indicators measuring different attributes to find a summary measure of citizens’ evaluations of democracy. Using the special module of the sixth round of the European Social Survey ‘Europeans’ understandings and evaluations of democracy’ and applying Bayesian factor analysis with country random effects, this article tests whether multiple indicators form an underlying trait measuring citizens’ evaluations of democracy. It finds the scores of this measure at the individual and country levels and validates this measure against other measures built at the system level, including the ‘satisfaction with democracy’ indicator, also illustrating its functioning as a dependent and an independent variable.
High-Residue Cultivation Timing Impact on Organic No-Till Soybean Weed Management
Authors: Zinati Gladis M. , Seidel Rita , Grantham Alison , Moyer Jeff , Ackroyd Victoria J. , Mirsky Steven B.
Published: March 2017

A cereal rye cover crop mulch can suppress summer annual weeds early in the soybean growing season. However, a multi-tactic weed management approach is required when annual weed seedbanks are large or perennial weeds are present. In such situations, the weed suppression from a cereal rye mulch can be supplemented with the use of high-residue cultivators which can prolong the weed-free period during soybean growth. Research trials were conducted to determine the optimum timing of high-residue cultivation for weed control in rolled-crimped cereal rye mulches. Treatments included three cultivation timings with a high-residue cultivator: early (3-4 wk after soybean planting (WAP)), intermediate (5-6 WAP), and late (7-8 WAP), a weed-free and no-cultivation control. Crop and weed measurement included cereal rye biomass, weed biomass, soybean population and biomass, and yield. Cereal rye biomass was 50% lower and weed biomass was three times greater in 2011 than in 2010 and 2012 due to 2011 being a dry year. There was no significant effect of cultivation timing on soybean population when compared to no-cultivation or hand-weeded treatments. While cultivation reduced weed biomass by 67% compared to no-cultivation, soybean yield was only improved by 12% in early and late cultivation treatments and 22% in intermediate cultivation treatment when compared to no-cultivation. Effective strategies for improving weed management by integrating the use of a high-residue cultivator in no-till organic systems could help existing organic field crop producers to reduce tillage while also encourage adoption of organic crop production by conventional growers who prefer reduced-tillage systems. Unlike traditional organic cultivation equipment, therefore, optimal timing of cultivation should be delayed several weeks in organic cover crop-based no-till planted soybean production as compared to the typical tillage-based approach to ensure both weed control and optimal yield.
Complete diastereodivergence in asymmetric 1,6-addition reactions enabled by minimal modification of a chiral catalyst
Authors: Uraguchi Daisuke , Yoshioka Ken , Ooi Takashi
Published: March 2017

Catalytic systems that allow selective generation of any diastereomer of a reaction product bearing multiple stereocentres through minimal modification of a single catalyst scaffold remain elusive, particularly for carbon–carbon bond formations requiring simultaneous control of multiple selectivity factors. Here, we report a catalyst-directed pinpoint inversion of diastereochemical preference in the 1,6-addition of azlactones to δ-aryl dienyl carbonyl compounds with full control over other selectivities preserved. This rigorous diastereodivergence is enabled by the slight structural adjustment of a chiral iminophosphorane catalyst, providing access to all the stereoisomers with high regio-, distereo- and enantioselectivity. The utility of this method is demonstrated in the facile stereodivergent preparation of densely functionalized proline derivatives. The experimental and computational elucidation of the origin of the diastereodivergence is also reported.
Antidromic-rectifying gap junctions amplify chemical transmission at functionally mixed electrical-chemical synapses
Authors: Liu Ping , Chen Bojun , Mailler Roger , Wang Zhao-Wen
Published: March 2017

Neurons communicate through chemical synapses and electrical synapses (gap junctions). Although these two types of synapses often coexist between neurons, little is known about whether they interact, and whether any interactions between them are important to controlling synaptic strength and circuit functions. By studying chemical and electrical synapses between premotor interneurons (AVA) and downstream motor neurons (A-MNs) in the Caenorhabditis elegans escape circuit, we found that disrupting either the chemical or electrical synapses causes defective escape response. Gap junctions between AVA and A-MNs only allow antidromic current, but, curiously, disrupting them inhibits chemical transmission. In contrast, disrupting chemical synapses has no effect on the electrical coupling. These results demonstrate that gap junctions may serve as an amplifier of chemical transmission between neurons with both electrical and chemical synapses. The use of antidromic-rectifying gap junctions to amplify chemical transmission is potentially a conserved mechanism in circuit functions.
Observation of acoustic Dirac-like cone and double zero refractive index
Authors: Dubois Marc , Shi Chengzhi , Zhu Xuefeng , Wang Yuan , Zhang Xiang
Published: March 2017

Zero index materials where sound propagates without phase variation, holds a great potential for wavefront and dispersion engineering. Recently explored electromagnetic double zero index metamaterials consist of periodic scatterers whose refractive index is significantly larger than that of the surrounding medium. This requirement is fundamentally challenging for airborne acoustics because the sound speed (inversely proportional to the refractive index) in air is among the slowest. Here, we report the first experimental realization of an impedance matched acoustic double zero refractive index metamaterial induced by a Dirac-like cone at the Brillouin zone centre. This is achieved in a two-dimensional waveguide with periodically varying air channel that modulates the effective phase velocity of a high-order waveguide mode. Using such a zero-index medium, we demonstrated acoustic wave collimation emitted from a point source. For the first time, we experimentally confirm the existence of the Dirac-like cone at the Brillouin zone centre.
Enhanced biennial variability in the Pacific due to Atlantic capacitor effect
Authors: Wang Lei , Yu Jin-Yi , Paek Houk
Published: March 2017

The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the variability in the Pacific subtropical highs (PSHs) have major impacts on social and ecological systems. Here we present an Atlantic capacitor effect mechanism to suggest that the Atlantic is a key pacemaker of the biennial variability in the Pacific including that in ENSO and the PSHs during recent decades. The ‘charging’ (that is, ENSO imprinting the North Tropical Atlantic (NTA) sea surface temperature (SST) via an atmospheric bridge mechanism) and ‘discharging’ (that is, the NTA SST triggering the following ENSO via a subtropical teleconnection mechanism) processes alternate, generating the biennial rhythmic changes in the Pacific. Since the early 1990s, a warmer Atlantic due to the positive phase of Atlantic multidecadal oscillation and global warming trend has provided more favourable background state for the Atlantic capacitor effect, giving rise to enhanced biennial variability in the Pacific that may increase the occurrence frequency of severe natural hazard events.
Microglia activation due to obesity programs metabolic failure leading to type two diabetes
Authors: Maldonado-Ruiz R , Montalvo-Martínez L , Fuentes-Mera L , Camacho A
Published: March 2017

Obesity is an energy metabolism disorder that increases susceptibility to the development of metabolic diseases. Recently, it has been described that obese subjects have a phenotype of chronic inflammation in organs that are metabolically relevant for glucose homeostasis and energy. Altered expression of immune system molecules such as interleukins IL-1, IL-6, IL-18, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), serum amyloid A (SAA), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), among others, has been associated with the development of chronic inflammation in obesity. Chronic inflammation modulates the development of metabolic-related comorbidities like metabolic syndrome (insulin resistance, glucose tolerance, hypertension and hyperlipidemia). Recent evidence suggests that microglia activation in the central nervous system (CNS) is a priority in the deregulation of energy homeostasis and promotes increased glucose levels. This review will cover the most significant advances that explore the molecular signals during microglia activation and inflammatory stage in the brain in the context of obesity, and its influence on the development of metabolic syndrome and type two diabetes.
A systematic review on the impact of diabetes mellitus on the ocular surface
Authors: Shih K Co , Lam K S-L , Tong L
Published: March 2017

Diabetes mellitus is associated with extensive morbidity and mortality in any human community. It is well understood that the burden of diabetes is attributed to chronic progressive damage in major end-organs, but it is underappreciated that the most superficial and transparent organ affected by diabetes is the cornea. Different corneal components (epithelium, nerves, immune cells and endothelium) underpin specific systemic complications of diabetes. Just as diabetic retinopathy is a marker of more generalized microvascular disease, corneal nerve changes can predict peripheral and autonomic neuropathy, providing a window of opportunity for early treatment. In addition, alterations of immune cells in corneas suggest an inflammatory component in diabetic complications. Furthermore, impaired corneal epithelial wound healing may also imply more widespread disease. The non-invasiveness and improvement in imaging technology facilitates the emergence of new screening tools. Systemic control of diabetes can improve ocular surface health, possibly aided by anti-inflammatory and vasoprotective agents.
RCN1 suppresses ER stress-induced apoptosis via calcium homeostasis and PERK–CHOP signaling
Authors: Xu S , Xu Y , Chen L , Fang Q , Song S , Chen J , Teng J
Published: March 2017

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is caused by the disturbance of ER homeostasis and leads to the activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR), which alleviates stress at an early stage and triggers apoptosis if homeostasis fails over a prolonged timeframe. Here, we report that reticulocalbin 1 (RCN1), a member of the CREC family, is transactivated by nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) during ER stress and inhibits ER stress-induced apoptosis. The depletion of RCN1 increases the UPR during drug-induced ER stress by activating PRKR-like ER kinase–CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-homologous protein (PERK–CHOP) signaling, thus inducing apoptosis. Furthermore, we found that the first two EF-hand calcium-binding motifs of RCN1 specifically interact with inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor type 1 (IP3R1) on loop 3 of its ER luminal domain and inhibit ER calcium release and apoptosis. Together, these data indicate that RCN1, a target of NF-κB, suppresses ER calcium release by binding to IP3R1 and decreases the UPR, thereby inhibiting ER stress-induced apoptosis.
Computationally predicted energies and properties of defects in GaN
Authors: Lyons John L. , Van de Walle Chris G.
Published: March 2017

Recent developments in theoretical techniques have significantly improved the predictive power of density-functional-based calculations. In this review, we discuss how such advancements have enabled improved understanding of native point defects in GaN. We review the methodologies for the calculation of point defects, and discuss how techniques for overcoming the band-gap problem of density functional theory affect native defect calculations. In particular, we examine to what extent calculations performed with semilocal functionals (such as the generalized gradient approximation), combined with correction schemes, can produce accurate results. The properties of vacancy, interstitial, and antisite defects in GaN are described, as well as their interaction with common impurities. We also connect the first-principles results to experimental observations, and discuss how native defects and their complexes impact the performance of nitride devices. Overall, we find that lower-cost functionals, such as the generalized gradient approximation, combined with band-edge correction schemes can produce results that are qualitatively correct. However, important physics may be missed in some important cases, particularly for optical transitions and when carrier localization occurs.
Middle ear mucosal regeneration by tissue-engineered cell sheet transplantation
Authors: Yamamoto Kazuhisa , Yamato Masayuki , Morino Tsunetaro , Sugiyama Hiroaki , Takagi Ryo , Yaguchi Yuichiro , Okano Teruo , Kojima Hiromi
Published: March 2017

The recurrence of cholesteatoma after surgical treatment often occurs as a result of poor mucosal regeneration in the middle ear cavity and mastoid cavity and changes, such as granulation tissue formation, which impair gas exchange in the middle ear cavity. Conventional tympanoplasty often results in a lack of mucosal regeneration in the resected area of the mastoid cavity. In particular, mucosal regeneration in a poorly pneumatized mastoid cavity is extremely difficult. If the middle ear mucosa can be preserved or rapid postoperative regeneration of mucosa on the exposed bone surface can be achieved after middle ear surgery, the results of surgical treatment for otitis media, including cholesteatoma, can potentially be improved and the physiological function of the middle ear can be recovered. To overcome these limitations, we developed a novel treatment method combining tympanoplasty and autologous nasal mucosal epithelial cell sheet transplantation for postoperative regeneration of the middle ear mucosa. In clinical research, we endoscopically removed an approximately 10 × 10 mm2piece of nasal mucosal tissue. Tissue-engineered autologous nasal mucosal epithelial cell sheets were fabricated by culturing the harvested cells in an aseptic environment in a good manufacturing practice-compliant cell processing facility. The cultivated cell sheets were transplanted, during tympanoplasty, onto the exposed bony surface of the attic of the tympanic and mastoid cavities where the mucosa had been lost. We performed this procedure on four patients with middle ear cholesteatoma and one patient with adhesive otitis media. All patients showed favorable postoperative course with no adverse events or complications and the patients’ hearing ability post-transplantation remained good.