bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Side effects of extra tRNA supplied in a typical bacterial protein production scenario
Authors: Søgaard Karina Marie , Nørholm Morten H. H.
Published: August 2016

Recombinant protein production is at the core of biotechnology and numerous molecular tools and bacterial strains have been developed to make the process more efficient. One commonly used generic solution is to supply extra copies of low‐abundance tRNAs to compensate for the presence of complementary rare codons in genes‐of‐interest. Here we show that such extra tRNA, supplied by the commonly used pLysSRARE2 plasmid, can cause two side effects: (1) growth and gene expression can be impaired, and (2) apparent positive effects can be caused by differential expression of the lysozyme gene encoded on the same plasmid and not the tRNAs per se. These phenomena seem to have been largely overlooked despite the huge popularity of the T7/pET‐based systems for bacterial protein production.
Pulmonary cryptococcosis mimicking a metastasis in a patient with Ewing sarcoma
Authors: Sakamoto Akio , Hisaoka Masanori
Published: August 2016

Cryptococcosis is an invasive fungal infection that is common in immunocompromised patients. A 22‐year‐old woman with Ewing sarcoma in the right proximal humerus was treated by resection and chemotherapy. Computed tomography detected a small nodule in her right upper pulmonary lobe after completion of her chemotherapy. With the presumptive diagnosis of pulmonary metastasis, she underwent resection. Evaluation of the resected specimen revealed pulmonary cryptococcosis, and the patient was treated with oral fluconazole for 18 weeks. Extensive chemotherapy for high‐grade sarcoma is a possible risk factor for pulmonary cryptococcosis. The differential diagnosis of a nodular pulmonary lesion that develops in a patient undergoing treatment for high‐grade sarcoma is important.
Topological quasi‐hydrogen, topological quasi‐positronium, and soliton‐catalytic effect on hydrogen‐adsorbed Ni(111) surface
Authors: Kanazawa I. , Sasaki T. , Yamada K. , Saito M. , Satou Y. , Nakajima M. , Komagata S.
Published: August 2016

We have discussed the behaviour of adsorbed hydrogen on Ni(111) surface from the viewpoint of the topological quasi‐hydrogen model. The anomalous hydrogen liquid phase and hydrogen‐glass phase on Ni(111) surface are proposed. The soliton‐catalytic effect of hydrogens on Ni(111) surface is suggested. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measuring value creation and appropriation in firms: The VCA model
Authors: Lieberman Marvin B. , Garcia‐Castro Roberto , Balasubramanian Natarajan
Published: August 2016

Research summary: Using a productivity technique (VCA model), we estimate the economic value created by a firm and appropriated by its stakeholders in two specific empirical contexts. In the first application, we use publicly available data from the U.S. airline industry to illustrate how the VCA model can be used with multiple stakeholder groups. In the second application, we provide estimates for three global automobile companies (GM, Toyota and Nissan), showing how the model can be reformulated using value added. In both industries we find substantial heterogeneity among firms in the creation and distribution of value. We discuss strengths and limitations of the VCA model and implications for strategic management research.

Managerial summary: Firms create value not only for shareholders, but also for other stakeholders, including employees, customers and suppliers. This article applies a method to quantify the “new” economic value created by a firm over an interval of time; the method also reveals the distribution of that value among the stakeholders. The proposed method gives managers some means to assess changes in the economic value created and distributed. We find that the creation and distribution of value has varied greatly among major U.S. airlines and global automakers in recent decades. Moreover, returns to shareholders typically accounted for only a small proportion of firms' total value creation and often had little relation to broader changes in the magnitude and distribution of value. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultrasmall Mode Volumes in Plasmonic Cavities of Nanoparticle‐On‐Mirror Structures
Authors: Huang Shengxi , Ming Tian , Lin Yuxuan , Ling Xi , Ruan Qifeng , Palacios Tomás , Wang Jianfang , Dresselhaus Mildred , Kong Jing
Published: August 2016

The mode volume and Purcell factor are two important parameters to assess the performance of optical nanocavities. Achieving small mode volumes and high Purcell factors for nanocavity structures while simplifying their fabrication has been a major task to realize high‐performance and large‐scale photonic devices and systems. Different optical resonators based on nanoparticle‐on‐mirror (NPoM) structures are systematically analyzed, which are easy to fabricate and flexible to use. Direct comparison of these optical resonators is made through finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) simulations. The achievement of ultrasmall mode volumes below 10−7 based on the NPoM structure through FDTD simulations is demonstrated by rationally selecting the structural parameters. Such NPoM structures provide a decent Purcell factor on the order of 107, which can effectively enhance spontaneous emission and facilitate a number of photonic applications. The simulation results are confirmed by dark field scattering and second‐harmonic generation measurements. This work is scientifically important and offers practical guidelines for the design of optical resonators for state‐of‐the‐art optical and photonic devices.
Graphene Aerogels with Anchored Sub‐Micrometer Mulberry‐Like ZnO Particles for High‐Rate and Long‐Cycle Anode Materials in Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Fan Lishuang , Zhang Yu , Zhang Qi , Wu Xian , Cheng Junhan , Zhang Naiqing , Feng Yujie , Sun Kening
Published: August 2016

Graphene aerogels (GAs) anchoring hierarchical, mulberry‐like ZnO particles are fabricated in situ using a one‐step solvothermal reaction. The resulting composites can function as anodes in lithium ion batteries, where they exhibit a high capacity and cyclic stability. The reversible capacities obtained are 365, 320, and 230 mA h g−1 at current densities of 1, 2, and 10 A g−1. Their high reversible capacity is 445 mA h g−1 at a current density of 1.6 A g−1; this value is maintained even after the 500th cycle, The excellent electrochemical performance is attributed to strong oxygen bridges between ZnO and graphene, where C–O–Zn linkages provide a good pathway for electron transport during charge/discharge cycles. Additionally, the hierarchical structure of the ZnO microballs suppresses stacking among the graphene layers, allowing the GAs to accelerate the transport of lithium ions. Furthermore, the GA framework enhances the electrical conductivity and buffer any volume expansion.
Support campuswide educational goals with transcript enhancements
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: August 2016

Everyone on campus understands the curriculum, the degree audit, and the transcript, said Bill Haid, interim assistant vice chancellor of admissions and enrollment services at the University of California, San Diego. They know what it takes to get a degree — the classes students need to take and the grades they need to earn — all the information that's reflected on the transcript.
Stay current on FERPA guidance, developments
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: August 2016

PHOENIX — Maintaining up‐to‐date knowledge of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act can help you keep your institution in compliance. In a session at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers conference, LeRoy Rooker, a senior fellow at AACRAO and former director of the United States Department of Education Family Policy Compliance Office, explained recent guidance. Consider the implications of these recent developments for your institution.
Cover Image, Volume 3, Issue 5
Authors: Sawyer Audrey H. , Michael Holly A. , Schroth Andrew W.
Published: August 2016

The cover image, by Audrey H. Sawyer et al., is based on the Advanced Review From soil to sea: the role of groundwater in coastal critical zone processes, DOI: 10.1002/wat2.1157.

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Cover Image, Volume 6, Issue 5
Authors: Zhang Xiaofeng , Cheung William K. , Ye Yunming
Published: August 2016

The cover image, by Xiaofeng Zhang et al., is based on the Focus Article Mining from distributed and abstracted data, DOI: 10.1002/widm.1182.

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Cover Image, Volume 8, Issue 5
Authors: DeSantis Michael C. , Cheng Wei
Published: August 2016

image

The cover image, by Michael C. DeSantis and Wei Cheng, is based on the Advanced Review Label‐free detection and manipulation of single biological nanoparticles, DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1392.
Inside Cover Image, Volume 8, Issue 5
Authors: Lu Yang , Huang Jiangnan , Yu Guoqiang , Cardenas Romel , Wei Suying , Wujcik Evan K. , Guo Zhanhu
Published: August 2016

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The inside cover image, by Evan K. Wujcik et al., is based on the Overview Coaxial electrospun fibers: applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering, DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1391.
An Organic‐Inorganic Hybrid Based on Keggin‐Type Polyoxometalate and Hypoxanthine: Synthesis, Structure, Stability, and Electrochemistry Properties
Authors: Ma Feng‐Ji , Yuan Bai‐Qing , Li Meng‐Rou , Li Shu‐Jun , Zhang Shuang‐Shuang , Liu Lei‐Lei
Published: August 2016

The organic‐inorganic hybrid H5[Ag2(hyp)2]2[BW12O40]·9H2O (1) (hpy = hypoxanthine), based on Keggin‐type polyoxometalate and hypoxanthine, was prepared by hydrothermal synthesis and characterized by single‐crystal and powder X‐ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and thermogravimetry. The title compound has a two‐dimensional layer structure constructed by Keggin‐type [BW12O40]5– anion, silver, and the biomolecule hyp. In addition, compound 1 exhibited excellent stability and superior activity in the electro‐catalytic oxidation of glucose.
Cyclic Hydroboration – The Structure of Perhydro‐9b‐boraphenalenes
Authors: Wrackmeyer Bernd , Schödel Christine , Kempe Rhett , Glatz Germund , Noor Awal
Published: August 2016

Complete hydroboration of cyclododecatrienes was reported to give two isomers, depending on conditions. The assignment of their structure had been attempted without unequivocal proofs. We have now used NMR spectroscopy (11B, 13C, 15N and 23Na NMR) to study the sodium amides of these two polycyclic boranes. In addition, one of the isomeric borates could be crystallized, and the X‐ray analysis revealed a cis‐,cis‐,trans configuration of the six‐membered rings reversing the original structural assignment.
Study of the Bonding Modes of Di‐2‐pyridyl ketoxime Ligand towards Ruthenium, Rhodium and Iridium Half Sandwich Complexes
Authors: Adhikari Sanjay , Kaminsky Werner , Rao Kollipara Mohan
Published: August 2016

The bonding modes of the ligand di‐2‐pyridyl ketoxime towards half‐sandwich arene ruthenium, Cp*Rh and Cp*Ir complexes were investigated. Di‐2‐pyridyl ketoxime {pyC(py)NOH} react with metal precursor [Cp*IrCl2]2 to give cationic oxime complexes of the general formula [Cp*Ir{pyC(py)NOH}Cl]PF6 (1a) and [Cp*Ir{pyC(py)NOH}Cl]PF6 (1b), for which two coordination isomers were observed by NMR spectroscopy. The molecular structures of the complexes revealed that in the major isomer the oxime nitrogen and one of the pyridine nitrogen atoms are coordinated to the central iridium atom forming a five membered metallocycle, whereas in the minor isomer both the pyridine nitrogen atoms are coordinated to the iridium atom forming a six membered metallacyclic ring. Di‐2‐pyridyl ketoxime react with [(arene)MCl2]2 to form complexes bearing formula [(p‐cymene)Ru{pyC(py)NOH}Cl]PF6 (2); [(benzene)Ru{pyC(py)NOH}Cl]PF6 (3), and [Cp*Rh{pyC(py)NOH}Cl]PF6 (4). In case of complex 3 the ligand coordinates to the metal by using oxime nitrogen and one of the pyridine nitrogen atoms, whereas in complex 4 both the pyridine nitrogen atoms are coordinated to the metal ion. The complexes were fully characterized by spectroscopic techniques.
Insights into the fluoride-resistant regulation mechanism of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans ATCC 23270 based on whole genome microarrays
Authors: Ma Liyuan , Li Qian , Shen Li , Feng Xue , Xiao Yunhua , Tao Jiemeng , Liang Yili , Yin Huaqun , Liu Xueduan
Published: August 2016

Acidophilic microorganisms involved in uranium bioleaching are usually suppressed by dissolved fluoride ions, eventually leading to reduced leaching efficiency. However, little is known about the regulation mechanisms of microbial resistance to fluoride. In this study, the resistance of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans ATCC 23270 to fluoride was investigated by detecting bacterial growth fluctuations and ferrous or sulfur oxidation. To explore the regulation mechanism, a whole genome microarray was used to profile the genome-wide expression. The fluoride tolerance of A. ferrooxidans cultured in the presence of FeSO4 was better than that cultured with the S0 substrate. The differentially expressed gene categories closely related to fluoride tolerance included those involved in energy metabolism, cellular processes, protein synthesis, transport, the cell envelope, and binding proteins. This study highlights that the cellular ferrous oxidation ability was enhanced at the lower fluoride concentrations. An overview of the cellular regulation mechanisms of extremophiles to fluoride resistance is discussed.
Climate change and social vicissitudes in China over the past two millennia
Authors: Yin Jun , Su Yun , Fang Xiuqi
Published: August 2016

The relation between climate change and historical rhythms has long been discussed. However, this type of study still faces the lack of high-resolution data concerning long-term socio-economic processes. In this study, we collected 1586 items of direct and proffered evidence from 29 Chinese history books. We used semantic analysis to reconstruct a quantitative series of the social vicissitudes of the past 2000 yr with a 10-yr resolution to express the phase transition of the social vicissitudes of the dynasties in China. Our reconstruction demonstrates that social vicissitudes have clear cyclical features on multiple time scales. Analysis of the association of social rise and fall with climate change indicates that temperature displayed more significant effects on social vicissitudes in the long term, while precipitation displayed more significant effects on the social vicissitudes in the short term. There are great overlaps between social and climatic variables around the predominant or periodic bands. Social rise mostly occurred in the centennial-scale warm periods, whereas social decline mostly occurred in the centennial-scale cold periods. Under warm-wet conditions, social rise occurred over 57% of the time; under cold-dry conditions, the social decline occurred over 66% of the time.
Pathway to ‘Knowing Places’ — and Ecojustice — Three Teacher Educators’ Experiences
Authors: Paige Kathryn , Lloyd David , Smith Richard
Published: August 2016

The case study reported here seeks to promote the sharing of successful practice in Education for Sustainability (EfS). It uses literature and three personal and professional autobiographies as background to the development of a set of sustainability educational practices integrated into a primary/middle school teacher education program. The set of activities focus on developing in students an understanding of EfS and of processes appropriate to it that they can use in their classrooms on graduation. It is the authors’ view that their collaborative building on shared beliefs, contemporary ecojustice literature and three decades of developing enabling pedagogical practices has assisted their efforts to ‘get’ EfS, and to ensure that their students, particularly as beginning teachers, ‘got it’. The ecojustice principles for teacher education programs are outlined in this article and are believed to have wide applicability in many aspects of ecojustice approaches to pro-ecosocial education.
EXISTENCE AND UNIQUENESS OF CHAIN LADDER SOLUTIONS
Authors: Taylor Greg
Published: August 2016

The cross-classified chain ladder has a number of versions, depending on the distribution to which observations are subject. The simplest case is that of Poisson distributed observations, and then maximum likelihood estimates of parameters are explicit. Most other cases, however, including Bayesian chain ladder models, lead to implicit MAP (Bayesian) or MLE (non-Bayesian) solutions for these parameter estimates, raising questions as to their existence and uniqueness. The present paper investigates these questions in the case where observations are distributed according to some member of the exponential dispersion family.
‘The Elephant in the Room’: Corporate Tax Avoidance & Business and Human Rights
Authors: DARCY Shane
Published: August 2016

This article addresses tax avoidance by companies in the context of the emerging field of business and human rights. It describes the mechanics of corporate tax avoidance and the human costs of such practices. It then considers the extent to which tax issues have been addressed by corporate social responsibility, before turning to business and human rights and assessing the potential value of the United Nations Guiding Principles on business and human rights in this context. The article draws on the experience of Ireland, given the country’s connection to abusive tax practices associated with large multinational corporations and its support for the United Nations Guiding Principles on business and human rights.
Optic nerve sheath diameter on computed tomography not predictive of neurological status post-cardiac arrest
Authors: Rush Barret , Wormsbecker Andrew , Berger Landon , Wiskar Katie , Sekhon Mypinder S. , Griesdale Donald E.
Published: August 2016

Objective

Optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) measured on a head computed tomography (CT) has been suggested as a potential prognostic factor for poor neurological outcome after cardiac arrest. We performed a single centre retrospective cohort analysis to further investigate this relationship.

Methods

All patients >18 years of age admitted to St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, Canada who survived a cardiac arrest and had a CT scan of the head within 48 hours were included in the analysis.

Results

A total of 72 patients met inclusion criteria for the study; 54 (75.0%) of the patients had a poor neurological outcome, whereas 18 (25.0%) patients were discharged from the hospital with a good outcome. A CT head was obtained for patients in the good outcome group in a mean time of 9.3 hours (SD 10.0) compared to 10.2 hours (SD 11.2) for the poor outcome group (p=0.75). There was no difference in average ONSD observed between the two outcome groups (6.66 mm SD 0.78 v. 6.60 mm SD 0.82, p=0.77). Multiple logistic regression failed to show any association between ONSD and neurological outcome when adjusted for all other covariates (OR 1.32 95% CI 0.40-4.34, p=0.65). Setting an ONSD threshold of >8 mm (OR 2.32, 95% CI 0.14-39.40, p=0.55) or >7 mm (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.03-2.77, p=0.28) also failed to show any association on neurological outcome.

Conclusion

There was no observed difference in ONSD between those with a good neurological outcome and those with a poor outcome. ONSD was not an independent predictor of poor neurological outcome.
Psychometric Properties of Disaster Event Reaction Items From the Crisis Counseling Individual/Family Encounter Log
Authors: Uekawa Kazuaki , Higgins William Bryan , Golenbock Samuel , Mack Amy R. , Bellamy Nikki D.
Published: August 2016

Objective

The purpose of this article was to examine the psychometric properties of the Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCP) data collection instrument, the Individual/Family Encounter Log (IFEL). Data collected from disaster survivors included how they reacted to events in emotional, behavioral, physical, and cognitive domains. These domains are based on conceptual categorization of event reactions and allow CCP staff to provide survivors with referrals to appropriate behavioral health support resources, if warranted.

Methods

This study explored the factor structure of these survey items to determine how best to use the available information as a screen of disaster-related behavioral health indicators. Specifically, our first research question explored and confirmed the optimal factor structure of the event reaction items, and our second question examined whether the new factor structure was similar across disaster types: hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and wildfires. Using a factor analytic technique, we tested whether our event reaction outcomes achieved consistent and reliable measurement across different disaster situations. Finally, we assessed how the new subscales were correlated with the type of risk to which CCP disaster survivors were exposed.

Results

Our analyses revealed 3 factors: (1) depressive-like, (2) anxiety-like, and (3) somatic. In addition, we found that these factors were coherent for hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, although the basic factor structure was not equivalent for tornadoes.

Conclusion

Implications for use of the IFEL in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery are discussed. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:822–831)
Process and implementation of Audio Computer Assisted Self-Interviewing (ACASI) assessments in low resource settings: a case example from Zambia
Authors: Kane J. C. , Murray L. K. , Sughrue S. , DeMulder J. , Skavenski van Wyk S. , Queenan J. , Tang A. , Bolton P.
Published: August 2016

Background.

Studies from low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) indicate that the use of audio computer-assisted self-interviewing (ACASI) is associated with more accurate reporting of sensitive behaviors (e.g. substance use and sexual risk behaviors) compared with interviewer-administered questionnaires. There is a lack of published information on the process of designing, developing, and implementing ACASI in LMIC. In this paper we describe our experience implementing an ACASI system for use with a population of orphans and vulnerable children in Zambia.

Methods.

A questionnaire of mental health, substance use, and HIV risk behaviors was converted into an ACASI system, tested in pilot and validity studies, and implemented for use in a randomized controlled trial. Successes, barriers, and challenges associated with each stage in the development and implementation of ACASI are described.

Results.

We were able to convert a lengthy and complex survey into an ACASI system that was feasible for use in Zambia. Lessons learned include the importance of: (1) piloting the written and electronic versions; (2) proper and extensive training for study assessors to use ACASI and for those doing voice recordings; and (3) attention to logistics such as appropriate space, internet, and power.

Conclusions.

We found that ACASI was feasible and acceptable in Zambia with proper planning, training, and supervision. Given mounting evidence indicating that ACASI provides more accurate self-report data and immediate data download compared with interview-administered measures, it may be an effective and economical alternative for behavioral health research studies in LMIC.
Research Methods in Healthcare Epidemiology: Survey and Qualitative Research
Authors: Safdar Nasia , Abbo Lilian M. , Knobloch Mary Jo , Seo Susan K.
Published: August 2016

Surveys are one of the most frequently employed study designs in healthcare epidemiology research. Generally easier to undertake and less costly than many other study designs, surveys can be invaluable to gain insights into opinions and practices in large samples and may be descriptive and/or be used to test associations. In this context, qualitative research methods may complement this study design either at the survey development phase and/or at the interpretation/extension of results stage. This methods article focuses on key considerations for designing and deploying surveys in healthcare epidemiology and antibiotic stewardship, including identification of whether or not de novo survey development is necessary, ways to optimally lay out and display a survey, denominator measurement, discussion of biases to keep in mind particularly in research using surveys, and the role of qualitative research methods to complement surveys. We review examples of surveys in healthcare epidemiology and antimicrobial stewardship and review the pros and cons of methods used. A checklist is provided to help aid design and deployment of surveys in healthcare epidemiology and antimicrobial stewardship.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;1–6
COARSE REDUCIBILITY AND ALGORITHMIC RANDOMNESS
Authors: HIRSCHFELDT DENIS R. , JOCKUSCH CARL G. , KUYPER RUTGER , SCHUPP PAUL E.
Published: August 2016

A coarse description of a set A ⊆ ω is a set D ⊆ ω such that the symmetric difference of A and D has asymptotic density 0. We study the extent to which noncomputable information can be effectively recovered from all coarse descriptions of a given set A, especially when A is effectively random in some sense. We show that if A is 1-random and B is computable from every coarse description D of A, then B is K-trivial, which implies that if A is in fact weakly 2-random then B is computable. Our main tool is a kind of compactness theorem for cone-avoiding descriptions, which also allows us to prove the same result for 1-genericity in place of weak 2-randomness. In the other direction, we show that if $A \le _{{\rm{T}}} \emptyset {\rm{'}}$ is a 1-random set, then there is a noncomputable c.e. set computable from every coarse description of A, but that not all K-trivial sets are computable from every coarse description of some 1-random set. We study both uniform and nonuniform notions of coarse reducibility. A set Y is uniformly coarsely reducible to X if there is a Turing functional Φ such that if D is a coarse description of X, then ΦD is a coarse description of Y. A set B is nonuniformly coarsely reducible to A if every coarse description of A computes a coarse description of B. We show that a certain natural embedding of the Turing degrees into the coarse degrees (both uniform and nonuniform) is not surjective. We also show that if two sets are mutually weakly 3-random, then their coarse degrees form a minimal pair, in both the uniform and nonuniform cases, but that the same is not true of every pair of relatively 2-random sets, at least in the nonuniform coarse degrees.
A randomised controlled trial of adjunctive yoga and adjunctive physical exercise training for cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia
Authors: Bhatia Triptish , Mazumdar Sati , Wood Joel , He Fanyin , Gur Raquel E. , Gur Ruben C. , Nimgaonkar Vishwajit L. , Deshpande Smita N.
Published: August 2016

Background

Yoga and physical exercise have been used as adjunctive intervention for cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia (SZ), but controlled comparisons are lacking.

Aims

A single-blind randomised controlled trial was designed to evaluate whether yoga training or physical exercise training enhance cognitive functions in SZ, based on a prior pilot study.

Methods

Consenting, clinically stable, adult outpatients with SZ (n=286) completed baseline assessments and were randomised to treatment as usual (TAU), supervised yoga training with TAU (YT) or supervised physical exercise training with TAU (PE). Based on the pilot study, the primary outcome measure was speed index for the cognitive domain of ‘attention’ in the Penn computerised neurocognitive battery. Using mixed models and contrasts, cognitive functions at baseline, 21 days (end of training), 3 and 6 months post-training were evaluated with intention-to-treat paradigm.

Results

Speed index of attention domain in the YT group showed greater improvement than PE at 6 months follow-up (p<0.036, effect size 0.51). In the PE group, ‘accuracy index of attention domain showed greater improvement than TAU alone at 6-month follow-up (p<0.025, effect size 0.61). For several other cognitive domains, significant improvements were observed with YT or PE compared with TAU alone (p<0.05, effect sizes 0.30–1.97).

Conclusions

Both YT and PE improved attention and additional cognitive domains well past the training period, supporting our prior reported beneficial effect of YT on speed index of attention domain. As adjuncts, YT or PE can benefit individuals with SZ.
Spatial variation in porosity and permeability of the Rupel Clay Member in the Netherlands
Authors: Verweij Hanneke , Vis Geert-Jan , Imberechts Elke
Published: August 2016

The spatial distribution of porosity and permeability of the Rupel Clay Member is of key importance to evaluate the spatial variation of its sealing capacity and groundwater flow condition. There are only a limited number of measured porosity and permeability data of the Rupel Clay Member in the onshore Netherlands and these data are restricted to shallow depths in the order of tens of metres below surface. Grain sizes measured by laser diffraction and SediGraph® in samples of the Rupel Clay Member taken from boreholes spread across the country were used to generate new porosity and permeability data for the Rupel Clay Member located at greater burial depth. Effective stress and clay content are important parameters in the applied grain-size based calculations of porosity and permeability.

The calculation method was first tested on measured data of the Belgian Boom Clay. The test results showed good agreement between calculated permeability and measured hydraulic conductivity for depths exceeding 200m.

The spatial variation in lithology, heterogeneity and also burial depth of the Rupel Clay Member in the Netherlands are apparent in the variation of the calculated permeability. The samples from the north of the country consist almost entirely of muds and as a consequence show little lithology-related variation in permeability. The vertical variation in permeability in the more heterogeneous Rupel Clay Member in the southern and east-southeastern part of the country can reach several orders of magnitude due to increased permeability of the coarser-grained layers.
Relationship between plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D and leucocyte telomere length by sex and race in a US study
Authors: Liu Jason J. , Cahoon Elizabeth K. , Linet Martha S. , Little Mark P. , Dagnall Casey L. , Higson Herbert , Savage Sharon A. , Freedman D. Michal
Published: August 2016

A few studies have examined the association between vitamin D and telomere length, and fewer still have examined the relationship in black or male populations. We investigated the cross-sectional association between the vitamin D metabolite 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration in plasma and relative leucocyte telomere length (LTL) in 1154 US radiologic technologists who were 48–93 years old (373 white females, 278 white males, 338 black females, 165 black males). Plasma 25(OH)D concentration was measured by the chemiluminescence immunoassay, and relative LTL was measured by quantitative PCR. Logistic regression was used to obtain OR and 95 % CI for long v. short (based on median) LTL in relation to continuous 25(OH)D, quartiles of 25(OH)D and 25(OH)D deficiency. We found no significant association between continuous 25(OH)D and long LTL in all participants (Ptrend=0·440), nor in white females (Ptrend=0·845), white males (Ptrend=0·636), black females (Ptrend=0·967) or black males (Ptrend=0·484). Vitamin D deficiency (defined as 25(OH)D<30 nmol/l), however, was significantly associated with short LTL in whites (P=0·024), but not in other groups. In this population, we found little evidence to support associations between 25(OH)D and long LTL over the entire range of 25(OH)D in the overall study population or by sex and race.
On the Form and Content of the Certificates of Pagan Sacrifice
Authors: Schubert Paul
Published: August 2016

Certificates of sacrifice (libelli) were produced during the so-called persecution of Decius (a.d. 250), which is documented through the testimony of Christian authors and through original certificates preserved on papyrus. The aim of this article is to offer a more detailed perspective on some specific points in the procedure as regards the production of the papyri. Although Decius’ edict did not produce an instant and decisive change in the religious balance of the Empire, the procedure that was put in place nonetheless testifies to the effectiveness of the existing structure, and also to the capacity of the officials to adapt this structure so as to obtain maximum compliance from the population.
Improvement of proton beam quality by an optimized dragging field generated by the ultraintense laser interactions with a complex double-layer target
Authors: Wu F. J. , Shan L. Q. , Zhou W. M. , Duan T. , Ji Y. L. , Wu C. R. , Jiao J. L. , Zhang Z. M. , Gu Y. Q.
Published: August 2016

A scheme for the improvement of proton beam quality by the optimized dragging field from the interaction of ultraintense laser pulse with a complex double-layer target is proposed and demonstrated by one-dimensional particle-in-cell (Opic1D) simulations. The complex double-layer target consists of an overdense proton thin foil followed by a mixed hydrocarbon (CH) underdense plasma. Because of the existence of carbon ions, the dragging field in the mixed CH underdense plasma becomes stronger and flatter in the location of the proton beam than that in a pure hydrogen (H) underdense plasma. The optimized dragging field can keep trapping and accelerating protons in the mixed CH underdense target to high quality. Consequently, the energy spread of the proton beam in the mixed CH underdense plasma can be greatly reduced down to 2.6% and average energy of protons can reach to 9 GeV with circularly polarized lasers at intensities 2.74 × 1022 W/cm2.
Dependence of construal on linguistic and pre-linguistic intersubjectivity
Authors: Möttönen Tapani
Published: August 2016

In current linguistics, non-objective (i.e. perspectival or construed) facets of linguistic meaning are often explained as properties or correlates of cognitive phenomena. Such outlook, exemplified by Langacker's (1987, 2008) Cognitive Grammar, stands in contrast vis-à-vis the necessary social character of language in general and linguistic meaning in particular. Accordingly, a viable semantic theory should seek to explain non-objective facets of meaning as an intersubjectively valid semantic resource that is an integral part of linguistic meaning at large. In this paper, such theory is proposed based on the phenomenological notions of intentionality and intersubjectivity. I will argue that the non-objectivity of linguistic meaning is most realistically explained as conventionalized intentionality, i.e. object-directedness of conscious experience. The conventionalization of intentionality, in turn, suggests a complex manner in which non-objective meaning motivates the selection of a linguistic expression within an intersubjective context. Finally, this intimate relationship between non-objective meaning and context suggests the feasibility of extending Cognitive Grammar's notion of construal into analysis of non-objective meaning as an intersubjective, context-sensitive facet of interaction (see Etelämäki et al. 2009 for a similar argument).
Long-term data indicates that supplementary food enhances the number of breeding pairs in a Cape VultureGyps coprotherescolony
Authors: SCHABO DANA G. , HEUNER SONJA , NEETHLING MICHAEL V. , RÖSNER SASCHA , UYS ROGER , FARWIG NINA
Published: August 2016

The number of vultures is declining in many parts of the world due to numerous threats, such as poisoning and collisions with power-lines as well as the lack of adequate food sources. Vulture restaurants, i.e. supplementary feeding stations, have become a widespread conservation tool aimed at supporting vulture colonies. However, it is poorly understood how vulture restaurants influence population dynamics and whether they affect breeding success of vulture populations. We used a 12-year dataset from a breeding colony of the Cape VultureGyps coprotheresand a nearby vulture restaurant in South Africa to investigate the effect of supplementary food on population dynamics and breeding success. We found a significantly positive effect of supplementary food during the nest-building stage on the number of breeding pairs. However, breeding success, i.e. the proportion of successful nests, did not depend on supplementary food during the incubation and rearing stage. Especially during the critical rearing stage, the amount of food supplied might not have been sufficient to meet food demands of the colony. Still, our results indicate that carefully managed vulture restaurants might stabilise vulture colonies and can therefore aid vulture conservation.
Undernutrition among adults in India: the significance of individual-level and contextual factors impacting on the likelihood of underweight across sub-populations
Authors: Siddiqui Md Zakaria , Donato Ronald
Published: August 2016

Objective

To investigate the extent to which individual-level as well as macro-level contextual factors influence the likelihood of underweight across adult sub-populations in India.

Design

Population-based cross-sectional survey included in India’s National Health Family Survey conducted in 2005–06. We disaggregated into eight sub-populations.

Setting

Multistage nationally representative household survey covering 99 % of India’s population.

Subjects

The survey covered 124 385 females aged 15–49 years and 74 369 males aged 15–54 years.

Results

A social gradient in underweight exists in India. Even after allowing for wealth status, differences in the predicted probability of underweight persisted based upon rurality, age/maturity and gender. We found individual-level education lowered the likelihood of underweight for males, but no statistical association for females. Paradoxically, rural young (15–24 years) females from more educated villages had a higher likelihood of underweight relative to those in less educated villages; but for rural mature (>24 years) females the opposite was the case. Christians had a significantly lower likelihood of underweight relative to other socio-religious groups (OR=0·53–0·80). Higher state-level inequality increased the likelihood of underweight across most population groups, while neighbourhood inequality exhibited a similar relationship for the rural young population subgroups only. Individual states/neighbourhoods accounted for 5–9 % of the variation in the prediction of underweight. We found that rural young females represent a particularly highly vulnerable sub-population.

Conclusions

Economic growth alone is unlikely to reduce the burden of malnutrition in India; accordingly, policy makers need to address the broader social determinants that contribute to higher underweight prevalence in specific demographic subgroups.
Child height gain is associated with consumption of animal-source foods in livestock-owning households in Western Kenya
Authors: Mosites Emily , Aol George , Otiang Elkanah , Bigogo Godfrey , Munyua Peninah , Montgomery Joel M , Neuhouser Marian L , Palmer Guy H , Thumbi Samuel M
Published: August 2016

Objective

To clarify the pathways between household livestock and child growth by assessing the relationships between consumption of animal-source foods (ASF) and child growth and evaluating the household livestock correlates of child consumption of ASF.

Design

We conducted a longitudinal cohort study of anthropometry and 3 d feeding recalls among children <5 years old between June 2014 and May 2015. In addition, we collected data on wealth, livestock ownership and livestock diseases in the same households. We used linear and negative binomial mixed models to evaluate the relationships between household livestock characteristics, reported consumption of ASF and child growth.

Setting

An 1800-household surveillance catchment area in Western Kenya within the structure of human and animal health surveillance systems.

Subjects

Children (n 874) <5 years old.

Results

Among children >6 months old, reported frequency of egg and milk consumption was associated with increased monthly height gain (for each additional report of consumption over 3 d: adjusted β (95 % CI)=0·010 (0·002, 0·019) cm/month and 0·008 (0·004, 0·013) cm/month, respectively). Poultry ownership was associated with higher reported frequency of egg, milk and chicken consumption (adjusted incidence rate ratio (95 % CI)=1·3 (1·2, 1·4), 1·4 (1·1, 1·6) and 1·3 (1·1, 1·4), respectively). Some livestock diseases were associated with lower reported frequency of ASF intake (livestock digestive diseases-adjusted incidence rate ratio (95 % CI)=0·89 (0·78, 1·00)).

Conclusions

Child height gain was associated with milk and egg consumption in this cohort. ASF consumption was related to both household livestock ownership and animal health.
Structural and Physicochemical Characterization of Spirulina (Arthrospira maxima) Nanoparticles by High-Resolution Electron Microscopic Techniques
Authors: Neri-Torres Elier Ekberg , Chanona-Pérez Jorge J. , Calderón Hector A. , Torres-Figueredo Neil , Chamorro-Cevallos German , Calderón-Domínguez Georgina , Velasco-Bedrán Hugo
Published: August 2016

The objective of this work was to obtain Spirulina (Arthrospira maxima) nanoparticles (SNPs) by using high-impact mechanical milling and to characterize them by electron microscopy and spectroscopy techniques. The milling products were analyzed after various processing times (1–4 h), and particle size distribution and number mean size (NMS) were determined by analysis of high-resolution scanning electron microscopic images. The smallest particles are synthesized after 3 h of milling, had an NMS of 55.6±3.6 nm, with 95% of the particles being smaller than 100 nm. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy showed lattice spacing of ~0.27±0.015 nm for SNPs. The corresponding chemical composition was obtained by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and showed the presence of Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Na, and Zn. The powder flow properties showed that the powder density was higher when the average nanoparticle size is smaller. They showed free flowability and an increase in their specific surface area (6.89±0.23 m2/g) up to 12–14 times larger than the original material (0.45±0.02 m2/g). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy suggested that chemical damage related to the milling is not significant.
Listening to Australian Indigenous men: stories of incarceration and hope
Authors: Macdonald John , Scholes Tony , Powell Kay
Published: August 2016

Objective

This paper reports on a project conducted between 2008 and 2011 that was established to allow eight Australian Indigenous men who had been in prison to tell their stories of incarceration.

Background

The Shed in Western Sydney, NSW, Australia, was set up in response to the high male suicide rate in that area, its objective being to support men at risk. Aboriginal men were the most at risk, and they are presently imprisoned at a rate of 13 times more than non-Indigenous men. This small project sought to give voice to the men behind the statistics and point to a significant problem in Australian society.

Methods

Interviews were conducted by an Indigenous male, questions covering age at first entering the penal system, number of prison stays, support, and health. This paper is framed around responses to these questions.

Results

All but one of the men were recidivist offenders, and over half were under 15 years of age when first offending. All talked about a lack of support both inside and after leaving prison, and alcohol and depression figured strongly in the accounts. Disadvantage and social exclusion, lack of support such as access to housing and health services, figure significantly in the men’s stories. It is only when social issues are addressed that any gains will be achieved and a cycle of recidivism broken.
How do socio-economic factors and distance predict access to prevention and rehabilitation services in a Danish municipality?
Authors: Hindhede Anette L. , Bonde Ane , Schipperijn Jasper , Scheuer Stine H. , Sørensen Susanne M. , Aagaard-Hansen Jens
Published: August 2016

Aim

The aim was to explore the extent to which a Danish prevention centre catered to marginalised groups within the catchment area. We determined whether the district’s socio-economic vulnerability status and distance from the citizens’ residential sector to the centre influenced referrals of citizens to the centre, their attendance at initial appointment, and completion of planned activities at the centre.

Background

Disparities in access to health care services is one among many aspects of inequality in health. There are multiple determinants within populations (socio-economic status, ethnicity, and education) as well as the health care systems (resource availability and cultural acceptability).

Methods

A total of 347 participants referred to the centre during a 10-month period were included. For each of 44 districts within the catchment area, the degree of socio-economic vulnerability was estimated based on the citizens’ educational level, ethnicity, income, and unemployment rate. A socio-economic vulnerability score (SE-score) was calculated. Logistic regression was used to calculate the probability that a person was referred to the centre, attended the initial appointment, and completed the planned activities, depending on sex, age, SE-score of district of residence, and distance to the centre.

Findings

Citizens from locations with a high socio-economic vulnerability had increased probability of being referred by general practitioners, hospitals, and job centres. Citizens living further away from the prevention centre had a reduced probability of being referred by their general practitioners. After referral, there was no difference in probability of attendance or completion as a function of SE-score or distance between the citizens’ district and the centre. In conclusion, the centre is capable of attracting referrals from districts where the need is likely to be relatively high in terms of socio-economic vulnerability, whereas distance reduced the probability of referral. No differences were found in attendance or completion.
‘Gender’ Problems in Japanese Politics: A Dispute over a Socio-Cultural Change towards Increasing Equality
Authors: ETO MIKIKO
Published: August 2016

‘Gender (jenda)’ is a troublesome loanword in Japan. While this term has been prevalent in feminist and scholarly circles, it has evoked confusion in the government and stimulated a backlash from the ultra-conservatives against gender equality. Japanese reactionaries have attacked the concept of gender because of their anxiety about cultural destruction – I thus call them the ‘old guard’. Focusing on a dispute over the term ‘gender’ between feminists and the old guard, this paper examines the changes in the term's usage and meanings in the Japanese political context. I first shed light on Japan's reaction to the newly arrived term ‘gender’, outlining different attitudes towards gender between the feminist/scholarly circles and the government. Secondly, I discuss the old guard's condemnation of the concept of gender, in which they distort its significance in order to diminish its positive impact on society. I then scrutinize the old guard's reasons behind their attack on the concept of gender. My findings reveal that the old guard, whose political cause is to protect traditional Japanese culture, asserts that gender equality damages this culture. Moreover, I refute their emphasis on Japan's uniqueness, demonstrating that Japanese women's traditional virtues under the patriarchal family system are not peculiar to Japan. To gauge how the concept of gender has been interpreted politically, I highlight legislative debates about the term ‘gender’. In doing so, I elucidate the extent to which the concept of gender has infiltrated Japanese society through the dispute.