bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative disease resistance to the bacterial pathogen Xanthomonas campestris involves an Arabidopsis immune receptor pair and a gene of unknown function
Authors: Debieu Marilyne , Huard‐Chauveau Carine , Genissel Anne , Roux Fabrice , Roby Dominique
Published: July 2015

Although quantitative disease resistance (QDR) is a durable and broad‐spectrum form of resistance in plants, the identification of the genes underlying QDR is still in its infancy. RKS1 (Resistance related KinaSe1) has been reported recently to confer QDR in Arabidopsis thaliana to most but not all races of the bacterial pathogen Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc). We therefore explored the genetic bases of QDR in A. thaliana to diverse races of X. campestris (Xc). A nested genome‐wide association mapping approach was used to finely map the genomic regions associated with QDR to Xcc12824 (race 2) and XccCFBP6943 (race 6). To identify the gene(s) implicated in QDR, insertional mutants (T‐DNA) were selected for the candidate genes and phenotyped in response to Xc. We identified two major QTLs that confer resistance specifically to Xcc12824 and XccCFBP6943. Although QDR to Xcc12824 is conferred by At5g22540 encoding for a protein of unknown function, QDR to XccCFBP6943 involves the well‐known immune receptor pair RRS1/RPS4. In addition to RKS1, this study reveals that three genes are involved in resistance to Xc with strikingly different ranges of specificity, suggesting that QDR to Xc involves a complex network integrating multiple response pathways triggered by distinct pathogen molecular determinants.
Evolution of bone disease after kidney transplantation: A prospective histomorphometric analysis of trabecular and cortical bone
Authors: Carvalho Catarina , Magalhães Juliana , Pereira Luciano , Simões‐Silva Liliana , Castro‐Ferreira Inês , Frazão João Miguel
Published: July 2015

Aim

Post‐transplant bone disease results from multiple factors, including previous bone and mineral metabolism disturbances and effects from transplant‐related medications. Bone biopsy remains the gold‐standard diagnostic tool.

Methods

We aimed to prospectively evaluate trabecular and cortical bone by histomorphometry after kidney transplantation. Seven patients, willing to perform follow‐up bone biopsy, were included in the study. Dual‐X‐ray absorptiometry and trans‐iliac bone biopsy were performed within the first 2 months after renal transplantation and repeated after 2–5 years of follow‐up.

Results

Follow‐up biopsy revealed a significant decrease in osteoblast surface/bone surface (0.91 ± 0.81 to 0.47 ± 0.12%, P = 0.036), osteoblasts number/bone surface (0.45 (0.23, 0.94) to 0.00/mm2, P = 0.018) and erosion surface/bone surface (3.75 ± 2.02 to 2.22 ± 1.38%, P = 0.044). A decrease in trabecular number (3.55 (1.81, 2.89) to 1.55/mm (1.24, 2.06), P = 0.018) and increase in trabecular separation (351.65 ± 135.04 to 541.79 ± 151.91 μm, P = 0.024) in follow‐up biopsy suggest loss in bone quantity. We found no significant differences in cortical analysis, except a reduction in external cortical osteonal eroded surface (5.76 (2.94, 13.97) to 3.29% (0.00, 6.67), P = 0.043). Correlations between bone histomorphometric and dual‐X‐ray absorptiometry parameters gave inconsistent results.

Conclusions

The results show a reduction in bone activity, suggesting increased risk of adynamic bone and loss of bone volume. Cortical bone seems less affected by post‐transplant biological changes in the first years after kidney transplantation.
Baseline characteristics of the omega‐3 fatty acids (Fish oils) and Aspirin in Vascular access OUtcomes in REnal Disease (FAVOURED) study
Authors: Viecelli Andrea K , Pascoe Elaine M , Polkinghorne Kevan R , Hawley Carmel M , Paul‐Brent Peta‐Anne , Badve Sunil V , Cass Alan , Johnson David W , Kerr Peter G , Mori Trevor A , Scaria Anish , Hooi Seong L , Ong Meng L , Irish Ashley B ,   on behalf of the FAVOURED Study Team
Published: July 2015

Aim

The Fish oils and Aspirin in Vascular access OUtcomes in REnal Disease (FAVOURED) trial investigated whether 3 months of omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, either alone or in combination with aspirin, will effectively reduce primary access failure of de novo arteriovenous fistulae. This report presents the baseline characteristics of all study participants, examines whether study protocol amendments successfully increased recruitment of a broader and more representative haemodialysis cohort, including patients already receiving aspirin, and contrasts Malaysian participants with those from Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom (UK).

Method

This international, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial included patients older than 19 years with stage 4 or 5 chronic kidney disease currently receiving, or planned within 12 months to receive haemodialysis.

Results

Participants (n = 568) were overweight (28.6 ± 7.3 kg/m2), relatively young (54.8 ± 14.3 years), and predominantly male (63%) with a high prevalence of diabetes mellitus (46%) but low rate of ischaemic heart disease (8%). Sixty one percent were planned for lower arm arteriovenous fistula creation. Malaysian participants (n = 156) were younger (51.8 ± 13.6 years vs 57.1 ± 14.2 years, P < 0.001) with a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus (65% vs 43%, P < 0.001), but less ischaemic heart disease (5% vs 14%, P < 0.01) compared with the combined Australian, New Zealand and UK cohort (n = 228). Protocol modifications allowing for inclusion of patients receiving aspirin increased the prevalence of co‐morbidities compared with the original cohort.

Conclusions

The FAVOURED study participants, while mostly similar to patients in contemporary national registry reports and comparable recent clinical trials, were on average younger and had less ischaemic heart disease. These differences were reduced as a consequence of including patients already receiving aspirin.
Renal function during pregnancy may predict risk of future hospitalization due to atherosclerotic‐related morbidity
Authors: Wolak Talya , Shoham‐Vardi Ilana , Sergienko Ruslan , Sheiner Eyal
Published: July 2015

Aim

This study aims to examine whether renal function during pregnancy can serve as a surrogate marker for the risk of developing atherosclerotic‐related morbidity.

Methods

A case‐control study, including women who gave birth at a tertiary referral medical centre during 2000–2012. This population was divided into cases of women who were subsequently hospitalized for atherosclerotic morbidity during the study period and age‐matched controls. From the study population, we retrieved two groups: the creatinine (Cr) group: women who had at least one Cr measurement (4945 women) and the urea group: women who had at least one urea measurement (4932 women) during their pregnancies. In the Cr and urea group, there were 572 and 571 cases and 4373 and 4361 controls, respectively. The mean follow‐up period in the Cr and urea group was 61.7 ± 37.0 and 57.3 ± 36.0 months, respectively. Cox proportional hazards models (controlling for confounders: gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, obesity, maternal age, creatinine level (for urea), and gestational week) were used to estimate the adjusted hazard ratios (HR) for hospitalizations.

Results

A significant association was documented between renal function during pregnancy and long‐term atherosclerotic morbidity. Multivariate analysis, showed that Cr at pregnancy index of ≥89 μmol/L was associated with a significant increased risk for hospitalization due to cardiovascular (CVS) events (adjusted HR = 2.91 CI 1.37–6.19 P = 0.005) and urea level ≤7 mmol/L was independently associated with reduced prevalence of CVS hospitalization (adjusted HR = 0.62 CI 0.57–0.86 P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Renal function abnormality during pregnancy may reveal occult predisposition to atherosclerotic morbidity years after childbirth.
Atypical teratoid/ rhabdoid tumor, an immunohistochemical study of potential diagnostic and prognostic markers
Authors: Al‐Hussaini Maysa , Dissi Noreen , Souki Cyrine , Amayiri Nisreen
Published: July 2015

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) is a rare tumor of the CNS mostly seen in infants and is often associated with a dismal outcome. Despite the heterogeneous morphology and/or immunoprofile, its diagnosis nowadays relies on the negative INI‐1/BAF47 nuclear immunostain in tumor cells. We aim to investigate a number of immunohistochemical antibodies as potential diagnostic and prognostic markers. All AT/RT cases in patients younger than 18 years of age were included. Demographics, clinical features and outcome were collected. Immunostains tested included SALL‐4, OCT3/4, CD99, FLI‐1, cyclin‐D1, β‐catenin, P53, P16, CDX2 and WT‐1. Nineteen cases (10 males) were identified at our center between 2004‐2013 with a median age of 24 months. Ten (52.6%) cases were supratentorial. Six (42.9%) cases showed metastasis at time of presentation. Chemotherapy was administered to 10 (62.5%) and radiotherapy to seven (43.8%). The median overall survival was 11 months. A single long‐term survival of 104 months was identified. Pathologically, most cases showed an admixture of rhabdoid cells and/or small cells and/or pale cells in variable proportions. Of all tested antibodies, only positivity for FLI‐1 was associated with improved survival (P = 0.0012), while positivity for cyclin‐D1 showed a trend toward improved survival (P = 0.0547). CDX2 was positive only in the single long‐term survival. Interestingly, two cases showed co‐expression of CD99 and FLI‐1, and some were positive for SALL‐4. In conclusion, FLI‐1 and cyclin‐D1 are potential prognostic markers associated with better outcome. Occasional AT/RT cases might co‐express CD99 and FLI‐1 as well as SALL‐4, a potential diagnostic pitfall with Ewing sarcoma/ primitive neuroectodermal tumors and germ cell tumors, respectively.
Determinants for Quantitative Sensory Testing and the Association with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain in the General Elderly Population
Authors: de Kruijf Marjolein , Peters Marjolein J. , C. Jacobs Leonie , Tiemeier Henning , Nijsten Tamar , Hofman Albert , Uitterlinden Andre G. , Huygen Frank J. P. M. , van Meurs Joyce B. J.
Published: July 2015

Objective

Chronic musculoskeletal pain is accompanied by central sensitization, which can be determined with quantitative sensory testing (QST). In this study, we aim to investigate whether central sensitization, as measured by thermal QST, is detectable in community‐dwelling elderly individuals suffering from self‐reported chronic pain and identify determinants influencing thermal QST measurement analyses and interpretation.

Methods

In 3,936 participants of the Rotterdam Study, cold and warmth sensitivity and heat pain thresholds were determined using the thermo‐sensory analyzer TSA II (Medoc Advanced Medical Systems, Durham, NC, U.S.A.). Using Cox regression, associations were studied with chronic pain and potential determinants (body mass index [BMI], reaction speed, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, skin color, skin temperature, seasonal influence, depression, anxiety, atopic eczema, age at menarche, years since menopause, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use during menopause, and reproductive lifespan).

Results

In addition to the effect of age and gender on thermal sensitivity, darker skin color and the presence of atopic eczema were associated with higher sensitivity for heat pain. Cold sensitivity and warmth sensitivity thresholds were both influenced by BMI, reaction speed, skin temperature, season, depression, dark skin color, years since menopause, and reproductive lifespan. The presence of chronic pain was associated with 0.2 degrees lower heat pain threshold in all participants, and 0.3 degrees lower in individuals with chronic pain in more than 2 sites.

Conclusion

Higher sensitivity for heat pain, one feature of central sensitization, is present in community‐dwelling elderly with chronic pain. Additional determinants should be considered when analyzing and interpreting QST measurements.
Differences in defence responses ofPinus contortaandPinus banksianato the mountain pine beetle fungal associateGrosmannia clavigeraare affected by water deficit
Authors: Arango‐Velez Adriana , El Kayal Walid , Copeland Charles C. J. , Zaharia L. Irina , Lusebrink Inka , Cooke Janice E. K.
Published: July 2015

We tested the hypotheses that responses to the mountain pine beetle fungal associateGrosmannia clavigerawill differ between the evolutionarily co‐evolved host lodgepole pine (Pinus contortavar.latifolia) and the naïve host jack pine (Pinus banksiana) and that these responses will be influenced by water availability.G. clavigerainoculation resulted in more rapid stem lesion development in lodgepole than in jack pine; water deficit delayed lesion development in both species. Decreased hydraulic conductivity was observed in inoculated lodgepole pine seedlings, likely because of tracheid occlusion by fungal hyphae and/or metabolite accumulation. Drought but not inoculation significantly impacted bark abscisic acid levels. Jasmonic and salicylic acid were implicated in local and systemic responses of both species toG. clavigera, with salicylic acid appearing to play a greater role in jack pine response toG. clavigerathan lodgepole pine. Water deficit increased constitutive levels and/or attenuated induced responses toG. clavigerafor several monoterpenes in lodgepole but not jack pine. Instead, inoculation of well‐watered but not water deficit jack pine resulted in a greater number of xylem resin ducts. These findings reveal mechanisms underlying differences inG. clavigera‐induced responses between lodgepole and jack pine hosts, and how water availability modulates these responses.
Temporal Experience, Temporal Passage and the Cognitive Sciences
Authors: Baron Samuel , Cusbert John , Farr Matt , Kon Maria , Miller Kristie
Published: July 2015

Cognitive science has recently made some startling discoveries about temporal experience, and these discoveries have been drafted into philosophical service. We survey recent appeals to cognitive science in the philosophical debate over whether time objectively passes. Since this research is currently in its infancy, we identify some directions for future research.
U.S. Public Health Service Response to the 2014–2015 Ebola Epidemic in West Africa: A Nursing Perspective
Authors: Mosquera Alexis , Braun Michelle , Hulett Melissa , Ryszka Lauren
Published: July 2015

The 2014–2015 Ebola epidemic in West Africa has been the deadliest Ebola epidemic to date. In response to this deadly epidemic, the U.S. government declared this a top national security priority and members of the Commissioned Corps of the United States Public Health Service were tasked to provide direct patient care to Ebola virus disease patients. Commissioned Corps nurses provided the highest level of care under the most austere conditions. This article discusses the training, ethical dilemmas, and constant risk for potential exposure while working in an Ebola Treatment Unit.
Physiological characteristics and related gene expression of after‐ripening on seed dormancy release in rice
Authors: Du W. , Cheng J. , Cheng Y. , Wang L. , He Y. , Wang Z. , Zhang H.
Published: July 2015

After‐ripening is a common method used for dormancy release in rice. In this study, the rice variety Jiucaiqing (Oryza sativa L. subsp. japonica) was used to determine dormancy release following different after‐ripening times (1, 2 and 3 months). Germination speed, germination percentage and seedling emergence increased with after‐ripening; more than 95% germination and 85% seedling emergence were observed following 1 month of after‐ripening within 10 days of imbibition, compared with <45% germination and 20% seedling emergence in freshly harvested seed. Hence, 3 months of after‐ripening could be considered a suitable treatment period for rice dormancy release. Dormancy release by after‐ripening is mainly correlated with a rapid decline in ABA content and increase in IAA content during imbibition. Subsequently, GA1/ABA, GA7/ABA, GA12/ABA, GA20/ABA and IAA/ABA ratios significantly increased, while GA3/ABA, GA4/ABA and GAs/IAA ratio significantly decreased in imbibed seeds following 3 months of after‐ripening, thereby altering α‐amylase activity during seed germination. Peak α‐amylase activity occurred at an earlier germination stage in after‐ripened seeds than in freshly harvested seeds. Expression of ABA, GA and IAA metabolism genes and dormancy‐related genes was regulated by after‐ripening time upon imbibition. Expression of OsCYP707A5, OsGA2ox1, OsGA2ox2, OsGA2ox3, OsILR1, OsGH3‐2, qLTG3‐1 and OsVP1 increased, while expression of Sdr4 decreased in imbibed seeds following 3 months of after‐ripening. Dormancy release through after‐ripening might be involved in weakening tissues covering the embryo via qLTG3‐1 and decreased ABA signalling and sensitivity via Sdr4 and OsVP1.
My tongue shall speak: the voices of the psalms
Authors: Hamlin Hannibal
Published: July 2015

This article examines the poetics of voice in early modern psalm translation. Translations always complicate poetic voice, since in these poems one must, somehow, hear both the voice of the original poet and the voice of translator. The voices of the psalms are further complicated when they are read or sung by Christians, either individually or collectively. Writers since the patristic period have encouraged Christians to speak the psalms as if the words are one's own, but how does this happen? Whose voices do we hear in congregational singing? Are God's, David's, the translator's, and the singer's voices blended in harmonious polyphony? Or can they sometimes clash or drown each other out? Thinking about voice is important for understanding how the psalms are written, read, sung, and ventriloquized by early modern Christians, but thinking about the psalms will have implications for the study of secular poetry as well, especially in translation.
The psalms and threat in sixteenth‐century English court culture
Authors: Simpson James
Published: July 2015

The psalms are routinely considered to be sources of comfort and occasions of thanksgiving. In this essay I present a different, and opposite function for the psalms: that of expressing an intense state of isolation, threat, hatred and self‐annihilation. So far from supplying what sixteenth‐century readers called ‘comfortable words’, the psalm translations discussed here inflame authorial pain. They actively deprive authors of any consolation. They deprive authors even of the consolations of expressing the desire for vengeance, despite the frequency with which these texts call vengeance down upon the heads of enemies. Just as the psalms were imagined to have been written originally in a threatening courtly environment, so too are they used by early Tudor courtiers to express the predicament of court life. I focus on psalm paraphrases of the following writers: Sir Thomas Wyatt; George Blage; Henry Howard Earl of Surrey; and Sir Thomas Smith.
What Wyatt really did to Aretino's Sette Salmi
Authors: Rossiter William T.
Published: July 2015

This article interrogates the critical tradition which claims that Wyatt's Penitential Psalms speak with the authentic personal voice of early English Protestantism. The title references C. S. Lewis's famous essay, ‘What Chaucer Really Did to Il Filostrato', in which Chaucer is seen to ‘medievalize’ Boccaccio's ‘Renaissance’ poem, in order to question the assumption that Wyatt ‘Protestantizes' his primary Italian (Catholic) source, Pietro Aretino's I sette salmi de la penitentia di David (1534). This critical tradition, it is argued, is itself predicated upon the same periodization underpinning Lewis's essay, whereby the erroneous binary opposition Catholic/Protestant becomes metonymic of medieval/Renaissance. Applying this clear‐cut confessional division to the late 1530s, when Wyatt wrote (or at the very least began) his sequence, is an anachronism. What this article argues, rather, is that Wyatt's reading and rewriting of Aretino's paraphrase and Antonio Brucioli's commentary on the Penitential Psalms — which also, I argue, influenced Aretino — helps him to reform certain of the equivocations and contradictions found in the Ten Articles (1536) and the Bishops' Book (1537) into a more consistent poetics of grace; notwithstanding his diverse other sources.
Psychological effects of (non)employment: A cross‐national comparison of the United States and Japan
Authors: Gnambs Timo , Stiglbauer Barbara , Selenko Eva
Published: July 2015

The involuntary loss of employment has been shown to deteriorate subjective well‐being. Adopting a cross‐cultural perspective on Jahoda's () deprivation model this study examines several latent and manifest benefits of work that were expected to mediate the effects of employment status on well‐being. It was hypothesized that in more collectivistic societies the decline in subjective well‐being would be a consequence of a diminished sense of collective purpose for the non‐employed, whereas in individualistic societies the crucial factors would be a loss of social status and financial benefits. The findings from two representative national surveys conducted in the United States (N = 1,093) and Japan (N = 647) provided partial support for these hypotheses. Cultural differences moderated the effects of employment status on the benefits of work. As a consequence, different processes mediated the decline in well‐being for the non‐employed in the two countries. These results are embedded within the wider discourse on culture and its effect on unemployment.
Stigma, Attitudes, and Help‐Seeking Intentions for Psychological Problems in Relation to Regional Suicide Rates
Authors: Reynders Alexandre , Kerkhof Ad J. F. M. , Molenberghs Geert , Van Audenhove Chantal
Published: July 2015

In this ecological study, we investigated whether help‐seeking related to stigma, intentions, and attitudes toward suicide are associated with the suicide rates of 20 regions within the Netherlands and Belgium. Significant associations were found between regional suicide rates and the intention to seek informal help (β = −1.47, p = .001), self‐stigma (β = 1.33, p = .038), and shame (β = .71, p = .030). The association between self‐stigma and suicide rate was mediated by intentions to seek informal help. These results suggest that to promote suicide prevention at the level of the regional population, stigma, shame, and intentions to seek help should be targeted in the public domain.
Allogenic benefit in stem cell therapy: cardiac repair and regeneration
Authors: Al‐Daccak R. , Charron D.
Published: July 2015

Stem cell (SC)‐based therapies are a developing mean to repair, restore, maintain, or enhance organ functioning through life span. They are in particular a fast track to restore function in failing heart. Various types of SCs have been used in experimental and clinical studies showing the potential of these cells to revolutionize the treatment of heart diseases. Autologous cells have been privileged to overpass immunological barriers. The field has progressed tremendously and the hurdles, which have been largely overlooked in the excitement over the expected benefit the immunogenicity, have been revealed. Also, manufacturing of patient‐specific clinical grade SC product, whether adult stem or reprogrammed induced pluripotent SCs, and the availability of these cells in sufficient amounts and status when needed is questionable. In contrast, adult SCs derived from healthy donors, thus allogeneic, have the advantage to be immediately available as an ‘off‐the‐shelf’ therapeutic product. The challenge is to overcome the immunological barriers to their transplantation. Recent research provided new insights into the mode of action and immune behavior of SCs in autologous as well as allogeneic settings. Lessons are learned and immune paradigms are changing: allogenicity, if balanced could be part of the dynamic and durable mechanisms that are critical to sustain cardiac regeneration and repair. We discuss the hurdles, lessons, and advances accomplished in the field through the progressive journey of cardiac‐derived stem/progenitor cells toward allogeneic cardiac regenerative/reparative therapy.
Concept maps in introductory statistics
Authors: Witmer Jeffrey A.
Published: July 2015

Concept maps are tools for organizing thoughts on the main ideas in a course. I present an example of a concept map that was created through the work of students in an introductory class and discuss major topics in statistics and relationships among them.
What do the stats tell us? Engaging elementary children in probabilistic reasoning based on data analysis
Authors: Hourigan Mairéad , Leavy Aisling
Published: July 2015

As part of Japanese Lesson study research focusing on ‘comparing and describing likelihoods’, fifth grade elementary students used real‐world data in decision‐making. Sporting statistics facilitated opportunities for informal inference, where data were used to make and justify predictions.
Teaching principles of inference with ANOVA
Authors: Tarlow Kevin R.
Published: July 2015

Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is a test of mean differences, but the reference to variances in the name is often overlooked. Classroom activities are presented to illustrate how ANOVA works with emphasis on how to think critically about inferential reasoning.
Heterogeneous Firms, Globalisation and the Distance Puzzle
Authors: Larch Mario , Norbäck Pehr‐Johan , Sirries Steffen , Urban Dieter M.
Published: July 2015

Despite the strong pace of globalisation, the distance effect on trade is persistent or even growing over time (Disdier and Head, 2008). To solve this distance puzzle, we use the recently developed gravity equation estimator from Helpman et al. (2008) (HMR henceforth). Using three different data sets, we find that the distance coefficient increases over time when ordinary least squares (OLS) is used, while the non‐linear estimation of HMR leads to a decline in the distance coefficient over time. The distance puzzle, thus, arises from a growing bias of OLS estimates. The latter is explained by an increase in the importance of the bias from omitting the number of heterogeneous exporting firms relative to the bias from omitting zero trade flows. Furthermore, we show that including zero trade flows cannot solve the distance puzzle when using HMR. The HMR estimates are strongly correlated with the time pattern in freight costs reported by Hummels (2007).
Differential regulation of pericyte function by the CXC receptor 3
Authors: Bodnar Richard J. , Wells Alan
Published: July 2015

Pericytes are mural cell that have been found to play important roles in promoting blood vessel development and regulating blood flow. The signals that attract pericytes to maturing vessels during the resolution phase of wound healing are unknown. In this study, we examine the role of the chemokine receptor CXC receptor 3 (CXCR3) ligands, as they are produced by maturing endothelial cells. Pericytes isolated from muscle and retina were found to by and large only express the B‐isoform of CXCR3 (CXCR3B), with expression being independent of the mitotic state of the cells. Pericyte stimulation with the CXCR3 ligands Mig (CXCL9), IP‐9/I‐TAC (CXCL11), or IP‐10 (CXCL10) resulted in the activation of ERK but not AKT. Treatment with Mig or IP‐9, but not IP‐10, enhanced p38MAPK phosphorylation. Interestingly, while cyclic adenosine monophosphate is generated downstream of CXCR3B in other cells, protein kinase A activation was not observed in these pericytes when treated with these three CXCR3 ligands. The increase in ERK activity resulted in a slight increase in cell transmigration, with the inhibition of ERK leading to a decrease in CXCR3B mediated migration and inhibition of p38MAPK reducing transmigration through small pores. These ligands did not affect proliferation. These data are the first to characterize CXCR3B as the predominant isoform expressed on pericytes, and was found on these diverse cells isolated from both muscle and eye. We also show that CXCR3B signaling stimulates transmigration of barrier pores in pericytes as opposed to its inhibitory affects on endothelial cells and fibroblasts. These findings characterize a novel role for the CXCR3B in regulating cellular function. Taken together these data show a role for CXCR3B in regulating pericyte function.
Oxidation Parameters of Oxide Dispersion-Strengthened Steels in Supercritical Water
Authors: Penttilä Sami , Betova Iva , Bojinov Martin , Kinnunen Petri , Toivonen Aki
Published: July 2015

The kinetic parameters of oxidation of two oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) alloys, PM2000 and MA956, in supercritical water (SCW) are evaluated using an updated model that assumes that the growth of the outer layer is governed by the transport of interstitial cations through the inner layer. The model is able to reproduce quantitatively the depth profiles of individual constituent elements in the inner and outer layers, as well as in the diffusion/transition layer of the alloy between the inner layer and the bulk substrate. The rate constants and diffusion coefficients decrease with time, indicating oxide layer restructuring.
Stress Intensity Factor and Elastic Crack Opening Displacement Solutions of Complex Cracks in Pipe Using Elastic Finite-Element Analyses
Authors: Jeong Jae-Uk , Choi Jae-Boong , Huh Nam-Su , Kim Yun-Jae
Published: July 2015

In the present paper, the closed-form expressions for the stress intensity factors (SIFs) and the elastic crack opening displacements (CODs) of complex-cracked pipes are derived based on the systematic three-dimensional (3D) elastic finite-element (FE) analyses. The loading conditions that are evaluated include global bending moment, axial tension, and internal pressure. In terms of geometries, the geometric variables affecting the SIFs and the elastic CODs of complex-cracked pipes, i.e., the crack angle of through-wall cracks (TWCs), the crack depth of fully circumferential, internal surface cracks in the inner surface of pipe, and the ratio of pipe mean radius to thickness, are systematically considered in the present FE analyses. The FE analysis procedure employed in the present study has been validated against the existing solutions for the circumferential TWC pipes. Using the present FE results, the shape factors of SIF and elastic COD for complex-cracked pipes are tabulated as a function of geometric variables. The results are applied for closed-form expressions of SIF and elastic COD when the pipe is subjected to simple loading conditions of bending, axial tension, or internal pressure. The proposed closed-form expressions can estimate SIF and elastic COD of complex-cracked pipes within maximum differences of 2.4% and 5.9% with FE results, respectively.
Axisymmetric Stagnation Flow and Heat Transfer of a Compressible Fluid Impinging on a Cylinder Moving Axially
Authors: Rahimi Asghar B. , Mohammadiun Hamid , Mohammadiun Mohammad
Published: July 2015

The steady-state viscous flow and also heat transfer in the vicinity of an axisymmetric stagnation point on a cylinder moving axially with a constant velocity are investigated. Here, fluid with temperature-dependent density is considered. The impinging freestream is steady and with a constant strain rate (strength) k¯. An exact solution of the Navier–Stokes equations and energy equation is derived in this problem. A reduction of these equations is obtained by use of appropriate transformations. The general self-similar solution is obtained when the wall temperature of the cylinder or its wall heat flux is constant. All the solutions above are presented for Reynolds numbers, Re=k¯a2/2υ, ranging from 0.1 to 1000, low Mach number, selected values of compressibility factor, and different values of Prandtl numbers where a is cylinder radius and υ is kinematic viscosity of the fluid. Shear stress is presented as well. Axial movement of the cylinder does not have any effect on heat transfer but its increase increases the axial component of fluid velocity field and the shear stress.
Defining a Discretized Space Suit Surface Radiator With Variable Emissivity Properties
Authors: Massina Christopher J. , Klaus David M.
Published: July 2015

Heat rejection for space suit thermal control is typically achieved by sublimating water ice to vacuum. Converting the majority of a space suit's surface area into a radiator may offer an alternative means of heat rejection, thus reducing the undesirable loss of water mass to space. In this work, variable infrared (IR) emissivity electrochromic materials are considered and analyzed as a mechanism to actively modulate radiative heat rejection in the proposed full suit radiator architecture. A simplified suit geometry and lunar pole thermal environment is used to provide a first-order estimate of electrochromic performance requirements, including number of individually controllable pixels and the emissivity variation that they must be able to achieve to enable this application. In addition to several implementation considerations, two fundamental integration architecture options are presented—constant temperature and constant heat flux. With constant temperature integration, up to 48 individual pixels with an achievable emissivity range of 0.169–0.495 could be used to reject a metabolic load range of 100 W–500 W. Alternatively, with constant heat flux integration, approximately 400 pixels with an achievable emissivity range of 0.122–0.967 are required to reject the same load range in an identical external environment. Overall, the use of variable emissivity electrochromics in this capacity is shown to offer a potentially feasible solution to approach zero consumable loss thermal control in space suits.
Effect of surface pretreatment on interfacial chemical bonding states of atomic layer deposited ZrO2 on AlGaN
Authors: Ye Gang , Wang Hong , Ng Serene Lay Geok , Ji Rong , Arulkumaran Subramaniam , Ng Geok Ing , Li Yang , Liu Zhi Hong , Ang Kian Siong
Published: July 2015

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) of ZrO2 on native oxide covered (untreated) and buffered oxide etchant (BOE) treated AlGaN surface was analyzed by utilizing x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Evidenced by Ga–O and Al–O chemical bonds by XPS, parasitic oxidation during deposition is largely enhanced on BOE treated AlGaN surface. Due to the high reactivity of Al atoms, more prominent oxidation of Al atoms is observed, which leads to thicker interfacial layer formed on BOE treated surface. The results suggest that native oxide on AlGaN surface may serve as a protecting layer to inhibit the surface from further parasitic oxidation during ALD. The findings provide important process guidelines for the use of ALD ZrO2 and its pre-ALD surface treatments for high-k AlGaN/GaN metal–insulator–semiconductor high electron mobility transistors and other related device applications.
Effect of localization states on the electroluminescence spectral width of blue–green light emitting InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells
Authors: Liu Wei , Zhao De Gang , Jiang De Sheng , Chen Ping , Liu Zong Shun , Zhu Jian Jun , Li Xiang , Shi Ming , Zhao Dan Mei , Liu Jian Ping , Zhang Shu Ming , Wang Hui , Yang Hui
Published: July 2015

The electroluminescence (EL) spectra of blue–green light emitting InGaN/GaN multiple quantum well (MQW) structures grown via metal-organic chemical vapor deposition are investigated. With increasing In content in InGaN well layers, the peak energy redshifts, the emission intensity reduces and the inhomogeneous broadening of the luminescence band increases. In addition, it is found that the EL spectra shrink with increasing injection current at low excitation condition, which may be ascribed to both Coulomb screening of polarization field and carrier transferring from shallower localization states to the deeper ones, while at high currents the state-filling effect in all localization states may become significant and lead to a broadening of EL spectra. However, surprisingly, for the MQW sample with much higher In content, the EL spectral bandwidth can be almost unchanged with increasing current at the high current range, since a large number of carriers may be captured by the nonradiative recombination centers distributed outside the localized potential traps and the state-filling effect in the localization states is suppressed.
Bayesian identification of acoustic impedance in treated ducts
Authors: Buot de l'Épine Y. , Chazot J.-D. , Ville J.-M.
Published: July 2015

The noise reduction of a liner placed in the nacelle of a turbofan engine is still difficult to predict due to the lack of knowledge of its acoustic impedance that depends on grazing flow profile, mode order, and sound pressure level. An eduction method, based on a Bayesian approach, is presented here to adjust an impedance model of the liner from sound pressures measured in a rectangular treated duct under multimodal propagation and flow. The cost function is regularized with prior information provided by Guess's [J. Sound Vib. 40, 119–137 (1975)] impedance of a perforated plate. The multi-parameter optimization is achieved with an Evolutionary-Markov-Chain-Monte-Carlo algorithm.
Untrained listeners experience difficulty detecting interaural correlation changes in narrowband noises
Authors: Goupell Matthew J. , Barrett Mary E.
Published: July 2015

Interaural correlation change detection was measured in untrained normal-hearing listeners. Narrowband (10-Hz) noises were varied by center frequency (CF; 500 or 4000 Hz) and diotic level roving (absent or present). For the 500-Hz CF, 96% of listeners could achieve threshold (79.4% correct at the easiest testing level) if roving was absent, but only 36% of listeners could if level roving was present. No one could achieve threshold at the 4000-Hz CF, unlike trained listeners in the literature. The results raise questions about how individual differences affect learning and generalization of monaural and binaural cues related to interaural correlation detection.
“Are Your Clients Having Fun?” The Implications of Respondents’ Preferences for the Delivery of Group Exercise Programs for Falls Prevention
Authors: McPhate Lucy , Simek Emily M. , Haines Terry P. , Hill Keith D. , Finch Caroline F. , Day Lesley
Published: July 2015

Background:

Group exercise has been shown to be effective in preventing falls; however, adherence to these interventions is often poor. Older adults’ preferences for how these programs can be delivered are unknown.

Objective:

To identify older people’s preferences for how group exercise programs for falls prevention can be delivered.

Design:

A two-wave, cross-sectional, state-wide telephone survey was undertaken. Respondents were community-dwelling men and women aged 70+ in Victoria, Australia.

Methods:

Open-ended questions were asked to elicit information regarding respondent preferences of the program, which were analyzed using a framework approach.

Results:

Ninetyseven respondents completed the follow-up survey. The results indicate that older adults most frequently report the short-term advantages and disadvantages when describing their preferences for group exercise, such as enjoyment, social interaction, and leader qualities. Longer-term advantages such as falls prevention were described less frequently.

Conclusions:

This study indicates the importance of interpersonal skills, and that the opportunity for social interaction should not be overlooked as a positive feature of a group exercise program.
Improving Balance in Older People: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial of Three Modes of Balance Training
Authors: Nematollahi Ahmadreza , Kamali Fahimeh , Ghanbari Ali , Etminan Zahra , Sobhani Sobhan
Published: July 2015

The aim of this study was to examine and compare the effects of conventional, multisensory, and dual-task exercises on balance ability in a group of older community dwellers over a four-week period. Forty-four older people were randomly assigned to one of the three training groups. The score on the Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) scale, gait stability ratio, and walking speed were evaluated at baseline and after four weeks of training. All three groups showed significant (p < .001) improvement in the FAB scores following the three training programs (on average, 3 points for the conventional and multisensory groups and 3.8 points for the dual-task group). The improvements were comparable across the three intervention groups (p = .23). There were no statistically significant differences, neither within nor between groups, in the gait stability ratio and walking speed across the three training groups. In a four-week period, all the training modes were effective in improving balance of older adults, with no significant superiority of one mode of training over another.
Effects of bioDensity Training and Power Plate Whole-Body Vibration on Strength, Balance, and Functional Independence in Older Adults
Authors: Smith Derek T. , Judge Stacey , Malone Ashley , Moynes Rebecca C. , Conviser Jason , Skinner James S.
Published: July 2015

Reduced strength, balance, and functional independence diminish quality of life and increase health care costs. Sixty adults (82.2 ± 4.9 years) were randomized to a control or three 12-week intervention groups: bioDensity (bD); Power Plate (PP) whole-body vibration (WBV); or bD+PP. bD involved one weekly 5-s maximal contraction of four muscle groups. PP involved two 5-min WBV sessions. Primary outcomes were strength, balance, and Functional Independence Measure (FIM). No groups differed initially. Strength significantly increased 22–51% for three muscle groups in bD and bD+PP (P < .001), with no changes in control and PP. Balance significantly improved in PP and bD+PP but not in control or bD. bD, PP, and bD+PP differentially improved FIM self-care and mobility. Strength improvements from weekly 5-min sessions of bD may impart health/clinical benefits. Balance and leg strength improvements suggest WBV beneficially impacts fall risk and incidence. Improved FIM scores are encouraging and justify larger controlled trials on bD and bD+PP efficacy.
Iran nuclear deal holds ‘goodies’ for scientists
Authors: Stone Richard
Published: July 2015

Researchers to collaborate at repurposed nuclear facilities.
Web billionaire bankrolls search for alien signals
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: July 2015

Yuri Milner hopes that $100 million can answer one of humanity's most enduring questions.
Breaking a tropical taboo
Authors: Wade Lizzie
Published: July 2015

Most ancient DNA comes from frigid environs. Can new methods sample hot and humid locales?
Adult cortical plasticity depends on an early postnatal critical period
Authors: Greenhill Stuart D. , Juczewski Konrad , de Haan Annelies M. , Seaton Gillian , Fox Kevin , Hardingham Neil R.
Published: July 2015

Keeping synaptic plasticity plastic

Neuronal synapses in the brain adjust according to shifting demands as we experience the world. This synaptic plasticity forms the basis for critical periods in the visual and somatosensory systems. Greenhill
et al.
have now found, in mice, a critical period for the development of plasticity itself. At the core is a protein that in its mutant form is associated with schizophrenia. Disrupting this protein's function temporarily during early development caused a failure in brain plasticity in adult mice.

Science
, this issue p.
424
Raising the dead
How to Clone a Mammoth: The Science of De-Extinction
Beth Shapiro
Princeton University Press, 2015. 250 pp.
Authors: Hoelzel A. Rus
Published: July 2015

Confronting the technical challenges of reversing extinction
Yellow lights for emerging technologies
Authors: Charo R. Alta
Published: July 2015

All-or-none regulatory systems are not adequate for revolutionary innovations
The quest for a magic bullet
The Lock and Key of Medicine: Monoclonal Antibodies and the Transformation of Healthcare
Lara V. Marks
Yale University Press, 2015. 344 pp.
Authors: Prabakaran Sudhakaran
Published: July 2015

Widely used in science and medicine today, monoclonal antibodies got off to a rocky start
Toward an HIV vaccine: A scientific journey
Authors: Fauci Anthony S. , Marston Hilary D.
Published: July 2015

Different strategies are coming together to provide insights for an effective HIV vaccine
Making methane down deep
Authors: Huber Julie A.
Published: July 2015

Scientists find active life 2.5 km beneath the sea floor

[Also see Report by

Inagaki
et al.

]
Stretch, wrap, and relax to smartness
Authors: Ghosh Tushar
Published: July 2015

Carbon nanotubes wrapped around rubber cores create resilient conducting fibers

[Also see Report by

Liu
et al.

]
Moving CTLA-4 from the trash to recycling
Authors: Sansom David M.
Published: July 2015

Individuals lacking a protein expressed in T cells have low CTLA-4 and develop autoimmunity

[Also see Report by

Lo
et al.

]
On the nomenclature of some high-rank syntaxa of European forest vegetation
Authors: Willner Wolfgang , Theurillat Jean-Paul , Pallas Jens , Mucina Ladislav
Published: July 2015

We present a detailed nomenclatural analysis of the class names Carpino-Fagetea, Querco-Fagetea, Quercetea robori-sessiliflorae, Quercetea ilicis and Vaccinio-Piceetea. The current literature presents contradictory opinions about the legitimacy and
correct author citation of these names, often motivated by deviating interpretations of the International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature. This primarily concerns the provisions of Articles 2b, 3j, 3m and 35 which can be interpreted in quite different ways, leading to divergent conclusions
on the validity and legitimacy of a name. Thus, the problems discussed in this paper are of general relevance for phytosociological nomenclature, highlighting the need for amendments and clarifications to be implemented in the next edition of the Code. Moreover, we suggest establishing a formal
procedure to request a binding decision on specific cases to stabilise the interpretation of the Code.
Draft Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus sciuri subsp.
sciuri
Strain Z8, Isolated from Human Skin
Authors: Hu Xinjun , Zheng Beiwen , Jiang Haiyin , Kang Yi , Cao Qing , Ning Huibin , Shang Jia
Published: July 2015

Staphylococcus sciuri
subsp.
sciuri
strain Z8 was isolated from a skin wound infection of a patient with infective endocarditis. To the best of our knowledge, the genome sequence of the species
S. sciuri
has not been previously studied. The complete genome sequence of strain Z8 includes a genome of 2,620,868 bp (32.43% GC content) without any plasmids.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Field Isolate of Classical Swine Fever Virus Belonging to Subgenotype 2.1b from Hunan Province, China
Authors: Shao Weixing , Liu Shuang , Wu Faxing , Zhang Zhi , Dong Yaqin , Li Xiaocheng
Published: July 2015

We report the complete genome sequence of a field isolate of classical swine fever virus (CSFV), Hunan 23/2013, belonging to the predominant subgenotype 2.1b. This strain was originally isolated from diseased pigs in Hunan Province, China. This report will help in understanding the molecular diversity of CSFV stains circulating in China and in selecting and developing a suitable vaccine candidate for CSF control.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Ale-Fermenting Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strain GSY2239
Authors: U’Ren Jana M. , Wisecaver Jennifer H. , Paek Andrew L. , Dunn Barbara L. , Hurwitz Bonnie L.
Published: July 2015

Saccharomyces cerevisiae
strain GSY2239 is derived from an industrial yeast strain used to ferment ale-style beer. We present here the 11.5-Mb draft genome sequence for this organism.
Draft Genome Sequence of Thermophilic
Exiguobacterium
sp. Strain JLM-2, Isolated from Deep-Sea Ferromanganese Nodules
Authors: Zhang De-Chao , Liu Yan-Xia , Huo Ying-Yi , Xu Xue-Wei , Li Xin-Zheng
Published: July 2015

Exiguobacterium
sp. strain JLM-2 is a thermophilic bacterium isolated from deep-sea ferromanganese (FeMn) nodules. The estimated genome of this strain is 2.9 Mb, with a G+C content of 48.32%. It has a novel circular 15,570-bp plasmid. The draft genome sequence may provide useful information about Mn-microbe interactions and the genetic basis for tolerance to environment stresses.