bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forecasting Elections
Authors: Williams Leighton Vaughan , Reade J. James
Published: November 2015

In this paper we assess opinion polls, prediction markets, expert opinion and statistical modelling over a large number of US elections in order to determine which perform better in terms of forecasting outcomes. In line with existing literature, we bias‐correct opinion polls. We consider accuracy, bias and precision over different time horizons before an election, and we conclude that prediction markets appear to provide the most precise forecasts and are similar in terms of bias to opinion polls. We find that our statistical model struggles to provide competitive forecasts, while expert opinion appears to be of value. Finally we note that the forecast horizon matters; whereas prediction market forecasts tend to improve the nearer an election is, opinion polls appear to perform worse, while expert opinion performs consistently throughout. We thus contribute to the growing literature comparing election forecasts of polls and prediction markets. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Affine Term Structure Model with Macroeconomic Factors: Do No‐Arbitrage Restriction and Macroeconomic Factors Imply Better Out‐of‐Sample Forecasts?
Authors: Ullah Wali
Published: November 2015

This study extends the affine dynamic Nelson–Siegel model for the inclusion of macroeconomic variables. Five macroeconomic variables are included in affine term structure model, derived under the arbitrage‐free restriction, to evaluate their role in the in‐sample fitting and out‐of‐sample forecasting of the term structure. We show that the relationship between the macroeconomic factors and yield data has an intuitive interpretation, and that there is interdependence between the yield and macroeconomic factors. Moreover, the macroeconomic factors significantly improve the forecast performance of the model. The affine Nelson–Siegel type models outperform the benchmark simple time series forecast models. The out‐of‐sample predictability of the affine Nelson–Siegel model with macroeconomic factors for the short horizon is superior to the simple affine yield model for all maturities, and for longer horizons the former is still compatible to the latter, particularly for medium and long maturities. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association between ordering patterns and shift‐based care in general pediatrics inpatients
Authors: Vukkadala Neelaysh , Auerbach Andrew , Maselli Judith H. , Rosenbluth Glenn
Published: November 2015

Duty‐hour restrictions have forced changes in care models for inpatient services, including an increase in shift work. In this study we aimed to determine whether a shift model compliant with 2011 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education duty‐hour standards was associated with more active patient care management. Residents caring for pediatric patients changed from a schedule with extended duty shifts and cross‐coverage to one based on day/night shifts, limiting interns to 16 consecutive duty hours. We conducted a retrospective review of orders written under each model. After the intervention, there was a significant increase in the mean number of orders written within the first 12 hours (pre: 0.58 orders vs post: 1.12, P = 0.009) and 24 hours (pre: 1.52 vs post: 2.38, P = 0.004) following admission (not including admission orders), but we did not detect a significantly higher percentage of orders written at night. This shift‐based coverage system was associated with a greater number of orders written early in the hospitalization, indicating more active management of clinical problems. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:210–214. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
Impact of antibiotic choices made in the emergency department on appropriateness of antibiotic treatment of urinary tract infections in hospitalized patients
Authors: Kiyatkin Dmitry , Bessman Edward , McKenzie Robin
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND

Overuse of antibiotics to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) is common in hospitalized patients and may begin in the emergency department (ED).

METHODS

For a 4‐week period we reviewed medical records of all patients admitted to the hospital who initiated treatment for a UTI in the ED.

RESULTS

According to study criteria, initiation of antibiotics was inappropriate for 55 of 94 patients (59% [95% confidence interval {CI}, 48%‐69%]), and continuation after admission was inappropriate for 54 of 80 patients (68% [95% CI, 57%‐78%]).

CONCLUSION

Failure to reevaluate the need for antibiotics initiated in the ED to treat UTIs may lead to overuse of antibiotics in hospitalized patients. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:181–184. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
Hydroxycinnamic acids as affected by different fertilization of Rebula grapevines
Authors: Brataševec Kristina , Vodopivec Branka Mozetič , Petek Marko , Sivilotti Paolo
Published: November 2015

The phenolic composition of white grapes is important since browning reactions may dramatically compromise the overall quality of musts and wines. Only few scientific contributions are available, which investigated how fertilization can influence this class of compounds. Thus, the aim of this work was to examine the effects of NPK soil fertilization coupled with soil or foliar applications of Mg, Fe, and Zn on the concentrations of K, Mg, Fe, and Zn of grape berries and leaf petioles of potted Rebula grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.), also revealing the change of hydroxycinnamic acids in grape juice. The results obtained over the three‐year study (2009–2011) showed that NPK fertilization positively affected K and Zn concentrations of petioles and grape berries, and negatively Mg. In addition, K (synergistic) and Mg (antagonistic) had an influence on Zn uptake. Our findings suggest that the supply of NPK was profitable for a reduction of trans‐caftaric acid in grape juice, while only few differences were observed with further application of nutrients.
Vegetation dynamics from a coastal peatland: insights from combined plant macrofossil and pollen data
Authors: Waller Martyn , Early Richard
Published: November 2015

This paper reports the results of plant‐macrofossil investigations from a peat layer buried within coastal alluvium at the Caburn, a site adjacent to the English chalkland. The data collected are compared against a published mid‐Holocene pollen sequence with the macrofossil record providing greater taxonomic resolution and establishing a local presence for many taxa. Alnus glutinosa pollen is abundant and Alnus macrofossils are recorded continuously over a c. 3000 cal year period. Fluctuations in the number of Alnus propagules and the presence of seeds of light‐demanding herbaceous plants suggest that regeneration occurred at a local scale, a process which is likely to have been promoted by a rising water table and sediment consolidation. Taxus baccata macrofossils were also recovered, indicating that the high pollen values previously reported may be the result of yew being present within the wetland area. The Tilia macrofossils establish the presence nearby of T. cordata, T. × europaea and T. platyphyllos. High pollen values for Quercus, Tilia and Alnus coincide with the occurrence of their anthers. Deposition within inflorescences is therefore likely to have been an important mode of pollen delivery. The usefulness of both techniques in studies that utilize peats derived from fen carr vegetation are discussed.
Frequency and cause of readmissions following pediatric otolaryngologic surgery
Authors: Murray Ryan , Logvinenko Tanya , Roberson David
Published: November 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

To characterize the frequency and nature of readmissions to free standing pediatric hospitals after otolaryngologic procedures.

Study Design

Retrospective national database analysis.

Methods

Using the Pediatric Health Information Systems database, we examined 30‐day inpatient readmissions in children less than 18 years old who underwent otolaryngology procedures between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2011. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses accounting for correlated structure of the data identified factors related to readmission rate. Reasons for readmission and the postoperative day at which readmission occurred were also examined.

Results

In the 24‐month study period, a total of 493,507 procedures were performed, resulting in 11,574 (2.3%) 30‐day readmissions. Readmission rates varied significantly based on the type of procedure, patient age, and presence of chronic medical condition(s). Direct surgical complications accounted for 3,432 (29.7%) of all readmissions; and 4,729 (40.9%) of all readmissions occurred following tonsil and adenoid surgery.

Conclusion

Readmissions after pediatric otolaryngologic surgery are relatively uncommon. These readmission rates vary directly with the type of procedure performed, as well as patient level factors (i.e., patient age, ethnicity, and the presence of other medical comorbidities). These data demonstrate that if readmission rates are to be used as a quality measure in pediatric otolaryngology procedures, complex risk adjustment of patient level variables will be necessary to accurately compare outcomes between different hospitals.

Level of Evidence

2c. Laryngoscope, 126:199–204, 2016
Well‐controlled ATRP of 2‐(2‐(2‐azidoethyoxy)ethoxy)ethyl methacrylate for high‐density click functionalization of polymers and metallic substrates
Authors: Liu Pingsheng , Song Jie
Published: November 2015

The combination of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and click chemistry has created unprecedented opportunities for controlled syntheses of functional polymers. ATRP of azido‐bearing methacrylate monomers (e.g., 2‐(2‐(2‐azidoethyoxy)ethoxy)ethyl methacrylate, AzTEGMA), however, proceeded with poor control at commonly adopted temperature of 50 °C, resulting in significant side reactions. By lowering reaction temperature and monomer concentrations, well‐defined pAzTEGMA with significantly reduced polydispersity were prepared within a reasonable timeframe. Upon subsequent functionalization of the side chains of pAzTEGMA via Cu(I)‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) click chemistry, functional polymers with number‐average molecular weights (Mn) up to 22 kDa with narrow polydispersity (PDI < 1.30) were obtained. Applying the optimized polymerization condition, we also grafted pAzTEGMA brushes from Ti6Al4 substrates by surface‐initiated ATRP (SI‐ATRP), and effectively functionalized the azide‐terminated side chains with hydrophobic and hydrophilic alkynes by CuAAC. The well‐controlled ATRP of azido‐bearing methacrylates and subsequent facile high‐density functionalization of the side chains of the polymethacrylates via CuAAC offers a useful tool for engineering functional polymers or surfaces for diverse applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 1268–1277
Preparation of hybrid triple‐stimuli responsive nanogels based on poly(L‐histidine)
Authors: Bilalis Panayiotis , Varlas Spyridon , Kiafa Aikaterini , Velentzas Athanassios , Stravopodis Dimitrios , Iatrou Hermis
Published: November 2015

A series of novel multi‐responsive disulfide cross‐linked polypeptide nanogels has been synthesized by a one‐step ring‐opening polymerization process. The pH‐responsive core of the prepared nanogels was based on poly(L‐histidine), the difunctional N‐carboxy anhydride of l‐cystine (l‐Cys‐NCA) was used as a reduction‐cleavable cross‐linking agent, while the outer hydrophilic corona was comprised of a poly(ethylene oxide) block. Extensive molecular characterization studies were conducted in order to confirm the formation of the desired polymeric nanostructures and also to prove their responsiveness to external stimuli within the physiological values of healthy and cancer tissues. Furthermore, the disruption of the disulfide‐bond linkages between the polymeric chains was achieved by the presence of the reductive tripeptide glutathione (GSH), leading to size variations that were monitored by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC). “Stealth” properties of the formed nanostructures were examined by zeta potential measurements. The described nanogels are clearly promising candidates for drug delivery applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 1278–1288
Efficient carrier‐injection and electron‐confinement in UV‐B light‐emitting diodes
Authors: Kolbe T. , Stellmach J. , Mehnke F. , Rothe M.‐A. , Kueller V. , Knauer A. , Einfeldt S. , Wernicke T. , Weyers M. , Kneissl M.
Published: November 2015

The effects of the aluminum content x and the magnesium doping concentration in the AlGaN:Mg electron blocking layer on the emission characteristics of ultraviolet light‐emitting diodes has been investigated. The carrier injection in the light‐emitting diodes is simulated and compared with electroluminescence measurements. The light output power depends strongly on the aluminum mole fraction x as well as on the magnesium supply in the vapor phase during the growth of the AlGaN:Mg electron blocking layer. The highest output power has been found for an aluminum content x of around 44% and an Mg/III‐ratio of 3.0% for light‐emitting diodes with an emission wavelength near 320 nm. This effect can be attributed to an improved carrier injection and confinement preventing electron leakage into the p‐doped layers of the light‐emitting diode and an effective hole injection into the active region.
Suitability of SnS thin films for photovoltaic application due to the existence of persistent photocurrent
Authors: Gupta Yashika , Arun P.
Published: November 2015

Tin sulfide (SnS) is a layered compound that retains its structure when deposited as thin films by thermal evaporation. The films thus obtained were found to have p‐type conductivity, as confirmed by the hot‐spot method. The films were found to have oriented growth with the direction of orientation changing with film thickness. The film's morphology was also found to change with orientation. The poor conductivity of the thicker samples made it difficult to make photoconductivity characterization, however, unlike reported studies in the literature, the thinner samples showed photosensitivity to be defect dependent and independent of film thickness and grain size with a high‐persistent photocurrent. With their absorptivity, photosensitivity, optimum bandgap, and traps within the bandgap giving the charge carriers a longer lifetime, thin samples of tin sulfide give adequate scope for designing efficient photovoltaics.
Gene regulation during development in the light of topologically associating domains
Authors: Remeseiro Silvia , Hörnblad Andreas , Spitz François
Published: November 2015

During embryonic development, complex transcriptional programs govern the precision of gene expression. Many key developmental genes are regulated via cis‐regulatory elements that are located far away in the linear genome. How sequences located hundreds of kilobases away from a promoter can influence its activity has been the subject of numerous speculations, which all underline the importance of the 3D‐organization of the genome. The recent advent of chromosome conformation capture techniques has put into focus the subdivision of the genome into topologically associating domains (TADs). TADs may influence regulatory activities on multiple levels. The relative invariance of TAD limits across cell types suggests that they may form fixed structural domains that could facilitate and/or confine long‐range regulatory interactions. However, most recent studies suggest that interactions within TADs are more variable and dynamic than initially described. Hence, different models are emerging regarding how TADs shape the complex 3D conformations, and thereafter influence the networks of cis‐interactions that govern gene expression during development. WIREs Dev Biol 2016, 5:169–185. doi: 10.1002/wdev.218

This article is categorized under:

Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Regulatory Mechanisms
Cholecystectomy During the Weekend Increases Patients’ Length of Hospital Stay
Authors: Rothman Josephine Philip , Burcharth Jakob , Pommergaard Hans‐Christian , Rosenberg Jacob
Published: November 2015

Background

A higher risk of complications and mortality has previously been proven in selected settings. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether length of stay differentiates throughout the week and register if intra‐ and postoperative complications vary on weekends compared to weekdays.

Methods

The population originated from the Danish Cholecystectomy Database. It consists of adult patients, who had a cholecystectomy performed by standard four‐port laparoscopic or open surgery. Adjusted analyses were used to study if day of the week had an influence on conversion, readmission within 30 days, post‐operative supplemental procedures within 30 days, and variance in postoperative length of stay across the week.

Results

A total of 28,759 patients were included in the study. We found no difference in conversion rate, readmission within 30 days, or post‐operative procedures within 30 days between week time and weekend time. A longer postoperative length of stay was observed for patients operated on Fridays and Saturdays even though surgical complication rates were alike between weekdays. Patients with acute cholecystitis had a longer length of stay on Saturdays.

Conclusion

We found no evidence of a higher risk of conversions, post‐operative procedures, or readmission during weekends compared with weekdays. Despite this, a prolonged length of stay was observed in patients operated with cholecystectomy on Fridays and Saturdays. The observed difference could be due to ward rounds on weekends mainly focus on the sickest patients leaving less time for discharge.
Olfactory Cues from Pathogenic Fungus Affect the Direction of Motion of Termites, Coptotermes formosanus
Authors: Yanagawa Aya , Imai Tomoya , Akino Toshiharu , Toh Yoshihiro , Yoshimura Tsuyoshi
Published: November 2015

Formosan subterranean termites, Coptotermes formosanus, tend to avoid pathogen odors when tested in Y-tube olfactometers, but approach and groom exposed nestmates to remove pathogens from their cuticle and maintain a healthy population. To better understand their differential reaction to pathogens and their odors, the relationship between odor cues and direction of motion was examined with the fungus Isaria fumosorosea K3 strain. The results indicate that nestmate odor was strongly attractive only in tests where fungal odors were present in both branches of the olfactometer. Termites generally avoid fungal odors when offered a choice without fungal odor. We also tested termite aversion to 3-octanone and 1-octen-3-ol, major surface chemical compounds of I. fumosorosea K3, and estimated the total mass of these compounds present on the conidial surface by direct extraction method. The total quantity of these chemicals on the surface of fungal conidia was estimated to be approximately 0.01 ng per 107 conidia. This study demonstrates a context dependent behavioral change in termites in response to the odors of pathogenic fungi.
Dietary Fatty Acid Metabolism is Affected More by Lipid Level than Source in Senegalese Sole Juveniles: Interactions for Optimal Dietary Formulation
Authors: Bonacic Kruno , Estévez Alicia , Bellot Olga , Conde‐Sieira Marta , Gisbert Enric , Morais Sofia
Published: November 2015

This study analyses the effects of dietary lipid level and source on lipid absorption and metabolism in Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis). Juvenile fish were fed 4 experimental diets containing either 100 % fish oil (FO) or 25 % FO and 75 % vegetable oil (VO; rapeseed, linseed and soybean oils) at two lipid levels (~8 or ~18 %). Effects were assessed on fish performance, body proximate composition and lipid accumulation, activity of hepatic lipogenic and fatty acid oxidative enzymes and, finally, on the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism in liver and intestine, and to intestinal absorption, both pre‐ and postprandially. Increased dietary lipid level had no major effects on growth and feeding performance (FCR), although fish fed FO had marginally better growth. Nevertheless, diets induced significant changes in lipid accumulation and metabolism. Hepatic lipid deposits were higher in fish fed VO, associated to increased hepatic ATP citrate lyase activity and up‐regulated carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (cpt1) mRNA levels post‐prandially. However, lipid level had a larger effect on gene expression of metabolic (lipogenesis and β‐oxidation) genes than lipid source, mostly at fasting. High dietary lipid level down‐regulated fatty acid synthase expression in liver and intestine, and increased cpt1 mRNA in liver. Large lipid accumulations were observed in the enterocytes of fish fed high lipid diets. This was possibly a result of a poor capacity to adapt to high dietary lipid level, as most genes involved in intestinal absorption were not regulated in response to the diet.
Assessment and Management of Pain in Patients With Disorders of Consciousness
Authors: Schnakers Caroline , Zasler Nathan
Published: November 2015

Pain is a first‐person experience that must be reported, verbally or nonverbally, to be correctly assessed. How, then, is pain perception determined in persons who are noncommunicative? This determination is a major clinical challenge because patients with disorders of consciousness are unable to communicate their feelings and possible pain experiences. This review will describe the current knowledge of evaluating pain perception in a minimally conscious state compared with an unconscious state (also known as vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome) and how to approach the management of pain in these 2 populations.
Inventing Prizes: A Historical Perspective on Innovation Awards and Technology Policy
Authors: Khan B. Zorina
Published: November 2015

Prizes for innovations are currently experiencing a renaissance, following their marked decline during the nineteenth century. Debates about such incentive mechanisms tend to employ canonical historical anecdotes to motivate and support the analysis and policy proposals. Daguerre's “patent buyout,” the Longitude Prize, inducement prizes for butter substitutes and billiard balls, the activities of the Royal Society of Arts and other “encouragement” institutions—all comprise potentially misleading case studies. The article surveys and summarizes extensive empirical research using samples drawn from Britain, France, and the United States, including “great inventors” and their ordinary counterparts, and prizes at industrial exhibitions. The results suggest that administered systems of rewards to innovators suffered from a number of disadvantages in design and practice, which might be inherent to their nonmarket orientation.
Exploring aged care business models: a typological study
Authors: NUSEM EREZ , WRIGLEY CARA , MATTHEWS JUDY
Published: November 2015

Australian providers of aged care are facing a rapidly ageing population and growth in demand for services. Beyond a sheer increase in consumers and major regulatory changes from Federal Government, many customers are becoming progressively discontented with a medically dominated model of care provision. This period of turbulence presents an opportunity for new entrants and forward-thinking organisations to disrupt the market by designing a more compelling value offering. Under this line of inquiry, the researchers conducted a qualitative content analysis study of over 37 Australian aged care organisations, clustering providers into six business model typologies. The study revealed that providers of aged care are becoming increasingly aware of emerging customer needs, and, in addressing these needs, are seeking to establish innovative models of care provision. This paper therefore presents a future model of care, along with implications for practice and policy.
Swedish and English word ratings of imageability, familiarity and age of acquisition are highly correlated
Authors: Blomberg Frida , Öberg Carl
Published: November 2015

At present, there is no comprehensive psycholinguistic database containing Swedish words with ratings of word properties such as e.g. imageability, although researchers carrying out psycholinguistic studies in Swedish face the need to be able to control for and systematically vary such properties. The present study addressed this issue by investigating the possibility of transferring English word ratings to Swedish.Imageability,familiarityandage of acquisition(AoA) ratings were obtained for a sample of Swedish words (N = 99). These ratings were then compared with the corresponding English ratings from the Medical Research Council (MRC) Psycholinguistic Database (Coltheart 1981) using Spearman correlation. Swedish and English word ratings were found to be highly correlated for imageability and AoA, and moderately correlated for familiarity. Following these results, we suggest that, in general, ratings of these variables can be reliably transferred between the two languages, although some caution should be taken, since for some individual words, some ratings might differ substantially for their Swedish and English translations.
Prepositional passives in Danish, Norwegian and Swedish: A corpus study
Authors: Engdahl Elisabet , Laanemets Anu
Published: November 2015

There are conflicting reports in the literature concerning whether the Scandinavian languages use prepositional passives as in English. Maling & Zaenen (1985) showed that Icelandic does not have the construction; instead the Icelandic data should be analyzed as topicalization of the complement of a preposition in impersonal passives. They suggested that the same account would be appropriate for Danish and Swedish, whereas Norwegian is reported to have a rather productive prepositional passive (Lødrup 1991). In order to find out to what extent and in what ways prepositional passives are actually used, we carried out a series of investigations in Danish, Norwegian and Swedish contemporary text corpora, analyzing over 3600 potential prepositional passives, with a balance of periphrastic and morphological passive forms. We have found that prepositional passives are indeed used in all three languages, but rather infrequently, ranging from 3.4 per million words (3.4/mw) in Swedish, 5/mw in Danish to 16/mw in Norwegian. The majority of the prepositional passives are periphrasticbli(ve)-passives. The passive subject is typically animate, a person or an animal, who is psychologically affected by the action, or the lack of action, expressed by the participle. The notion of affectedness that is relevant for these languages thus differs from what has been described for English. Prepositionals-passives are found in coordinated structures and in infinitival complements of modal verbs, a context known to favours-passive.
The health status of a village population, 7 years after a major Q fever outbreak
Authors: MORROY G. , VAN DER HOEK W. , NANVER Z. D. , SCHNEEBERGER P. M. , BLEEKER-ROVERS C. P. , VAN DER VELDEN J. , COUTINHO R. A.
Published: November 2015

From 2007 to 2010, The Netherlands experienced a major Q fever outbreak with more than 4000 notifications. Previous studies suggested that Q fever patients could suffer long-term post-infection health impairments, especially fatigue. Our objective was to assess theCoxiella burnetiiantibody prevalence and health status including fatigue, and assess their interrelationship in Herpen, a high-incidence village, 7 years after the outbreak began. In 2014, we invited all 2161 adult inhabitants for a questionnaire and aC. burnetiiindirect fluorescence antibody assay (IFA). The health status was measured with the Nijmegen Clinical Screening Instrument (NCSI), consisting of eight subdomains including fatigue. Of the 70·1% (1517/2161) participants, 33·8% (513/1517) were IFA positive. Of 147 participants who were IFA positive in 2007, 25 (17%) seroreverted and were now IFA negative. Not positive IFA status, but age <50 years, smoking and co-morbidity, were independent risk factors for fatigue. Notified participants reported significantly more often fatigue (31/49, 63%) than non-notified IFA-positive participants (150/451, 33%). Although fatigue is a common sequel after acute Q fever, in this community-based survey we found no difference in fatigue levels between participants with and withoutC. burnetiiantibodies.
‘The little that I have done is already gone and forgotten’:Farinelli and Burney Write Music History
Authors: Desler Anne
Published: November 2015

Eighteenth-century narratives of Carlo Broschi Farinelli’s inimitability and superiority did not arise fortuitously but resulted to a large extent from artistic, professional and personal choices made by the singer in order to create a unique artistic profile and influence public perception of him. Similarly, Charles Burney created his historical writings with the aim of establishing himself as a man of letters in order to rise in social status and leave a lasting legacy. Analysis of Farinelli’s careful manipulation of his reputation in his encounters with Burney and the latter’s calculated representation of Farinelli inThe Present State of Music in France and ItalyandA General History of Musicsheds light not only on both men’s self-promotion strategies, but also on the high degree of mediation of historical fact in writings that have long served as supposedly reliable ‘primary’ sources on eighteenth-century music.
EQUITY, BESIDES: ADAM SMITH AND THE UTILITY OF POVERTY
Authors: Martin Christopher S.
Published: November 2015

Generations of readers have nodded in agreement with Adam Smith’s argument, in Book One of the Wealth of Nations, that a nation cannot be happy if the workers who constitute the majority of its population are miserable. Smith notes that equity, besides, demands that workers receive a generous recompense for their labor. I contend that this famous statement is best interpreted in light of contemporary arguments that it was socially useful for workers to be poor. Smith’s engagement with these arguments is usually interpreted with reference to the labor supply function, but I argue that it also involved deeper suppositions about the place of workers in the social order. Smith’s reaction to these suppositions enriches our understanding of his contribution to liberal economics.
Subwavelength imaging through ion-beam-induced upconversion
Authors: Mi Zhaohong , Zhang Yuhai , Vanga Sudheer Kumar , Chen Ce-Belle , Tan Hong Qi , Watt Frank , Liu Xiaogang , Bettiol Andrew A.
Published: November 2015

The combination of an optical microscope and a luminescent probe plays a pivotal role in biological imaging because it allows for probing subcellular structures. However, the optical resolutions are largely constrained by Abbe’s diffraction limit, and the common dye probes often suffer from photobleaching. Here we present a new method for subwavelength imaging by combining lanthanide-doped upconversion nanocrystals with the ionoluminescence imaging technique. We experimentally observed that the ion beam can be used as a new form of excitation source to induce photon upconversion in lanthanide-doped nanocrystals. This approach enables luminescence imaging and simultaneous mapping of cellular structures with a spatial resolution of sub-30 nm.
Erratum: Longitudinal in vivo evaluation of bone regeneration by combined measurement of multi-pinhole SPECT and micro-CT for tissue engineering
Authors: Lienemann Philipp S. , Metzger Stéphanie , Kiveliö Anna-Sofia , Blanc Alain , Papageorgiou Panagiota , Astolfo Alberto , Pinzer Bernd R. , Cinelli Paolo , Weber Franz E. , Schibli Roger , Béhé Martin , Ehrbar Martin
Published: November 2015

Over the last decades, great strides were made in the development of novel implants for the treatment of bone defects. The increasing versatility and complexity of these implant designs request for concurrent advances in means to assess in vivo the course of induced bone formation in preclinical models. Since its discovery, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) has excelled as powerful high-resolution technique for non-invasive assessment of newly formed bone tissue. However, micro-CT fails to provide spatiotemporal information on biological processes ongoing during bone regeneration. Conversely, due to the versatile applicability and cost-effectiveness, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) would be an ideal technique for assessing such biological processes with high sensitivity and for nuclear imaging comparably high resolution (<1 mm). Herein, we employ modular designed poly(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogels that release bone morphogenetic protein to guide the healing of critical sized calvarial bone defects. By combined in vivo longitudinal multi-pinhole SPECT and micro-CT evaluations we determine the spatiotemporal course of bone formation and remodeling within this synthetic hydrogel implant. End point evaluations by high resolution micro-CT and histological evaluation confirm the value of this approach to follow and optimize bone-inducing biomaterials.
Scaling the respiratory metabolism to phosphorus relationship in plant seedlings
Authors: Wang Zhi-Qiang , Huang Heng , Deng Jian-Ming , Liu Jian-Quan
Published: November 2015

There are empirical indications of an isometric scaling relationship between plants’ respiratory metabolism rates and nitrogen contents. To test the hypothesis that there may be a similar relationship between plants’ respiratory metabolism and phosphorus contents we used data obtained from 150 laboratory and field-grown seedlings representing 30 herbaceous species and 20 woody deciduous species. Our results show that whole-plant respiration rates strongly scaled to the 0.81-power of the whole-plant phosphorus content, across wide ranges of growth conditions and functional classifications. Moreover, we also found a similar scaling exponent between whole-plant respiration rates and total nitrogen contents for the same set of samples. The similarities of the metabolic scaling relationships suggest that similar mechanisms may be involved in the transport and storage of phosphorus and nitrogen in plants.
A Systems Biology-Based Investigation into the Pharmacological Mechanisms of Sheng-ma-bie-jia-tang Acting on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus by Multi-Level Data Integration
Authors: Huang Lin , Lv Qi , Liu Fenfen , Shi Tieliu , Wen Chengping
Published: November 2015

Sheng-ma-bie-jia-tang (SMBJT) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula that is widely used for the treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in China. However, molecular mechanism behind this formula remains unknown. Here, we systematically analyzed targets of the ingredients in SMBJT to evaluate its potential molecular mechanism. First, we collected 1,267 targets from our previously published database, the Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Database (TCMID). Next, we conducted gene ontology and pathway enrichment analyses for these targets and determined that they were enriched in metabolism (amino acids, fatty acids, etc.) and signaling pathways (chemokines, Toll-like receptors, adipocytokines, etc.). 96 targets, which are known SLE disease proteins, were identified as essential targets and the rest 1,171 targets were defined as common targets of this formula. The essential targets directly interacted with SLE disease proteins. Besides, some common targets also had essential connections to both key targets and SLE disease proteins in enriched signaling pathway, e.g. toll-like receptor signaling pathway. We also found distinct function of essential and common targets in immune system processes. This multi-level approach to deciphering the underlying mechanism of SMBJT treatment of SLE details a new perspective that will further our understanding of TCM formulas.
Inbreeding and homozygosity in breast cancer survival
Authors: Thomsen Hauke , Filho Miguel Inacio da Silva , Woltmann Andrea , Johansson Robert , Eyfjörd Jorunn E. , Hamann Ute , Manjer Jonas , Enquist-Olsson Kerstin , Henriksson Roger , Herms Stefan , Hoffmann Per , Chen Bowang , Huhn Stefanie , Hemminki Kari , Lenner Per , Försti Asta
Published: November 2015

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) help to understand the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on breast cancer (BC) progression and survival. We performed multiple analyses on data from a previously conducted GWAS for the influence of individual SNPs, runs of homozygosity (ROHs) and inbreeding on BC survival. (I.) The association of individual SNPs indicated no differences in the proportions of homozygous individuals among short-time survivors (STSs) and long-time survivors (LTSs). (II.) The analysis revealed differences among the populations for the number of ROHs per person and the total and average length of ROHs per person and among LTSs and STSs for the number of ROHs per person. (III.) Common ROHs at particular genomic positions were nominally more frequent among LTSs than in STSs. Common ROHs showed significant evidence for natural selection (iHS, Tajima’s D, Fay-Wu’s H). Most regions could be linked to genes related to BC progression or treatment. (IV.) Results were supported by a higher level of inbreeding among LTSs. Our results showed that an increased level of homozygosity may result in a preference of individuals during BC treatment. Although common ROHs were short, variants within ROHs might favor survival of BC and may function in a recessive manner.
NPM1 histone chaperone is upregulated in glioblastoma to promote cell survival and maintain nucleolar shape
Authors: Holmberg Olausson Karl , Elsir Tamador , Moazemi Goudarzi Kaveh , Nistér Monica , Lindström Mikael S.
Published: November 2015

Glioblastoma (grade IV glioma) is the most common and aggressive adult brain tumor. A better understanding of the biology of glioblastoma cells is crucial to identify molecular targets stimulating cell death. NPM1 (nucleophosmin) is a multifunctional chaperone that plays an important role in cancer development. Herein, NPM1 was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in human astrocytic gliomas. NPM1 was detected in all tumors but with a significantly higher staining intensity in grade IV than in low grade tumors. Depletion of NPM1 had only modest effects on the viability of U251MG, U1242MG and U343MGa Cl2:6 glioma cells, despite alterations in nucleolar morphology. Glioma cell cultures depleted of NPM1 exposed to micromolar levels of actinomycin D were more prone to cell death (apoptosis) compared to cultures retaining NPM1. We had previously found that NPM1 binds to linker histone H1.5. Here we could show that silencing of H1.5 triggered glioma cell apoptosis as evidenced by a marked increase in both the numbers of cleaved caspase-3+ cells and in the amounts of cleaved PARP. Enforced expression of NPM1 suppressed apoptosis in H1.5 depleted glioma cells. Although our studies would suggest little effectiveness of targeting NPM1 alone there could be potential using it as a combination treatment.
The role of common genetic variation in educational attainment and income: evidence from the National Child Development Study
Authors: Davies Neil M. , Hemani Gibran , Timpson Nic J. , Windmeijer Frank , Davey Smith George
Published: November 2015

We investigated the role of common genetic variation in educational attainment and household income. We used data from 5,458 participants of the National Child Development Study to estimate: 1) the associations of rs9320913, rs11584700 and rs4851266 and socioeconomic position and educational phenotypes; and 2) the univariate chip-heritability of each phenotype and the genetic correlation between each phenotype and educational attainment at age 16. The three SNPs were associated with most measures of educational attainment. Common genetic variation contributed to 6 of 14 socioeconomic background phenotypes and 17 of 29 educational phenotypes. We found evidence of genetic correlations between educational attainment at age 16 and 4 of 14 social background and 8 of 28 educational phenotypes. This suggests common genetic variation contributes both to differences in educational attainment and its relationship with other phenotypes. However, we remain cautious that cryptic population structure, assortative mating and dynastic effects may influence these associations.
From sink to source: Regional variation in U.S. forest carbon futures
Authors: Wear David N. , Coulston John W.
Published: November 2015

The sequestration of atmospheric carbon (C) in forests has partially offset C emissions in the United States (US) and might reduce overall costs of achieving emission targets, especially while transportation and energy sectors are transitioning to lower-carbon technologies. Using detailed forest inventory data for the conterminous US, we estimate forests’ current net sequestration of atmospheric C to be 173 Tg yr−1, offsetting 9.7% of C emissions from transportation and energy sources. Accounting for multiple driving variables, we project a gradual decline in the forest C emission sink over the next 25 years (to 112 Tg yr−1) with regional differences. Sequestration in eastern regions declines gradually while sequestration in the Rocky Mountain region declines rapidly and could become a source of atmospheric C due to disturbances such as fire and insect epidemics. C sequestration in the Pacific Coast region stabilizes as forests harvested in previous decades regrow. Scenarios simulating climate-induced productivity enhancement and afforestation policies increase sequestration rates, but would not fully offset declines from aging and forest disturbances. Separating C transfers associated with land use changes from sequestration clarifies forests’ role in reducing net emissions and demonstrates that retention of forest land is crucial for protecting or enhancing sink strength.
Sequential Folding using Light-activated Polystyrene Sheet
Authors: Lee Yonghee , Lee Hyeok , Hwang Taesoon , Lee Jong-Gu , Cho Maenghyo
Published: November 2015

A pre-strained polystyrene (PS) polymer sheet is deformed when it approaches the glass transition state as a result of light absorption. By controlling the light absorption of the polymer sheet, non-contact sequential folding can be accomplished. Line patterns of different transparencies and shapes are used to control the light absorption. The line pattern shape is closely related to the folding angle and folding start time. The relation between the line pattern design and folding performance was evaluated experimentally to develop a technique for folding PS sheets. The results show that sequential folding of PS sheets can be accomplished by changing the degree of transparency of the line pattern. Using the technique developed in this study, self-folding origami structures with complicated shapes can be designed and manufactured.
Activation of TGF-β1-CD147 positive feedback loop in hepatic stellate cells promotes liver fibrosis
Authors: Li Hai-Yan , Ju Di , Zhang Da-Wei , Li Hao , Kong Ling-Min , Guo Yanhai , Li Can , Wang Xi-Long , Chen Zhi-Nan , Bian Huijie
Published: November 2015

Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) initiates HBV-associated fibrogenesis. The mechanism of TGF-β1 modulating HSC activation is not fully uncovered. We hypothesized a positive feedback signaling loop of TGF-β1-CD147 promoting liver fibrogenesis by activation of HSCs. Human HSC cell line LX-2 and spontaneous liver fibrosis model derived from HBV transgenic mice were used to evaluate the activation of molecules in the signaling loop. Wound healing and cell contraction assay were performed to detect the CD147-overexpressed HSC migration and contraction. The transcriptional regulation of CD147 by TGF-β1/Smad4 was determined using dual-luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation. We found that a positive reciprocal regulation between TGF-β1 and CD147 mediated HSC activation. CD147 over-expression promoted HSC migration and accelerated TGF-β1-induced cell contraction. Phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3 in cooperation with Smad4 mediated the TGF-β1-regulated CD147 expression. Smad4 activated the transcription by direct interaction with CD147 promoter. Meanwhile, CD147 modulated the activated phenotype of HSCs through the ERK1/2 and Sp1 which up-regulated α-SMA, collagen I and TGF-β1 synthesis. These findings indicate that TGF-β1-CD147 loop plays a key role in regulating the HSC activation and combination of TGF-β receptor inhibitor and anti-CD147 antibody might be promised to reverse fibrogenesis.
Surface hydrogenation regulated wrinkling and torque capability of hydrogenated graphene annulus under circular shearing
Authors: Li Yinfeng , Liu Silin , Datta Dibakar , Li Zhonghua
Published: November 2015

Wrinkles as intrinsic topological feature have been expected to affect the electrical and mechanical properties of atomically thin graphene. Molecular dynamics simulations are adopted to investigate the wrinkling characteristics in hydrogenated graphene annulus under circular shearing at the inner edge. The amplitude of wrinkles induced by in-plane rotation around the inner edge is sensitive to hydrogenation and increases quadratically with hydrogen coverage. The effect of hydrogenation on mechanical properties is investigated by calculating the torque capability of annular graphene with varying hydrogen coverage and inner radius. Hydrogenation-enhanced wrinkles cause the aggregation of carbon atoms towards the inner edge and contribute to the critical torque strength of annulus. Based on detailed stress distribution contours, a shear-to-tension conversion mechanism is proposed for the contribution of wrinkles on torque capacity. As a result, the graphane annulus anomalously has similar torque capacity to pristine graphene annulus. The competition between hydrogenation caused bond strength deterioration and wrinkling induced local stress state conversion leads to a U-shaped evolution of torque strength relative to the increase of hydrogen coverage from 0 to 100%. Such hydrogenation tailored topological and mechanical characteristics provides an innovative mean to develop novel graphene-based devices.
Grain boundary resistance to amorphization of nanocrystalline silicon carbide
Authors: Chen Dong , Gao Fei , Liu Bo
Published: November 2015

Under the C displacement condition, we have used molecular dynamics simulation to examine the effects of grain boundaries (GBs) on the amorphization of nanocrystalline silicon carbide (nc-SiC) by point defect accumulation. The results show that the interstitials are preferentially absorbed and accumulated at GBs that provide the sinks for defect annihilation at low doses, but also driving force to initiate amorphization in the nc-SiC at higher doses. The majority of surviving defects are C interstitials, as either C-Si or C-C dumbbells. The concentration of defect clusters increases with increasing dose and their distributions are mainly observed along the GBs. Especially these small clusters can subsequently coalesce and form amorphous domains at the GBs during the accumulation of carbon defects. A comparison between displacement amorphized nc-SiC and melt-quenched single crystal SiC shows the similar topological features. At a dose of 0.55 displacements per atom (dpa), the pair correlation function lacks long range order, demonstrating that the nc-SiC is fully amorphilized.